Review: Jepoy and the Magic Circle - A Magical Journey into Filipino Folklore

 

Jepoy and the Magic Circle

Last weekend, my husband Jason and I had the delightful experience of attending Jepoy and the Magic Circle, a captivating musical made specifically for children in mind. Held at the Repertory Philippines' Theater located on the 4th floor of Eastwood Citywalk 2, the performance was a vibrant and engaging spectacle that left the two of us and the young audience members well entertained.

Our tickets to Jepoy and the Magic Circle show

My husband Jason and I were excited before the show

Moi and hubby during the 15-minute break

From the moment the curtains rose, we were transported into a magical forest. The colorful stage design, coupled with the energetic choreography, created a visually stunning atmosphere. The talented cast of young performers delivered outstanding vocal performances and believable portrayals of their characters. Their enthusiasm and passion were infectious, captivating the attention of even the youngest audience members.

The colorful puppetries of Jepoy and the Magic Circle

One of the highlights of the musical was the Hiraya (Hope) song which particularly impressed me. It was both heartwarming and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression. The clever use of props and special effects added to the overall magic and wonder of the production. The actors did an incredible job of bringing the characters to life. Jepoy, the young protagonist, was particularly endearing with his innocence and optimism. The supporting cast were equally talented, creating a vibrant and engaging. The music was a delightful blend of catchy tunes and beautiful melodies that complemented the story perfectly. The choreography was also impressive, adding a visual feast to the performance.

Repertory Philippines' Theater for Young Adult's enchanting musical adaptation of Gilda Cordero Fernando's "The Magic Circle" is a delightful treat for young audiences.

"Jepoy and the Magic Circle" is a magical and educational experience for children and adults alike. It's a must-see for those who appreciate Filipino folklore and quality children's theater.

Set in a vibrant world of Filipino folklore, "Jepoy and the Magic Circle" transports us into a realm of tikbalangs, kapres, and engkantos. The production, directed by Joy Virata, skillfully weaves together storytelling, music, and visual elements to create a truly immersive experience. It also teaches kids about Filipino endangered animals in the forest like Mousedeer (Piladok), Warty Pig, Sea turtle (Pawikan), Philippine Eagle and the Philippine Tarsier. 

The musical's storyline follows young Jepoy as he embarks on an extraordinary adventure through a magical forest. His encounter with mythical creatures and their struggle to protect their home provides a valuable lesson about environmental conservation and cultural heritage. The English adaptation by Rody Vera ensures that the story resonates with a wider audience.

The young cast delivers outstanding performances, bringing the characters to life with energy and enthusiasm. Noel Comia Jr., Elian Dominguez, and Yhuan Gatbunton share the role of Jepoy, each offering unique interpretations. Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante shines as Aling Barang, while Francis Gatmaytan and Cara Barredo portray the mischievous dog Galis with flair.

The guy who played Jepoy

The musical's production values are top-notch. The vibrant costumes, captivating sets, and enchanting puppetry create a visually stunning world. The original music by Ejay Yatco complements the storytelling and adds depth to the characters.

Jepoy and the Magic circle cast for REP Phils.

As the musical drew to a close, the audience was treated to a finale that had everyone smiling. The children in the audience were visibly excited and delighted, and their joyful expressions were a testament to the success of the show.

The cast of Jepoy and the Magic Circle

The cast of Jepoy and the Magic Circle

Overall, "Jepoy and the Magic Circle" is a magical and educational experience for children and adults alike. It's a must-see for those who appreciate Filipino folklore and quality children's theater. Our experience even as adults was truly magical. It was a wonderful opportunity to share a memorable experience with our children and introduce them to the world of live theater. We highly recommend this musical to families with young children seeking a fun and educational outing.

My husband Jason and Moi

Catch Jepoy & the Magic Circle from now until February 2025. Tickets start at Php 1,000 and are available via Ticketworld.

Don’t miss out on this magical adventure!

Jepoy and the Magic Circle runs until February 2025.

For show-buying and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0966-905-4013 or 0962-691-8540 send us an email at promotions@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org.

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information, please visit this website: https://repertoryphilippines.ph/jepoy_magic/