Based on classic tales, these currently running theater productions give a fresh take on the beloved stories
This season’s theater productions see us witnessing the many faces of love, revolution, and going against the odds. These works are also derived from classics such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Cyrano de Bergerac” to more local titles like the F. Sionil Jose novel “Tree,” and the cult favorite late 2000s film, “One More Chance.” Despite their classic bases, expect fresh takes on these beloved stories as they are translated for the stage.
Here are shows you can watch from August to September:
Mula sa Buwan
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
Aug. 16 to Sept. 8
Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Makati City
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This well-loved story of love and defiance returns to the stage in what may just be its most cinematic staging yet. This 2024 restaging is ambitious in scale, with a more streamlined approach to the story of Cyrano as he and his fellow young misfits, lovers, and dreamers navigate life in the Philippines on the brink of war.
READ: Must-eats in Makati according to the cast of ‘Mula sa Buwan’
One More Chance
PETA
Aug. 22 to Oct. 27
PETA Theater Center, Quezon City
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If you missed your chance to catch the story of Popoy and Basha unfold on stage, don’t fret. Here’s your second chance: “One More Chance” the musical featuring the songs of Ben&Ben will run again at the PETA Theater Center from August to October.
The Half-Life of Marie Curie
MusicArtes
Aug. 23 to 30
Doreen Black Box Theater, Arete, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
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We know Marie Curie for her work in the fields of physics and chemistry, but this play revolves around a more personal aspect of the Nobel Prize-winning scientist’s life. “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” follows Curie as she recovers from a demoralizing scandal with the help of her friend, electromagnetic engineer and suffragette Hertha Ayrton. The play touches on themes of female friendships, women empowerment, and of course, women in science.
Once on This Island
9Works Theatrical
Sept. 6 to 29
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City
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This coming-of-age, one-act musical is based on the novel “My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl” by Rosa Guy, which itself was a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” set in the French Antilles. “Once on This Island” is considered one of the Broadway classics.
Grace
Encore Theater
Sept. 6 to 15
Doreen Black Box Theater, Arete, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
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The late Floy Quintos’ final masterpiece is having a rerun, this time to be staged in Ateneo. “Grace” is a stage retelling of the religious controversy surrounding an alleged miraculous apparition in Lipa.
READ: A masterclass in storytelling, Floy Quintos’ ‘Grace’ is both veneration and scrutiny of faith
Balete
Tanghalang Pilipino
Sept. 13 to Oct. 6
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex, Pasay City
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Tanghalang Pilipino starts its 38th season with “Balete,” based on National Artist F. Sionil Jose’s novel “Tree.” While this is not the first ever production of “Balete,” this 2024 version of the play is a devised work in collaboration with the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, using both the original novel and the adaptation written by award-winning playwright Rody Vera. It features the TP Actors Company and Nonie Buencamino (who, interestingly, was also a pioneering member of the TP Actors Company).
Twenty Questions
Theatre Titas
Sept. 6 to 7
Kota Study Center, Davao
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After several sold-out runs in Manila for its 20th anniversary, Juan Ekis’ two-hander about love, relationships, and intimacy will be staged in Davao. Once again starring Isabelle Prado and Jel Tarun, “Twenty Questions” will be on a limited, one weekend only run in September.
