REP Brings Don Quixote’s Impossible Dream Closer to Home
Repertory Philippines stages a new production of Man of La Mancha led by Nonie Buencamino and directed by Nelsito Gomez.
Words Mian Centeno
Photos courtesy of REP Philippines
May 22, 2026
“To reach the unreachable star.”
For Repertory Philippines, the quest is to restage the beloved and inspiring story of Don Quixote’s adventure in the classic Man of La Mancha.
The 2026 production at the REP Eastwood Theater from June 5 to 28 is directed by Nelsito Gomez, whose recent work has drawn attention for making classical materials feel accessible and relevant to younger audiences “no matter how hopeless, no matter how far.”
At the center of the production is Nonie Buencamino and his quest to give Alonso Quijano and his idealistic alter ego, Don Quixote, a more grounded and contemporary edge.
Nonie Buencamino as Alonso Quijano and Don Quixote with Katrine Sunga as Aldonza/Dulcinea
With the 2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play in his belt, Buencamino makes his daring comeback into musical theater, bringing his versatility and sharp performance to an iconic play.
Together, Gomez and Buencamino lead the production, reminding audiences why Man of La Mancha has remained one of the world’s most enduring musicals since its Broadway debut in 1965.
REP President and CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio describes the production as intimate and urgent, especially at a time when stories about hope and resilience continue to resonate with audiences.
“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.”
Marvin Ong as Sancho Panza
Based on Miguel de Cervantes’ literary masterpiece Don Quixote, the musical follows a fictionalized Cervantes imprisoned during the Spanish Inquisition.
With a standout score by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darion, and book by Dale Wasserman, the story follows Don Quixote as he pursues impossible dreams and fights injustice in a cynical world.
Joining Buencamino is a powerhouse supporting cast led by acclaimed classical singer and actress Katrine Sunga as Quixote’s muse Aldonza, while Marvin Ong plays the trusted squire Sancho Panza.
Tarek El Tayech, Alfredo Reyes, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Sarah Facuri, Steven Hotchkiss, Julio Laforteza, Dippy Arceo, Jasper Jimenez, Ralph Oliva, Khalil Tambio, Liway Perez, Rafa Sumilong, JV Fulgencio, and Aly Wijangco completes the ensemble.
Alfredo Reyes as Duke and Dr. Sanson Carrasco with Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia
Behind the scenes, the production is built by seasoned artistic team including 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.
More than a revival, REP’s Man of La Mancha’s “glorious quest” is to remind audiences of theater’s enduring ability to inspire belief even in uncertain times.
Its call for hope, imagination, and idealism continues to resonate, especially in an era of cynicism, fatigue, and injustice.
This limited four-week musical stands a beacon of inspiration for theater-goers, reminding them that even in times of despair, creativity is worth fighting for.
For schedules, tickets, and updates, visit Repertory Philippines.
