‘Peter and the Wolf’, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ Twin Bill Coming to Solaire this August
For the first time in Philippine performing arts history, Ballet Philippines (BP), Repertory Philippines (REP), and the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) are joining forces to bring music, drama, and dance together on one stage in a unique, family-friendly production.
Opening this August at The Theatre at Solaire, the twin bill features Peter and the Wolf, led by REP, and Little Red Riding Hood, staged by BP. Throughout the performance, live orchestral music will be provided by the MSO. BP President Kathleen Liechtenstein shared that the full orchestra will remain onstage for the entire show.
Peter and the Wolf by Repertory Philippines
The first half of the program features Peter and the Wolf, the musical tale by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. In this piece, each character is represented by a distinct instrument: the bird by a flute, the duck by an oboe, the cat by a clarinet, the grandfather by a bassoon, the wolf by horns, and Peter by the strings.
According to REP Artistic Director Jeremy Domingo, their version will take the form of a musical theater dance drama. “Rooted in tradition, it’s an introduction to symphonic music for children. We’re bringing in a musical theater element with movement, with narration, and bringing you something unique and exciting that you’ve never quite seen before,” he said.
The cast will feature a mix of theater actors and ballet dancers. Six performers will portray the human characters—Raja Miclat-Janssen (in his stage debut) as Peter, four hunters, and the grandfather—while BP dancers will take on the roles of the principal animals: the wolf, duck, bird, and cat. An ensemble of six to eight core dancers will complete the cast.
Although billed as a musical theater production, Domingo clarified that there won’t be any singing or traditional dialogue apart from narration. “The highlight of Peter and the Wolf is really the symphony,” he explained. “It’s a 20-minute children’s piece by Prokofiev, which was designed to really introduce children to classical music. But the element of staging and movement will be incorporated in this symphonic musical theater piece with ballet elements.”
To prepare for the hybrid format, REP will be holding acting workshops for BP’s ballerinas to strengthen their acting skills.
Little Red Riding Hood by Ballet Philippines
The second half of the program features Little Red Riding Hood, a new choreographic interpretation by BP Artistic Director Misha Martynyuk. Featuring the compositions of French conductor Camille Saint-Saens and Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, the ballet offers a playful reimagining of the Charles Perrault fairy tale, in which a young girl discovers the power of kindness.
Martynyuk noted the story’s wide global reach. “Around the world, I found around 100 versions,” he shared. “This features new choreography and a new interpretation.”
Liechtenstein adds, “Misha put together his new choreography, his new music [arrangement]– the composition of the old masters put together, and that entirety of a new production set, all totally new.”
A Full Program and a Broader Mission
The program opens with a four-minute overture by the MSO, titled Prokofiev and Friends. This is followed by the 30-minute performance of Peter and the Wolf, a 15-minute intermission, and then the 40-minute ballet Little Red Riding Hood. The evening concludes with an epilogue that ties both pieces together.
Beyond its artistic ambition, the production is also rooted in advocacy. As part of its outreach initiative, seats will be made available free of charge to families from selected barangays—giving underserved communities the chance to experience live performance, many for the first time. According to Liechtenstein, the collaboration aims to provide around 1,000 complimentary tickets through the combined efforts of BP, REP, and MSO.
“This initiative is about more than just performance—it’s about access, education, and inspiring the next generation,” said Perez-Rubio, Liechtenstein, and MSO Executive Director Jeffrey Solares in a joint statement. “By opening our doors to families from across the community, we hope to spark a lifelong love for the arts.”
The show runs for five performances only: August 1, 8 PM, and August 2 and 3 at 2 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are P4,107 (Orchestra Center), P3,347.50 (Orchestra Sides), P2,410.20 (Orchestra Back), P2,008.50 (Premium Gold), P1,071.20 (Balcony 1), and P803.40 (Balcony 2), which are available via Ticketworld.
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