For some reason, all the children’s activities and shows in the metro seem to get crammed into the last two months of the year. Or maybe it just feels that way because as the year comes to an end, we try to find ways to make the coming Christmas season more memorable by spending extra time with our families.
Knowing this, attractions pop up all over the city, giving us more options. One of my favorite ways to spend time with my kids is to find a good show that we can all enjoy.
Time flew right by and now, we are right smack in the middle of November. Unfortunately, I have already missed Ballet Manila’s “The Nutcracker.” I was looking forward to taking my daughter to this show, but I guess I will have to wait until next year.
Before we miss any more shows, here is a list. Be sure to check online for discounts and promotions. Some shows offer 20 percent discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and 50 percent discount for students; they also have various promotions in cooperation with different credit cards.
1. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”—A classic offering, this is a great way to introduce young children to the world of theater, as Repertory Philippines’ Children’s Theater shows usually have interactive portions to entertain even the smallest of viewers, and features stories they know and love.
Date: Aug. 15-Dec. 10
Venue: Onstage, Greenbelt 1
Ticket prices: P400-P600
2. “The Horse and His Boy”— For all C.S. Lewis’ fans, this is the follow-up to “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and is also based on the famous “Chronicles of Narnia.” This is the facinating tale of Shasta, the orphan, and Bree, the talking horse, and their adventures on their quest for freedom.
Date: Nov. 6-22
Venue: Meralco Theatre
Ticket prices: P836 -P2,090
Classics
3. “Secret Garden”—This classic Frances Hodgson Burnett novel about a young boy’s road to recovery through the friendship that blossoms within the walls of a garden, tucked away due to a tragic accident, is a great way to introduce the youth of today to some classic pieces of literature that have endured the test of time. It is brought to life by Repertory Philippines, home of many of the Philippines’ best artists, founded by the legendary Zeneida Amador.
Date: Nov. 20-Dec. 20
Venue: Onstage Theatre, Greenbelt 1
Ticket prices: P522.50- P1,045
4. Edna Vida Froilan’s “Peter Pan”—There’s no need for any introduction to this famous children’s tale of the boy who never grows up. Take the afternoon off and head for the second star on the right, and sail on until the morning to reach the land of pixie dust, pirates and lost boys as interpreted by the superbly talented dancers of Ballet Philippines in this, their holiday offering. Personally, I can’t wait to see this one as it promises excellent choreography and impressive “flying” scenes!
Date: Dec. 4-13
Venue: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)
Ticket prices: P412-P1,545
5. “Prinsipeng Munti”—It seems Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” never grows old, continuously being introduced to new generations. The book’s famous message— that “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye”—has resonated with readers on a universal level everywhere which is why, since its publication in 1943, it has sold over 140 million copies and been translated into over 250 languages.
Tanghalang Pilipino’s version combines theater arts, music and shadow play or puppetry to tell the well-loved story, the Filipino way.
Date: Dec. 9-13
Venue: Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater)
Ticket prices: P1,030- P1,236
6. “Hi-5 House Of Dreams”— “One—Two—Three—Four—Hi-Five!” For the first five years or so, this was practically the theme song in our home as both our children sang and danced to Hi-5 songs endlessly. The shows are not unlike a regular rock concert, where the viewers are all on their feet, singing, cheering and running up and down the aisles to get a closer look at their idols—except that in this case, they’re all about 3-feet tall.
Date: Dec. 18-21
Venue: Newport Performing Arts Theatre, Resorts World Manila
Ticket prices: P2,400-P4,500
Bayanihan
7. “Fiesta Folklariada”—When I saw the advertisement for this show, I was intrigued by the title. In fact, I assumed it was a Filipino folk show (which would have been a wonderful treat on its own!) but this one-night-only show, presented by The Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, will actually showcase not just our country’s famous dances but those of other countries, as well as their way of promoting friendship and international cultural understanding.
Date: Dec. 20, 8 p.m.
Venue: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)
Ticket prices: P309-P515
8. “Disney on Ice”—No holiday season in Manila is complete without this iconic show that has been proudly running every year for over 20 years. Disney princesses, villains and other childhood favorites skate, twirl and dance into the hearts of children and children at heart alike. This year, they will be bringing Elsa and Anna from “Frozen.”
Date: Dec. 25, 2015-Jan. 3, 2016
Venue: Smart Araneta Coliseum
Ticket prices: P175-P2,200
Apart from these awesome shows, we also have an amazing lineup for 2016 as early as now. I am sure many of us are looking forward to the return of “Les Miserables” to Philippine shores. Twenty-three years ago, it was staged perfectly by Repertory Philippines under the direction of the great Amador, complete with the famous revolving stage.
Date: March 11, 2016
Venue: The Theatre, Solaire Ticket prices: P1,750-P7,000
There will also be a “Kids’ Fest” featuring three shows adapted from classic tales for children to enjoy. Two of them, “The Gruffalo” and “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” have actually been shown locally already, but will be back next year due to popular demand. Meanwhile, “Aliens Love Underpants” is a new offering from ABA productions that will be shown in the Philippines for the first time through the Kids’ Fest.
1. The Gruffalo
Date: Jan. 27-31, 2016
Venue: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza
Ticket prices: P1,000-P2,500
2. “Aliens Love Underpants”
Date: Jan. 28-31, 2016
Venue: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza
Ticket prices: P1,000-P2,500
3. “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo”
Date: Feb. 5-7, 2016
Venue: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza
Ticket prices: P1,000-P2,500
I hope this list helps you find a show that you and your whole family can enjoy!