They started off as childhood friends in Kitchen Musical. She had enrolled and graduated from a posh culinary school in Paris and decided to work at her father’s famous restaurant, where she found him working as a dancing and singing sous chef.

Things got a bit more complicated after that. In Rama Hari, they found themselves crossing paths again when she, as his submissive wife, was abducted by an evil king. Eventually, they grew even closer when he reclaimed her freedom and eventually the kingdom.

Nowadays, she simply tends to the house, sweeping dust off the cinder, while answering to her stepsisters’ and stepmother’s every whim. He, on the other hand, is a prince who has developed a strange habit of dressing as a commoner hoping to find his one true love.

And when these two finally meet again, the encounter will certainly be nothing short of magical!

With Karylle Tatlonghari and Christian Bautista having already worked together on a number of theater and TV productions, the two matinee idols have inevitably formulated an explosive chemistry that makes sparks fly every time they perform together.

Playing alongside each other since 2011’s Kitchen Musical TV series and 2012’s Rama Hari, Karylle and Christian reunite once again this 2013 for Resorts World Manila’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, starting October 9 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

“Karylle and I are set to re-discover ourselves here in Cinderella, despite having worked together for so long,” beamed Christian who will be playing Prince Christopher in the musical.

“It’s always a good support system whenever you’re around people in theater,” offered Karylle who plays the lead role. “With the long hours we work together, the bond becomes even stronger especially with such familiar faces as Christian’s,” she added.

Though just a few months into rehearsals, the palpable chemistry between the two has been reportedly evident as both have manifested their excitement in playing their respective roles for Resorts World Manila’s fourth theater offering.

“I really expressed my interest for the role,” confessed Christian. “I like being a part of Resorts World Manila productions as I admire their consistency in delivering such large-scale productions such as this one,” he added.

For Karylle, playing the part of Cinderella is sort of a dream come true. “Anyone can be a princess in her own way. But the positive message we want to relay with this Cinderella is that everyone is beautiful inside, and we should learn to embrace that. We should be open to the fact that everything is in fact possible,” she said.

For the production, Karylle and Christian will be joined by a roster of seasoned thespians and a few up-and-coming theater stars who will all pitch in for what promises to be a magical telling of a beloved and timeless classic.

At the helm is veteran stage actor/director Michael Williams, while supporting the leads are no less than the First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Pinky Marquez, Sweet Plantado, Singapore-based theater star Julia Abueva, and rising stage actors Justine Peña and Fred Lo, among others.

“In our continuing advocacy to promote the Filipino talent and performing arts culture in the country, Resorts World Manila is again proud to present our fourth major production, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” said RWM’s Chief Entertainment Officer Colin Kerr. “Resorts World Manila promises to wow audiences anew with this unique take on a beloved classic. With its large-scale sets, superb musical score by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, and of course an all-Filipino cast of stage greats acclaimed both here and abroad, Cinderella is another surefire triumph in the making,” Kerr added.

And anchoring on Karylle and Christian’s chemistry, their reunion in Cinderella will definitely be a magical experience every theater fan should witness.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella opens on October 9, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. For more information, visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitors Hotline at (632) 908-8833.