Ten years after the release of the Walt Disney animated
feature Mulan, Repertory Philippines will be staging the theatrical
version of the ancient Chinese legend. Cris Villonco, Cara Barredo, and Caisa
Borromeo will alternate in the role of the real-life female warrior in Mulan
Jr.
PJ Valerio, Reuben Uy, and Felix Rivera are alternates in the role of Captain
Chang, the officer in charge of training new recruits of the Chinese Imperial
Army. Meanwhile, Red Concepcion, Robbie Guevarra, Rem Zamora, and Chevy
Mercado alternately wear the red mascot costume of Mushu, Mulan's dragon wannabe sidekick.
PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) was invited to watch REP's staging of the play based on the Disney film of the same name. One of the highlights is the song "Reflections," which was performed by Lea Salonga in the animated film Mulan.
The opening number imposes upon the viewers the importance of duty and upholding the family honor. Looking down upon the mortals are the five ancestors of the Fa family. They are able to see the situation of Mulan but since they are confined to the temple, they send Mushu, a demoted dragon, to aid her in her journey.
The headstrong Mulan fails to impress the matchmaker who is
tapped to pair the young girl with a suitable groom. In ancient China, women
were only fit to be submissive wives to their husbands but Mulan goes against
tradition by disguising herself as a man and joining the Chinese Imperial Army
in place of her aging father.
Ping, who is actually Mulan in disguise, gains the favor of Captain Chang while he trains them to battle with the Huns. She shows her bravery and her intellect on the battlefield and ends up a war hero.
Repertory Philippines will be staging Mulan Jr. until December 18, 2008 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 in Makati City.
Special showings and group sales are available at discounted rates. Call
8870710 for information about the upcoming productions, show sponsorships, and
about REP itself. Tickets are also available to Ticket World (Tel. No.
891-9999).
Venue: Onstage, Second floor, Greenbelt 1, Makati City
Performances: August 9 - December 18, 2008Click HERE to view photos of Mulan Jr.