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.
