All-Filipino cast brings charm to Into the Woods, but the magic doesn’t fully land—read my blog to see what worked, what didn’t, and why it matters.

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated.

September 06, 2025
Batangas, Philippines

Performance Details:
📅 Date: August 23, 2025
🕗 Showtime: 2:00 PM
📍 Venue: Samsung Performing Arts Theatre at Circuit Makati
⏸️ Intermission: 15 minutes
⏱️ Total Runtime: Approximately 2.5 hours
💰 Ticket Price: ₱5,489

Musical Theatre Seat Information:
Door/Gate: 7
Section: LOGEC
Row: A
Seat Number: 217

I had just returned from my Palawan trip when I went straight to catch a musical show., an all-Filipino cast production, with none other than Lea Salonga playing the Witch. It was the perfect excuse to also catch up with one of my best friends. Thanks to him, this show was free for me (he treated me!), so of course, it was a must-see.

To those unfamiliar with the story, Into the Woods is a musical mash-up of classic Brothers Grimm fairytales like Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel — plus an original story about a Baker and his Wife cursed by a Witch. They all venture into the woods chasing their wishes, but soon learn that getting what you want isn’t always the end of the story.

My first experience with Into the Woods was the movie version featuring Meryl Streep as the Witch. To be honest, it didn’t quite meet my expectations I only enjoyed Meryl’s performance and wasn’t a fan of the rest of the casting. So when my friend said we’d be watching it live, I was hesitant. If it hadn’t been a gift, I likely would’ve skipped it, since the storyline never really appealed to me. But I’m glad I went for my bff.

This local staging promised something more than just whimsical fairytales a version that felt deeply Filipino. In a country where truth can be flexible, history can be rewritten, and memory shifts depending on the storyteller, that perspective hits differently. With a 24-show run through the end of the month, the demand was huge — tickets sold out in just two hours, prompting the company to add more dates.

At the Venue
We arrived at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre around 1:30 PM and checked out the merchandise booth. I picked up a magazine (you can’t browse through it unless you buy it), and there were other items like hoodies, caps, and t-shirts priced between ₱1,000–2,000. The most affordable option was a sticker, priced at ₱60–99 Payments were limited to cash or BPI QR code cashless payments. Food and drinks weren’t allowed inside, and photography was strictly prohibited during the performance.

The Performance
Lea Salonga’s voice was, as always, heavenly. The cast delivered strong performances, especially Josh Dela Cruz, who shone as Cinderella’s Prince; charming, Gaston-like, and delightfully ironic. Arielle Jacobs gave Cinderella warmth and charm, while Teetin Villanueva’s Little Red Riding Hood was feisty and clever. I also loved Cinderella’s gown and appreciated the witty charm of Red Riding Hood’s grandmother, even with her limited time on stage.

The Production
If there’s one area I found lacking, it was the stage design. The limited trees, flat, cardboard-like carriage reminiscent of a postcard (which felt a bit like a kindergarten art project), and overly simple birds for Cinderella’s scenes didn’t quite match the level of a world-class production. That said, I know these things can improve over time, and I’m still happy to support an all-Filipino cast bringing such a big production to life.

Final Thoughts
Into the Woods is unmistakably Filipino in its cast and creatives, with set details like wall-to-wall ventanillas and capiz shells. Still, it remains a retelling of Western fairytales, without deeply weaving Filipino culture into the storyline. While it may not have fully met my creative expectations, I’m proud to have witnessed our local talent shine on stage and thanks to my bff for the gift.

You can view my Youtube video here.

Love,
Maria,sometimes,Niskie