‘Man of La Mancha’ returns to REP with Nonie Buencamino from June 5–28

Repertory Philippines (REP) brings the timeless story of Don Quixote back to the local stage with its upcoming production of Man of La Mancha, offering theater audiences an inspiring live experience centered on hope, courage, and impossible dreams.

The acclaimed musical will run for a limited four-weekend engagement from June 5 to 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater. More than a revival of one of REP’s landmark productions, the 2026 staging introduces a refreshed interpretation aimed at modern audiences.

Leading the production is young theater director Nelsito Gomez, recognized for his inventive and contemporary approach to literary classics by renowned writers such as Shakespeare and Goethe. Known for delivering fresh and well-received adaptations, Gomez is expected to bring a more resonant and emotionally grounded perspective to the beloved Cervantes-inspired musical about perseverance and idealism.

Headlining the production is 2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play winner Nonie Buencamino, who returns to musical theater in the role of Alonso Quijano / Don Quixote. In the story, the aging dreamer embarks on a mission to restore justice, honor, and beauty in a world clouded by cynicism and hatred.

Buencamino has long been regarded for his versatility as an actor, with a career spanning film, television, and stage productions over several decades.

“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.”

The cast of 2026 REP staging features **Nonie Buencamino**, **Katrine Sunga**, **Marvin Ong**, **Tarek El Tayech, Alfredo Reyes, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante,** **Sarah Facuri**, **Steven Hotchkiss**, **Julio Laforteza**, **Dippy Arceo**, **Jasper Jimenez**, **Ralph Oliva**, **Khalil Tambio**, **Liway Perez**, and **Rafa Sumilong**. **JV Fulgencio** and **Aly Wijangco** join the cast as the Male and Female swings.

Considered as one of the world’s most popular musicals, Man of La Mancha is a soul-stirring and powerful musical experience featuring a fictionalized version of the famed writer Miguel de Cervantes, who is thrown into prison by the Spanish Inquisition and must defend himself against his fellow prisoners. As he takes the persona of Don Quixote through a play, the tale of imagination, chivalry, and heroism transforms and touches the people around him. It’s inspired by the Cervantes’ novel “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha,” often hailed as the “best novel of all time” and the “best and most central work in world literature.”

The musical premiered on Broadway in 1965 and won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, with book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion. Man of La Mancha is known for introducing the standard, “The Impossible Dream,” the principal song of the show that has become an anthem of hope. With a Spanish-infused score, the musical also features the timeless classics, “Dulcinea”, “I, Don Quixote,” and “I’m Only Thinking of Him”. Man of La Mancha is a favorite among REP audiences, having been previously staged in 1987 at the Insular Life Theater and in 2005 at Onstage Greenbelt.

Acclaimed classical singer and actress Katrine Sunga plays Don Quixote’s muse Aldonza, while Marvin Ong, known for his lauded lead performance in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, plays the iconic Sancho Panza. Rounding out the stellar cast are Tarek El Tayech as Governor/Innkeeper, Alfredo Reyes as Duke/Carrasco, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia, Sarah Facuri as Housekeeper, Steven Hotchkiss as Padre, 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 Captain. JV Fulgencio joins the cast as the Male Swing and Aly Wijangco as the Female Swing.

The artistic team of REP’s Man of La Mancha includes Musical Director Farley Asuncion, Vocal Coach Arman Ferrer, Choreographer Jim Ferrer, Set and Props Designer Julio Garcia, Costume Designer Hershee Tantiado, Sound Designer Kabaitan Bautista, and Lighting Designer and Technical Director D Cortezano.

REP’s Man of La Mancha is running only for four weeks from June 5 to 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater in Eastwood City Walk 2, Quezon City.

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.