IN PHOTOS: Karylle, Christian topbill Cinderella musical

MANILA, Philippines- One of the famous fairytales of all time, Cinderella, was brought to life!

Yes, this has happened a lot of times already—from cartoons to films, all with different interpretations. That’s why we’re given the chance to see how the Filipino theater performers interpret each character in this story.

Some of the casts’ family and friends, media, and other guests were able to watch the Gala night of Cinderella Wednesday night, October 9.

The story started with the narration of Fairy Godmother, played by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, of how Cinderella became an orphan.

She narrated how Cinderella’s father planted a tree to serve as her mother’s memory, which eventually reminded her daughter of him as well after he died.

They played with lights and shadows as they narrated the back story, gaining “oh’s” and “wows” from the kids present that night.

The protagonist Cinderella played by Karylle Tatlonghari that night, grew up loving, caring and obedient despite being mistreated by her step-family.

With Karylle’s experience both from television and other theater projects, it was easy for her to pull off the sweet character of Cinderella.

During this scene at the village square, you’ll admire as well how good are the ensembles in giving life to the scene though they’re on tableau.

The first meeting of Cinderella and Prince Christopher, that was played by Christian Bautista.

It could be seen how the two actors know how to reciprocate each other’s performance, since they’ve worked a number of times already.

Like for instance, their latest musical show, “Kitchen Musical,” which was aired in different cable channels around Asia.

The ensemble together with Red Concepcion (in white, with hands raised), that played as Leonel the Prince’s steward.

In this scene, Leonel announced to the towns people about the Royal ball that’ll happenin a week.

Everyone’s invited, most especially the eligible young ladies of the kingdom.

Here is Cinderella’s step-family: (L-R) Maronne Cruz who portrayed the role of Joy, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson who played as Cinderella’s Stepmother, and Giannina Ocampo who’s the older stepsister Grace.

In this scene, the three of them were waiting for the carriage that’ll take them to the palace.

Stepmother hopes one of her daughters will be chosen by the Prince Christopher that night to be his wife.

“It’s true that everything starts with a wish. But it’s what you do with the wish that counts,” this was what Fairy Godmother told Cinderella before her “transformation.”

Cinderella wished with all her heart to be able to attend the Prince Christopher’s royal ball, yet she didn’t believe it to come true.

But when she did, her little friends were turned into horses, the pumpkins became her carriage, and her clothes were transformed into a lovely white dress.

Prince Christopher has danced with every girl in the ball, but no girl has captured his heart—not until he saw Cinderella.

Cinderella became the envy of every girl as Prince Christopher’s eyes only see her.

Yet the time has come for them to part, as the clock strikes twelve midnight.

Cinderella rushed out of the palace before everyone finds out that she’s just a poor young servant.

Giannina (left) and Maronne (right) were able to pull off their character well, as you feel pity, irritated, and amused at their imperfections at the same time.

A lot of ladies may pretend, yet the heart and the glass shoes can’t lie as to who is the girl that captured the heart of Prince Christopher.

After the long search, Prince Christopher finally found Cinderella, which delighted everyone in the kingdom, most especially King Maximillian (Miguel Faustmann) and Queen Constantina (Sheila Francisco) (standing at the balcony).

Other member of the cast are Julia Abueva and Justine Christianne Pena, who will be alternating with Karylle as Cinderella; Fred Lo who is the other Prince Christopher; and Pinky Marquez as the other Stepmother and Fairy Godmother.

This play is directed by Michael Stuart Williams, music by the manila Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Botha for the stage design, and Aksana Sidarava for the costume design.

The play opens this October and will run until December 2013, at Resorts World Newport Performing Arts Theater, in Pasay City.