Entertainment City PH | Ballet Philippines’ Alice in Wonderland brings Filipino artistry to the global stage | by Leony Garcia | “As we continue to evolve Ballet Philippines’ artistic journey, Alice in Wonderland represents our ongoing mission to celebrate imagination, courage, and the joy of discovery. It also reflects our deeper purpose—to bring Filipino talent and artistry to the forefront of the global stage, showcasing how collaboration between world-class artists like Mikhail Martynyuk and our homegrown dancers creates a uniquely inspiring expression of creativity and excellence.” — Kathleen Liechtenstein, President, Ballet Philippines
Ballet Philippines’ Christmas Full-Length Ballet is a spectacular new production of Alice in Wonderland, part of the company’s acclaimed 56th Season. Choreographed by Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, this completely original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved story blends breathtaking choreography with playful theatricality, reintroducing a timeless tale through the transformative language of dance.
With only five performances from December 5 to 7, 2025 at the Theatre at Solaire, be ready to be swept into a dreamlike realm where logic bends and wonder takes center stage. The story follows Alice, a curious young girl who, upon chasing a mysterious White Rabbit, finds herself tumbling into the whimsical world of Wonderland. As she journeys deeper into this extraordinary place, she passes through magical doors, samples enchanted potions and cakes, and encounters gardens of talking flowers that challenge her wit and resolve.
Each chapter of Alice’s adventure is brought vividly to life through Martynyuk’s inventive choreography and storytelling in collaboration with BP’s homegrown talents led by Jemima Reyes-Ocampo, Regina Magbitang, Nicole Barroso, and Danielle Leiner alternately playing Alice in the scheduled performances.
In the narrative, a delightfully chaotic tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse is filled with riddles and whimsy, while the enigmatic Caterpillar helps Alice uncover the courage within her. But the stakes rise dramatically in the Queen of Hearts’ unpredictable court, where flamingos and hedgehogs become croquet mallets, tempers flare, and justice is anything but just. Accused alongside the Knave of Hearts, Alice ultimately defies the chaos, boldly crying “Stop!”—an act that breaks the dream’s spell and returns her to reality.
As the dream fades and Alice awakens beside her sister, she emerges forever changed by the journey—a reminder of the courage found in staying true to oneself and the limitless power of imagination.
Martynyuk’s artistic vision combines technically challenging choreography for the dancers with elements of plastic comedy pantomime to heighten the production’s theatrical energy. This innovative approach creates a ballet that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally engaging—an immersive, family-friendly experience designed to enchant audiences of all ages.
We were lucky to have watched the gala performance on December 5 which had Reyes-Ocampo playing Alice and Magbitang as Red Queen giving justices to their respective roles. Aside from these lead roles, we were also amused of the portrayal of Ian Ocampo as the Prince of Wonderland, Gia Gequinto as Mouse Sonya, Peter San Juan as Mad Hatter, Carlo Padoga as Mad Rabbit, Eduardo Evangelio as White Rabbit, Krystn Noelle Janicek as Duchess, and Emmerson Evangelio and Alexis Piel as the twins Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. The lovely ladies playing the garden flowers did well, too.
Some of our media friends had the ‘bonus of their lifetime’ for having taken the VIP seats and be seated with the event’s sponsors which include the Zobels and the Ayalas, Ms. Margie Moran Floirendo, and the lovely damsels in Alice-like costumes.
Alice in Wonderland has surely unwrapped the magic of the season and we hope to see more live performances in the days to come!
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