Theater is for everyone, and the lineup of shows for the next few months is proof. There’s a wide variety of productions you can catch all across the metro this September and October, so if you, dear theater fan, are looking for that perfect production that will cater to your friend group, here are suggestions:
For the Broadway stans
Tick, tick… BOOM!
Until September 3
9 Works Theatrical
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati
Based on Jonathan Larson’s rock monologue, the three-piece musical follows the story of Jon, a promising young musical composer on the cusp of turning 30. He deals with the pressure of adulthood while navigating his relationships and trying to write the next great American musical. Relatable especially for all the young creatives out there.
[READ: On turning thirty and coming of age through ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’]
Hamilton
September 17 to November 26
GMG Productions
The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque
The award-winning historical rap musical on one of America’s forgotten founding fathers is finally making its way to Philippine shores this September. The musical will be making its Manila stop from September to November. It will feature an international touring cast. Rachelle Ann Go, who played Eliza Schuyler in the West End run, will also be reprising her role.
The Last Five Years
September 29 to October
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative—hot off the heels of “Pride Plays”—just announced that they will be staging Jason Robert Brown’s hit Off-Broadway musical “The Last Five Years,” headlined by husband-wife tandem Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon. The show is set to open on Sept. 29.
“The Last Five Years” follows the story of a young married couple through the last five years of their marriage. It’s told in two opposite but converging timelines.
For the proudly Filipino
Bawat Bonggang Bagay
September 15 to 24
The Sandbox Collective
Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC
Following the sold-out run of Sandbox Fest last July, The Sandbox Collective is bringing back “Bawat Bonggang Bagay,” the Filipino translation of Duncan Macmillan’s “Every Brilliant Thing.”
Starring acclaimed actor, impersonator, and comedy icon Jon Santos, “Bawat Bonggang Bagay” takes audiences on an interactive narrative and discussion on mental health, told through a Filipino and queer lens. Expect lots of laughs and tears.
Anak Datu
September 29 to October 15
Tanghalang Pilipino
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater), CCP Complex, Manila
Winner of the 13th Gawad Buhay Awards for Outstanding Play, Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Anak Datu” will be restaged this September. The play is adapted from the short story written by National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao.
[READ: ‘Anak Datu’ is a brave telling of the crucial stories of Muslim Mindanao]
Rama, Hari
September 15 and 16 (Metropolitan Theater, Manila)
September 22 and 23 (Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Makati)
The Sanskrit epic Ramayana is turned into a Filipino modern rock opera ballet through a collaboration of National Artists Alice Reyes, Ryan Cayabyab, Salvador Bernal, Bienvenido Lumbera, and Rolando Tinio. Among the cast are Arman Ferrer, Vien King, Karylle Tatlonghari, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Poppert Bernadas, Audie Gemora, Miah Canton, Raflesia Bravo, Katrine Sunga, Paw Castillo, and Jon Abella.
Walang Aray
October 6 to 22
PETA
PETA Theater Center, Quezon City
The “Walang Sugat” comedy musical tribute returns to the stage this October. Side-splitting humor, kilig-inducing lines, and catchy song numbers fill this tale set during the Philippine revolution. Cast members Gio Gahol, Marynor Madamesila, Shaira Opsimar, and Jon Abella will also return to reprise their roles for this limited run.
[READ: ‘Walang Aray’ is a fun and riotous look at the well-worn tale of revolution]
Silver Lining
October 20 to 29
Rockitwell Studios and MusicArtes Inc.
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati
This new, original musical follows three friends from an exclusive all boys’ school, who have formed a band to perform at their Golden Anniversary Homecoming. The friends, now in their senior years, have enlisted the help of their wives and teenage children for the performance—only to be told, after rehearsing for a year, that they will only be given time to perform three numbers during the homecoming. They then decide to create a musical instead, and as they prepare, they relive memories from their teenage years.
The musical is written by Galerie Joaquin’s Jack Teotico and Palanca awardee Joshua Lim So. It will be directed by PETA Artistic Director Maribel Legarda, with musical direction by Vince Lim.
For the next generation of theater kids
Snow White and the Prince
September 16 to December 17
Repertory Philippines
Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati
Repertory Philippines is finally putting on the production of “Snow White and the Prince” for their Repertory Theater for Young Audiences. The classic tale was originally slated for their 2020 season. Among the upcoming production’s cast are Jillian Ita-as, Kiara Dario, MC Dela Cruz, Rapah Manalo, Neo Rivera, Carla Guevara Laforteza, and more.
For those who love a good think-piece
Uncle Jane
September 2, 3, 8, 10
Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (C.A.S.T.)
The Mirror Studio, Makati
C.A.S.T.’s “Uncle Jane,” an adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” will also be having a rerun this September. It’s a contemplative piece on hopelessness (and hope). The original Chekhov play is often described as a tragicomedy depicting family drama, lauded for its characters that, at the time, greatly reflected the audience.
This adaptation, which enjoyed sold-out performances in February, will once again feature the same cast members, and will also include a few tweaks and updates to the material.
Red
September 1 to 3
The Necessary Theatre
PETA Theater Center, Quezon City
After its run in June, The Necessary Theatre’s “Red” will return for another limited run on the first weekend of September. “Red” tells the story of real-life artist Mark Rothko at the peak of his career, and how a particular project has him face important questions on the value of art, told through the lens of his assistant.