HappeningPH Theater! 3 Reasons to Watch Tanghalang Pilipino’s Children’s Musical SANDOSENANG SAPATOS

Embark on a whimsical journey with Tanghalang Pilipino’s enchanting and heart-rending children’s musical SANDOSENANG SAPATOS, part of the theater company’s REVOLT-themed 38th season. Follow the inspiring story of Susie as it unfolds amidst a backdrop of music, emotion, and profound themes that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.

Based on Dr. Luis Gatmaitan’s award-winning children’s book “Sandosenang Sapatos” and adapted to the stage by Dr. Layeta Bucoy, pages and lyrics come to life with music by Noel Cabangon and Joed Balsamo, under the direction of Jonathan Tadioan, who portrayed the Father in the musical’s original run.

SANDOSENANG SAPATOS received Outstanding Production for Children and Outstanding Costume Design honors at the 14th Gawad Buhay Awards (2023), and being immersed in this one-hour musical and visual experience will show you why.

Here are three more reasons to watch SANDOSENANG SAPATOS.

Concert of Emotions: Nonstop Singing to Fill Your Heart

One song after another, pushing Susie’s young vocal prowess to its limits, she transports audiences to a carnival of emotions, a concert of feelings, reigning as a queen among a court of beautiful, exquisite shoes.

The musical envelops the audience in a tapestry of emotions, intricately intertwining Susie’s experiences, challenges, aspirations, and yearnings into a mesmerizing soundtrack akin to attending a live concert!

Despite her youth, Susie delivers with a commanding presence, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Children in the audience are captivated by her endurance and stage charisma.

Find out what songs touch you most and discover that part of yourself!

Trip to Dreamworld: Nonstop Dancing to Make You Smile

As night falls and Susie drifts to sleep, a world both her room and her “ideal” world unfolds before her. No longer confined by a wheelchair, she is liberated with feet that brim infused with vitality, ready to dance and dream and assert herself.

In this dream realm, Susie’s rises above her limitations wills everything to be pure, exquisite, and vivid. She reigns supreme here, surrounded by enchantment and pain in equal measure, as she frolics with fabulously dressed shoes in a kaleidoscope of hues, personalities, and flair.

Experience the exhilarating choreography and mesmerizing set designs, captivated by a dazzling array of vibrantly colored shoes executing a synchronized dance where not only humans partake, but also the bed itself!

Find out how the bed graceful sashays and twirls, choreographed for its own magical moments!

Cradle of Unconditional Love: Nonstop Reaffirmations to Spark Hope

Susie’s home is her safe space, with her Sister, Mother, and Father—where their aspirations become Susie’s own sanctuary, and their creations her alternate reality. As these worlds converge, see the delicate balance between limitation and potential, kindling hope in every differently abled child’s heart, showcasing the transformative power of familial love and unity.

In SANDOSENANG SAPATOS, home and family form the bedrock for self-love, acceptance, and resilience. Susie’s musical journey, buoyed by unwavering familial support even in the face of loss, feeds the strength that emerges from embracing individuality and surmounting obstacles together, embraing her uniqueness, turning apparent lacks into sources of strength through love and empathy.

Experience a poignant scene where Susie unboxes her treasure trove of shoes!

Find out how steadfast family backing resonates deeply, highlighting the profound impact of love and understanding in times of adversity.

Don’t miss the shows, especially the matinee performances, for a chance to engage with the cast and creative team, along with post-show surprises that await!

ARTISTIC TEAM

Short Story Author: Dr. Luis Gatmaitan

Adaptation and Libretto: Layeta Bucoy

Direction: Jonathan Tadioan

Music: Jed Balsamo and Noel Cabangon

Musical Direction and Arrangement: Jed Balsamo

Choreography: Stephen Viñas

Production Design: Marco Viaña and Paw Castillo

Lighting Design: Gabo Tolentino

Sound Design and Engineer: TJ Ramos

Associate Choreography: Francis Gatmaytan

MUSICIANS

Pianist: Tyrone Mateos

Percussionist: RJ Alfafara

Guitarist: Jordan Amaca

FEATURING

SUSIE: Felicity Kyle Napuli | Wincess Jem Yana

NANAY: Tex Ordoñez-De Leon

TATAY: John Joven Uy

ATE KARINA: Mica Fajardo

DIWATA: Marynor Madamesila

ONE YEAR OLD: Mark Lorenz

TWO YEARS OLD: Murline Uddin

THREE YEARS OLD: Rey Correjado

YELLOWY: Natasha Cabrera

RED: Lance Soliman

BLUEY: Heber O’Hara

SANDALS: MC Dela Cruz

MAONG: Bea Remollo

PINKY: Gelo Molina

SEQUINS: Patricia  Rolda

WHITEY: Sarah Monay

BALLERINA: Paula Espinola

UNDERSTUDIES:

ATE KARINA: Sarah Monay

DIWATA: Anya Evangelista

WHITEY & SEQUINS: Ynna Rafa

RED & SANDALS: Earvin Estioco

YELLOWY & MAONG: Sofia Sacaguing

SANDOSENANG SAPATOS will run from November 15 to December 8, Fridays to Sundays, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Tickets, priced at P2,060 for VIP and P1,545 for Regular.

Catch this musical Fridays through Saturdays from Nov 22 (Fri) to Dec 7 (Sat), 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Black Box Theater, with matinée shows featuring talkbacks and, sometimes, surprises from the cast!

Tickets are selling like hotcakes, so grab your tickets now!

The production, with its colorful songs, magical dances, and engaging costumes, evokes a myriad emotions through its poignant storytelling, leaving viewers mesmerized and deeply touched by a theatrical experience that celebrates resilience, imagination, and the power of unconditional love.