Quick Review: Jepoy and the Magic Circle

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Who'd have thought there's gold to be mined in a short story? Gilda Cordero Fernando's The Magic Circle is the basis of Repertory Theater for Young Audiences' (RTYA) Jepoy and the Magic Circle, as adapted by Rody Vera, with wonderful music and lyrics by Ejay Yatco and directed by Repertory Philippines' Joy Virata, founder and creative director of RTYA.

In the musical, Jepoy anchors the audience as he discovers all things mystical and mythical in the forest, from the Tres Marias of Pinoy folklore, the faeries Maria Makiling, Maria Sinukuan, Maria Cacao to the aswangs, dwendes, kapres, and tikbalangs. It also includes some endangered animals native to the Philippines like the Philippine eagle, tarsiers, pawikan, etc. Throughout Jepoy's adventures, along with his trusted dog, Galis, he discovers what happened to his father who left him and his mother for the woods.

Jepoy is one musical production for kids that can be enjoyed by adults. While the material is basically talking to kids, the production values like the design, puppetry, makeup, costumes, lighting, and choreography also appeal to the adults and are done the Repertory way—world-class. I was in awe whenever the creatures appear on stage, especially when the Kapre came on stage. Galing!! 

Then there are the always-reliable actors inhabiting the characters seamlessly. From the endearing Aling Barang (Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante), the mother of Jepoy (Yhuan Gatbunton, watch out for this boy—very talented!), to the very engaging Paqui (Stephen Viñas, showman na showman ang dating!), to the Kapre (Hans Eckstein, heavily costumed yet still affecting), and to the condescending Dona Etang (Abi Sulit) and her entourage of maids were highly entertaining! The ensemble were great! 

The spectacle didn’t bury the message about not forgetting our cultural heritage and caring for our environment. Values that should be instilled in the minds of the young and remembered by the old. Sabi nga ng kasama ko, sarap ulitin! To which I totally agree! 

Wishlist: Cast Recording! Di ba, Ejay Yatco? 

Congratulations, RTYA! Thanks to Jeremy Domingo! 

Jepoy and the Magic Circle runs from October 5, 2024 at REP Eastwood Theater, 4th Floor, Citywalk, Eastwood City, Quezon City

#RTYA #RepertoryPhilippines #RepPH #PhilippineTheater #ItsREP #REP2024 #REPJepoyAndTheMagicCircle

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