‘Cinderella’ enchants Star City audience
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde's Cinderella takes centerstage once again with principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo reprising their much-loved roles as Cinderella and the Prince. Video by Susan De Guzman
With a wave of her magic wand, Fairy Godmother makes Cinderella’s dream of going to the ball come true. She meets her prince but leaves hastily when midnight strikes, leaving her glass slipper behind. The smitten prince undertakes a search and ultimately finds her. As with any fairy tale, they live happily ever after!
In thirty minutes, this favorite children’s story was told in dance by Ballet Manila in a packed Star City last June 5. Excerpted from prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s first full-length ballet choreography, the condensed version nevertheless elicited gasps and applause from viewers who were caught in the magic of it all.
With a lean cast and minimal props, Cinderella still proved to be enchanting. Abigail Oliveiro in the lead role wowed as her shabby dress transformed into a sparkly blue gown with one whirl. Mark Sumaylo as the dashing prince was the perfect match who only had eyes for Cinderella after dancing with pretty princesses Jessica Pearl Dames and Shaira Comeros.
Soloist John Balagot is hilarious as the Stepmother with principal dancer Jasmine Pia Dames and company artist Marinette Franco joining him in a funny dance-off. Video by Susan De Guzman
John Balagot played the role of Stepmother to the hilt, making viewers chuckle with the character’s trademark arched eyebrows, pouty lips and exaggerated flourishes. The Stepsisters as performed by Jasmine Pia Dames and Marinette Franco were also scene-stealers, as they tried to outdo each other with their dancing skills but ending up with hilarious results.
Also taking on roles were Joshua Enciso as the King, Romeo Peralta as the Duke and Gerardo Francisco Jr. as one of Cinderella’s cavaliers.
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde herself made a surprise appearance as Fairy Godmother, a role she had originated when Cinderella premiered in 2016. It was her first performance on stage since the pandemic hit in 2020, and the ballerina was understandably elated with the enthusiastic response of the Star City audience.
Prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde returned briefly on stage to play the Fairy Godmother to principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro's Cinderella. Video by Susan De Guzman
Also there to lend their support to Ballet Manila and especially to Lisa were her husband, Fred Elizalde, parents Cesar and Susan Macuja, British choreographer Martin Lawrance, and Russian danseur and Ballet Philippines artistic director Mikhail Martinyuk.
The free show of Cinderella was a special treat for Star City visitors. Since February, Ballet Manila has been having weekend performances at the theme park of Ang Munting Pangarap, a choreography by Gerardo Francisco Jr.
Ballet Manila has also been doing a monthly series called Dance Day Live! which is livestreamed from its studio in Pasay City, airing on the company’s social media channels.