Our beloved wooden puppet wobbles to life this August as six talented young actors embody the lead role of the upcoming Repertory Philippines musical, Pinocchio.
“Each Pinocchio we’ve chosen from a pool of 18 auditionees brings an endearingly unique touch of their own personality to the title character,” said director Joy Virata. “Children are often challenging to work with, but these kids are delightfully brilliant and professional.”
Ranging from ages eight to eleven, the young thespians come from a variety of backgrounds:
Eight-year-old Albert Silos is the youngest of the bunch. According to him, it was his dream to play the part of Pinocchio. His previous roles include one of the royal children in the King and I at Resorts World Manila and as young prince in Ang Prinsipe at Ang Pulubi in Gantimpala Theater.
One of the two girls playing our little puppet boy is Andee Achacoso who is 10 years old and enjoys getting into character. This will be her debut in the world of professional theater, but she is no newbie to singing. She has been a part of Project Thank You World produced by Jim Paredes.
Front row (from left): Albert Silos, Andee Achacoso, Noel Comia, Jr.
Aspiring actor and future architect is 10-year-old Daniel Drilon. Daniel played the title role in Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat in last year’s Repertory Summer Workshop and this is his first foray into professional theater.
Guido Gatmaytan played the role of Benji in Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Resorts World Manila and Tyltyl in Trumpets’ The Bluebird of Happiness. What he loves most about acting is making people happy. In the future, Guido dreams of playing Marius in Les Misérables.
With a list of theater credits, short films, TV guestings, events hosting and commercials and online and print ads, Noel Comia, Jr. is no novice to the limelight. He’s played roles like Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin and the Magic Lamp at Star Theater and Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk at SM Southmall.
Last, but not least, there’s talented 11-year-old Sofia Wong whose dream role is Eponine from Les Misérables. She has been part of musicals by Chancel every year for the last four years where she was recognized for each of her performances.
Repertory Philippines’ Pinocchio is based on the classic story by Carlo Collodi, and adapted and lyricized by Jim Eiler. With a talented bunch like this directed by theater veteran Joy Virata, our beloved puppet is sure to win the hearts of theater lovers young and old alike.
About Pinocchio
Based on the classic novel for children by Carlo Collodi, the musical Pinocchio will debut on August 13 at Onstage Theater, 2nd Floor of Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi Street, Makati City. Presented by Repertory Philippines, Pinocchio is adapted and lyricized by Jim Eiler, with music from Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy, and is directed by Joy Virata.
For tickets or inquiries, visit www.repertoryphilippines.com or call Ticketworld at 891-9999.
For more information, please visit www.repertoryphilippines.com/shows/pinocchio.