CINDERELLA: A New Take On The Famous Rags to Riches Story

Manila, Philippines, August 8, 2013--Every year, Resorts World Manila (RWM) brings the best of two worlds: Multi-award-winning Broadway musicals combined with world-class Filipino talents.

RWM, a one-stop entertainment and tourism destination, brings to the stage its third Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's production, "Cinderella," which opens at Newport Performing Arts Theatre on Wednesday, October 9. According to RWM, "Cinderella" is bound to enchant Filipino audiences anew with its beautifully crafted sets and "Marie Antoinette-ish" costumes.

However, beyond the spectacle, "Cinderella," the famous rags to riches story, also promises to deliver an in-depth look into one of the world's all-time favourite fairy tales.

At a recent press preview, the show's director, Michael Williams, explained his directorial vision, which was actually inspired by various versions of the fairy tale such as China's "Ye Xian," Charles Perrault's "Cendrillon ou la Petite Pantoufle de verre" and the Brothers Grimm's "Cinderella" or "The Little Glass Slippers," among others.

Williams also said that he will infuse into the production the elements of time, nature, nobility and self-worth.

Drawing inspiration from "Ye Xian," Williams explicitly explained that via this production, theatregoers would understand why the title character has allowed herself to be a "doormat" for a time or "why she is passive." Being passive in China is a noble gesture. In Williams' "Cinderella," she comes to a point when she realizes why her stepmother and two stepsisters treat her so--"because she allows them to walk all over her," according to the esteemed director. Cinderella later becomes empowered; knows her self-worth and faces things in a well-mannered way.

With Cinderella's change of fortune, "goodness is always rewarded at the end of it all," which according to Williams is the moral lesson of the story.

Stepping into the shoes of the coveted role of Cinderella are Karylle Tatlonghari, Julia Abueva and Justine Peña. Asia's Pop Idol Christian Bautista and Fred Lo alternate as Prince Christopher. Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, the first lady of Philippine musical theater, plays the Fairy Godmother. Pinky Marquez, Sweet Plantado, Sheila Francisco, Miguel Faustmann, Maronne Cruz, Gianina Ocampo and Red Concepcion join the cast.

For show schedule and more details, visit www.rwmanila.com or call tourist hotline at (632) 908-8833.

For ticket inquiries, visit Resorts World Manila's box office located near the main casino's entrance or call Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999.

Also, come back for a ticket lottery and discount codes from BroadwayWorld.com and Resorts World Manila; follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos by Dale Bacar

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