Snow White state of mind: Heewon Cho and Romeo Peralta
Romeo Peralta and Heewon Cho: “Happily ever after” for them means spending time with the ones they love. Photo by G-nie Arambulo
Talk about an evil queen and her all-knowing mirror, a princess on the run, seven dwarfs in the forest, a poisoned apple and a prince’s life-restoring kiss -- and what do you get?
Snow White, but of course!
Ballet Manila brings to life this beloved fairy tale as the third production in its “Flights of Fantasy” season. As choreographed by artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, it combines romance, adventure, comedy – and just a little touch of magic!
In keeping with this light-hearted fare, we ask the three couples taking on the lead roles for their thoughts about all things Snow White... and happily ever after!
Heewon Cho
Which version of Snow White is the most memorable for you?
I am a huge fan of Disney animation. Before I read fairytales in book, I watched them in animation. When I was younger, animation such as Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and Cinderella were always played on the television and I could almost copy the scenes with the princesses. Thus, it is so wonderful and happy to be on stage where I could be a princess of a fairytale that I adored.
If you were one of the dwarfs, which one would you be? Why?
Grumpy is the one I would like to be. He tends to express his feelings easily. As I usually keep my emotion to myself, this character is quite interesting. However, he also has a warm heart. At first, he didn’t like Snow White. But after he was inspired by the princess, he became a leader to rescue her from queen and cried bitterly when she died.
Tell us about that moment when you felt like you were in a fairytale.
When I was a kid, I watched my parents' wedding video and was overwhelmed with such a fantasy. It was a wedding ceremony in the old church. I used to practice to walk with my grandfather with a white dress and the wedding march every day. At that time, I felt like I became a princess in fairy tale.
I also felt like I was in a fairytale when I first met my boyfriend. At that time, I could not see anyone except him. As time goes by, I found out that he also experienced as I did at the same time. I think it is amazing that I came across my boyfriend.
What would you ask the magic mirror?
Honestly, I don't want to ask (the magic mirror) as the Queen did because she became depressed after she found out that she was not the most beautiful woman in the world. Instead, I want to ask the magic mirror to show me the happiest moment in my life. As I relive the memory, I believe I could be happy at that moment too.
Please describe your “happily ever after”.
For me, it means doing something that I love with my lover. When we love someone or something, we become courageous enough to do anything needed. This is why I think love is more important for “happily ever after” than money or power.
Romeo Peralta
Which version of Snow White is the most memorable for you?
Probably the animated version but that was a long time ago. I saw some films before, and read the book, but I'm more of a cartoon person. I've never seen any version in ballet and in play.
If you were one of the dwarfs, which one would you be? Why?
If I were to be one of the dwarfs, I would like to play "Doc". He is the leader of the gang. I like to lead people into something that makes them “them”.
What is the most princely thing you’ve done for a girl?
The time when Sofia and I tied the knot in front of our family and loved ones.
What would you ask the magic mirror?
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the most handsome one of them all? Ha ha ha ha!
Please describe your “happily ever after”.
Happily ever after would be knowing that in the future my kids have a better life, that they have reached their goals, and have found their purpose in life. Also, to have lots of time to spend with the people I love would definitely be a "happily ever after".
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s Snow White will have its world premiere on November 25, 6 p.m., at Aliw Theater. Succeeding shows will be on November 26, 3 p.m.; December 2, 6 p.m.; and December 3, 3 p.m. For tickets and inquiries, call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
