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| Repertory Philippines enlivens the local theater this June as it brings back the musical Man of La Mancha. Directed by Nelsito Gomez, this Cervantine play stars 2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play awardee Nonie Buencamino |
Repertory Philippines (REP) returns to the stage with the inspiring and beloved tale of literary hero Don Quixote in the highly anticipated production of the classic Man of La Mancha.
With a limited four-weekend run from June 5 to 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater, the 2026 staging of Man of La Mancha not only harks back to REP’s legacy but also offers a revitalized take for today’s theatergoers. The musical will be brought to life by young director Nelsito Gomez, known for his fresh, creative, and relevant (and mostly lauded) takes on the masterworks of literary pantheons, from Shakespeare to Goethe. With him at the helm, one can expect this Cervantine musical about one man’s refusal to give up his impossible dream to be even more impactful and meaningful to the new generation.
2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play awardee Nonie Buencamino makes a grand comeback to musicals as Alonso Quijano/Don Quixote--a man devoted to restoring honor, justice, and beauty in a world marred by cynicism and hatred. Renowned for his versatility, Buencamino has an extensive career spanning films, television, and theater.
“We are deeply honored to bring Man of La Mancha back to the REP stage—a production that remains very close to my heart as one of my all-time favorite musicals. In a moment when it’s easy to grow weary or guarded, Don Quixote invites us, in his quirky ‘quixotic’ manner, to hold fast to courage, imagination, and the possibility of something better. Guided by an extraordinary team led by Nelsito Gomez and Nonie Buencamino, we’ve shaped a production that feels both intimate and urgent, and I’m truly excited to share it with our audiences,” says Mindy Perez-Rubio, REP President and CEO. “This is a theater experience you simply have to see.”
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| The author, Purple Plum Fairy, with her husband. |
Considered one of the world’s most popular musicals, Man of La Mancha offers a soul-stirring, powerful experience. It features a fictionalized Miguel de Cervantes, imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition, who must defend himself before his fellow prisoners. By adopting the persona of Don Quixote through a play, his story of imagination, chivalry, and heroism profoundly impacts those around him. The musical is inspired by Cervantes’ novel The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, celebrated as the best novel of all time and a cornerstone of world literature.
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| At the Repertory Philippines Theater in Citywalk, Eastwood |
The musical Man of La Mancha premiered on Broadway in 1965, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. With a book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion, it is renowned for the iconic song “The Impossible Dream,” an anthem of hope. The Spanish-infused score also features timeless classics like “Dulcinea,” “I, Don Quixote,” and “I’m Only Thinking of Him.” The musical is a favorite among REP audiences, previously staged in 1987 at the Insular Life Theater and in 2005 at Onstage Greenbelt.
The production features a stellar cast led by acclaimed classical singer and actress Katrine Sunga, who stars as Don Quixote’s muse, Aldonza, alongside Marvin Ong, celebrated for his lead role in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, as the iconic Sancho Panza. Joining them are Tarek El Tayech as the Governor/Innkeeper, Alfredo Reyes as the Duke/Carrasco, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia, Sarah Facuri as the Housekeeper, and Steven Hotchkiss as the Padre. The ensemble and supporting roles are rounded out by Julio Laforteza as Pedro/Male Dancer, Dippy Arceo as Jose, Jasper Jimenez as Juan/Barber, Ralph Oliva as Paco, Khalil Tambio as Anselmo, Liway Perez as Maria/Female Dancer, and Rafa Sumilong as the Captain. Additionally, the company is supported by JV Fulgencio and Aly Wijangco, who join the production as the Male and Female Swings, respectively.
The artistic team bringing Repertory Philippines’ production of Man of La Mancha to life is led by musical director Farley Asuncion and vocal coach Arman Ferrer, with Jim Ferrer shaping the production's movement as choreographer. The show's visual and auditory world is crafted by set and props designer Julio Garcia, costume designer Hershee Tantiado, and sound designer Kabaitan Bautista, while D Cortezano pulls double duty as both the lighting designer and technical director. Audiences can catch this creative team's work during the production's four-week run from June 5 to 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater, located in Eastwood City Walk 2, Quezon City.
Repertory Philippines’ production of Man of La Mancha, which
opened last June 5, 2026, is a moving and emotionally affecting show that
proves why the classic musical has stood the test of time across generations. Anchoring
the production is Nonie Buencamino’s commanding performance as Don
Quixote/Cervantes that strikes a remarkable balance of idealism, heartbreak,
humor and humanity.
Buencamino lends depth and quiet dignity to the role of the
aging dreamer. Rather than simply depicting Don Quixote as an eccentric, he
shows him as a man committed to hope in a cynical world. His performance is
lived-in, deeply personal, and allows the audience to glimpse the fragility and
courage beneath the knight’s delusions. He sings “The Impossible Dream” not as
a grand theatrical showpiece, but as an earnest plea for compassion and purpose
— a choice that makes the moment all the more moving.
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| The powerful cast of Man of La Mancha |
Katrine Sunga as Aldonza/Dulcinea is just as compelling.
Sunga imbues the role with emotional weight and fire, nailing the character’s
hardened exterior and her buried longing to be seen as worthy of dignity and
love. The emotional heart of the production is her chemistry with Buencamino.
Their scenes together are both tender and tense, and Aldonza’s transformation
is believable and affecting.
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| Leading the cast of Man of La Mancha: Nonie Buencamino and Katrine Sunga |
The production itself has a raw and immersive feel to it.
The prison setting is at once intimate and oppressive, and the audience is made
part of Cervantes’ storytelling world. The ensemble is admirably energetic,
flowing easily among prisoners, townsfolk and fantasy figures. The musical
numbers are performed with passion, and the choreography and staging support
the story well without overpowering it.
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| One of my fave stage actors, Marvin Ong as Sancho Panza |
What makes this production so relevant today is its
persistence in insisting on hope in the face of cruelty and disillusionment. In
an age of cynicism dominating public discourse, Man of La Mancha has the
courage to ask if it’s still worth dreaming of a better world. Repertory
Philippines makes that question feel both urgent and deeply human.
It’s not just a nostalgic revival of a beloved musical, but
a thoughtful, emotionally grounded interpretation, carried by strong
performances and heartfelt storytelling. Repertory Philippines once again
demonstrates its capability to breathe life into timeless theater with
intelligence and soul.
Tickets are available now for ₱3,000 for Orchestra Center and ₱2,500 for Orchestra Side. Book your seats now, check out Ticketworld via tinyurl.com/REPMLM2026-TW or Ticket2Me via tinyurl.com/REPMLM2026. Special rates are also available to Megaworld Titanium VIPs through tinyurl.com/REPLAMANCHAVIP, while Eastwood residents, tenants, and employees can claim their special discount at the REP Box Office, 4F Eastwood Mall near SuperPark and Red Mango
For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.
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