Acclaimed films and novels find a new form (and audience) through various stage adaptations this month
We’ve seen (and loved) a good number of stage-to-screen, screen-to-stage adaptations lately, and if you’re excited to see more of this crossover of mediums, you’re in luck this March. This month’s theatrical lineup features stage adaptations of acclaimed films and books, as well as a much-awaited jukebox musical, and reruns of soldout shows from last year.
“Anino sa Likod ng Buwan”
IdeaFirst
Mar. 1 to 23
PETA Theater Center, Quezon City
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This three-character drama was first developed as a play, before being produced as a film in 2015. Jun Robles Lana takes the riveting piece back to the stage for a staging starring Martin del Rosario, Ross Pesigan, and Elora Espano.
“Kisapmata”
Tanghalang Pilipino
Mar. 7 to 30
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex, Pasay City
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Adapted from Mike de Leon’s 1981 film of the same name, which itself was inspired by National Artist Nick Joaquin’s crime reportage “The House on Zapote Street,” it is a psychological horror following the unraveling of what seems to be a “perfect” family. This stage version is adapted by Guelan Varela-Luarca and the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company.
“Liwanag sa Dilim”
9Works Theatrical
Mar. 7 to Apr. 13
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City
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The long-awaited original jukebox musical featuring the songs of Rico Blanco will finally hit the stage this March. The story follows Elesi, an orphan who seeks to find and understand his past. In this journey, he meets and befriends Cris, who joins him in fighting for justice. As can be gleaned from Blanco’s songs, we can expect the story to carry notes of love in all forms: for oneself, for others, and for the country. The musical will be headlined by Khalil Ramos, Anthony Rosaldo, CJ Navato, Vien King, Alexa Ilacad, and Nicole Omillo.
“Othello”
Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (CAST)
Mar. 7 to 16
The Mirror Studio, SJG Building, Kalayaan Ave., Makati City
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CAST’s adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy “Othello” returns to the stage this March. This staging retains its text but puts the classic into a modern setting, highlighting timeless themes of deception, jealousy, discrimination, and violence, both inside and outside the home. With its hyperintimate staging of only 100 seats per show, CAST’s “Othello” promises a deeply engaging and affecting theatrical experience.
“Para Kay B”
LA Production House and Fire & Ice Live
Mar. 14 to 30
Doreen Black Box Theater, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
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Another Ricky Lee masterpiece gets the theatrical treatment: this time, it’s his bestselling novel, “Para Kay B,” adapted by Ejay Castro Deldoc and directed by Yong Tapang, Jr. The premise revolves around a writer’s theory, that for every five people who fall in love, only one can be truly happy. Both the novel and the play explore five love stories that touch on the different experiences and sides of love as well as all the other emotions that come with it.
“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”
Repertory Philippines
Until Mar. 9
REP Theater, Eastwood CityWalk, Eastwood City
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Modern love may be challenging, but that doesn’t mean it has to be upsetting all the time. That’s what the two-hour musical revue “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” offers.
READ: The highs and lows of modern love summed up in a 2-hour musical revue
Dedma
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