This month’s theater shows take us from intimate stagings to fantastical settings, all with compelling stories
No signs of slowing down for our local theater scene as we have seven (seven!) productions running throughout October. It’s a compelling mix of classics like Shakespeare’s “Othello” as well as more modern, original Filipino hits like “Bar Boys: A New Musical.”
Here’s what you should catch on stage this October.
Bar Boys: A New Musical
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
Oct. 4 to Nov. 3
Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati, Makati City
Court is back in session because “Bar Boys: A New Musical” is returning to the stage this October. Follow four boys through their law school journey as they discover more about life, law, society, love, and what it takes to achieve their dreams.
This original musical based on the film of the same name just recently earned 18 citations in the second round of Gawad Buhay citations, including Outstanding Book, Outstanding Score, Outstanding Stage Direction, and Outstanding Musical.
READ: ‘Bar Boys’ original musical: Remarkable beyond reasonable doubt
Othello
Company of Actors in Streamlined Theater (CAST)
Oct. 4 to 13
The Mirror Studio, SJG Center, Makati City
A tragedy with themes of prejudice, deception, love, manipulation, and jealousy, “Othello” is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular works. Its focus on the effects of human ambition and desire (especially for power) make it relatable, even more than 400 years since it was first written. Staged by CAST, this hyper-intimate production allows for an audience of only 100 per show.
Content warning: “Othello” contains scenes depicting violence against women, substance abuse, simulated gunshots, racist language, murder, and suicide. Viewer discretion is advised.
Six The Musical
GMG Productions
Oct. 4 to 20
The Theatre at Solaire, Aseana Ave., Parañaque City
History and pop girl power collide in this concert-format musical featuring the six ex-wives of England’s King Henry VIII. Each queen tells their side of the history (or rather, herstory), reclaiming the narrative to become known as a woman in their own right, more than just as “Henry VIII’s ex-wife.” Winning Best Musical Score at the Tony Awards and Outstanding Music and Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards, “Six The Musical” is a theatrical expression of women empowerment in the style of your favorite pop girls (think Adele, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, and Beyonce).
Jepoy and the Magic Circle
Repertory Philippines
Oct. 5 to 20
REP Eastwood Theater, Eastwood Mall, Quezon City
An original musical for young audiences, “Jepoy and the Magic Circle” is based on Gilda Cordero-Fernando’s Palanca Award-winning story, “The Magic Circle.” It features a young boy named Jepoy, who, in search of his dad with his dog, enters the whimsical balete world and befriends kapres, aswangs, and endangered animals.
Request sa Radyo
Oct. 10 to 20
Samsung Performing Arts Center, Circuit Makati, Makati City
A wordless play on how a middle-aged OFW navigates a life of loneliness, “Request sa Radyo” is a play that borders on performance art. The one-woman play will be performed in alternating performances by award-winning actresses Lea Salonga and Dolly De Leon.
READ: Lea Salonga and Dolly De Leon on ‘Request sa Radyo’ and lessons learned
One More Chance: The Musical
Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)
Until Oct. 27
PETA Theater Center, Quezon City
The musical that marries Pinoy cult favorite movie “One More Chance” with the emotion-filled folk pop tunes of Ben&Ben is back on stage. The rerun comes with tighter storytelling and more impressive choreography but still bears all the hard-hitting dialogue (and a few updated punchlines).
It has also recently garnered 16 citations from the second round of citations for the 15th Gawad Buhay awards.
Balete
Tanghalang Pilipino
Until Oct. 6
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex, Pasay City
An adaptation of National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose’s novel “Tree,” “Balete” is a solemn telling and commentary on class differences, privilege, guilt, and the plight of victims of social inequality. A masterclass in acting, it features award-winning actor Nonie Buencamino and the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company.
READ: Tanghalang Pilipino designated as national performing arts company, launches 38th season