‘Sleeping Beauty’ by Ballet Manila Returns This March
Ballet Manila’s Sleeping Beauty, directed and choreographed by the company’s artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja Elizalde, returns for a limited run from March 13 to 15 at the Aliw Theater. All performances will be accompanied by the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) under the baton of Russian conductor Maestro Alexander Vikulov.
This production marks a milestone for both companies, opening Ballet Manila’s 40th performance season, titled The Prima Performance Season, and MSO’s centennial season.
Macuja Elizalde’s Sleeping Beauty premiered in 2020, concluding the prima ballerina’s princess trilogy after Cinderella and Snow White.
Macuja Elizalde shared her excitement about the special appearances of other fairy-tale princesses in Sleeping Beauty. “In this iteration of Sleeping Beauty, Aurora will be joined by Cinderella and Snow White onstage, so it’s really fun to imagine having them together onstage,” she said.
The show runs on March 13 at 8 PM; March 14 at 5 PM; and March 15 at 5 PM at the Aliw Theater, with the following cast schedule:
March 13, 8 PM: Shamira Drapete as Aurora; Joshua Enciso as Prince Desiree; Abigail Oliveiro as the Lilac Fairy; Stephanie Santiago as Maleficent. Mark Sumaylo and Rissa Camaclang will play the King and Queen in all performances.
March 14, 5 PM: Pia Dames as Aurora; Noah Esplana as Prince Desiree; Stephanie Santiago as the Lilac Fairy; Abigail Oliveiro as Maleficent.
March 15, 5 PM: Shaira Comeros as Aurora; David Andes as Prince Desiree; Abigail Oliveiro as the Lilac Fairy; Stephanie Santiago as Maleficent.
Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66, this version offers a flashback to Princess Aurora’s story, suggesting that her heart had already awakened to love even before the fateful sleep. The ballet opens with the Dance of Aurora, a portrait of her youthful grace and innocence that sets the emotional tone of the work.
“It is such a delight that we are performing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra,” Macuja Elizalde added. “Playing the original music of Tchaikovsky makes it even more special, and I look forward to sharing this with everyone.”
MSO president Maan Hontiveros reflected on the collaboration, noting that the milestone reminds audiences that music feeds the soul—and when joined with ballet, it creates a legacy that endures.
“Lisa has been a steadfast supporter of the orchestra, and her vision has helped bring this partnership to life in ways that honor both tradition and innovation,” Hontiveros said.
While Ballet Manila has collaborated with the MSO since 2011, the partnership remains strong. “Lisa has always been part of the life of the Manila Symphony Orchestra,” Hontiveros added. “While there was a hiatus during the pandemic, it’s very timely that we’re back doing a joint performance once again as we celebrate our 100th year. We’re grateful to Lisa and Fred (Elizalde), who are ever-present in our performances.”
Tickets are priced at P3,090 (center) and P1,545 (sides) and are available via TicketWorld.
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