Happy World Theater Day! The Philippine theater industry is stronger than ever with back-to-back productions running in various stages across the metro. As we get into the full swing of the year’s second quarter (and the heat of summer!), here are some of the hottest shows lined up for the year’s theater calendar.
Miss Saigon
GMG Productions and GWB Entertainment
Mar. 23 to May 12
The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque
The long-running musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil has arrived in Manila, a city with which it has also shared a long history. “Miss Saigon” is known to be one of the shows that have launched many Filipinos’ musical theater careers abroad.
“Miss Saigon” is an adaptation of the opera “Madama Butterfly,” set during the Vietnam War. This touring production stars a number of Filipinos and part-Filipinos in the cast, including Abigail Adriano as Kim, Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, and Kiara Dario as Gigi.
Pingkian: Isang Musikal
Tanghalang Pilipino
April 12
GSIS Theater, Pasay City
The historical musical based on Emilio Jacinto’s life and works returns one final time to the stage at a new venue: GSIS Theater. The final show day will have performances at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
[READ: History and revolution sound hip with ‘Pingkian’’s rock treatment]
One More Chance
Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)
Apr. 12 to June 16
PETA Theater Center, Quezon City
@nolisoli.ph are we ready for all the feels 🥲🥲🥲🎭🎭🎭 #PETAOneMoreChance #PETAOMCTheMusical #OMCXBenAndBen #nolisoliph ♬ original sound – Nolisoli.ph
One of the most beloved Filipino films, “One More Chance,” meets the music of one of the biggest local bands today, Ben&Ben, for a feels-filled musical by PETA. It still largely follows the story of Popoy and Basha that we all know and love but infused with elements that make this story one that is relevant and relatable to the 2024 audience. It is said to also highlight one’s self-agency, empowerment, and mental health, framed by the iconic love story.
Rent
9Works Theatrical
Apr. 19 to June
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati
The iconic rock musical by Jonathan Larson returns to the stage. Loosely based on the opera “La Boheme,” “Rent” is set in New York in the ’90s. Although this story of love, life, and hope (from which of course we all know the national anthem of musical theater, “Seasons of Love”) was first staged 30 years ago, this new Manila production promises to remain relatable to today’s audiences. After all, it is an ever-relatable story of young adults navigating the ups and downs of life, friendship, love, and their dreams.
Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba
Dulaang UP
Apr. 19 to May 5
IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
Adapted from the short story “How Rosang Taba Won a Race,” the play takes a look into themes of strength, self-confidence, and a sense of nationalism in the face of oppressors. It is set during the Spanish colonial era, and follows how Rosang Taba, one of the hired help at the house of the Spanish Governor-General, challenges the proud and pompous army commandant to a race to prove that Filipinos are not the lazy, disrespectful, cowardly, and divided people he claims them to be. This fun but meaningful play is apt for Filipinos of all ages–young and young at heart.
Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical
Full House Theater Company
Apr. 26 to June 8
Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts
@nolisoli.ph the multiverse in parokya ni edgar’s hits come together in this musical that promises to be full of fun and surprises 🎭 #buruguduystunstugudunstuy #nolisoliph @NWR Musicals ♬ original sound – Nolisoli.ph
The jukebox musical featuring the songs of Parokya ni Edgar takes the various characters and worlds in the band’s discography and transforms it into its own “Parokyaverse”—here, four women of different backgrounds have their lives intersect by circumstances. They are taken on an adventure that shows them self-discovery, resilience, and the forging of unbreakable bonds.
Twenty Questions
Theatre Titas
Apr. 26 to 28
The Mirror Studio, Poblacion, Makati
After its sold-out 20th anniversary performances in 2023, “Twenty Questions” returns once more for a limited run. This fresh, Gen Z-fied approach to Juan Ekis’ “Twenty Questions” puts the spotlight on important conversations about love, relationships, and intimacy. This run features Jel Tarun as Jigs and Isabelle Prado as Yumi.
[READ: ‘Twenty Questions’ probes the idea of intimacy through conversation]
The production is also for the benefit of Anihan Technical School, which helps financially challenged young girls with guaranteed employment after they finish senior high school or a two-year vocational course in quick-service restaurant operations. Graduates of Anihan are also equipped to either start their own micro-business or pursue higher college degrees.
Bar Boys
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
May 3 to 19
Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati
“Bar Boys” is the musical adaptation of the 2017 Cinemalaya film of the same title. It follows four friends who not only prepare for the biggest exam of their lives–the bar–but also face other tests in their lives, friendships, family, and convictions.