The “ber” months are officially here, which, as we all know, means it’s Christmas season! And while you might be thinking that it’s too early for holiday wishlists, on behalf of all the theater fans, let me tell you: You can never be too early to give us a gift—that is, by taking us to the theater.
September is packed with musicals and plays that tug at every emotion. Here are some shows to add to your watch-slash-wishlist.
“The Notebook: The Musical”
Theatre Group AsiaSept. 3 to 20Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati, Makati City
Based on the iconic 1996 Nicholas Sparks novel and the 2004 film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, “The Notebook: The Musical” follows the romance of Noah and Allie across various stages of their lives, anchored by memories of their love story in a notebook. In fact, this enduring story has been considered one of the greatest modern romances.
The musical—written and composed by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, with book by Bekah Brunstetter—will be making its international premiere this month. It stars Celeste Legaspi as Older Allie, Rody Vera as Older Noah, Morissette as Middle Allie, Laurence Mossman as Middle Noah, Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie, and Benedix Ramos as Young Noah.
“Muli: An OPM Musical”
From the creators of “Sa Wakas,” presented by FlipMusicSept. 11 to 27Globe Auditorium, BGC Arts Center, Bonifacio Global City
A musical that promises to be as moving and poignant as it can be funny, “Muli” explores love, loss, forgotten dreams, sacrifice, and ultimately, the what-ifs. It stars Gawad Buhay award-winning actress Kakki Teodoro as Anita, a 42-year-old housewife who set aside her pop star dreams as a teenager, and Janine Teñoso as Kath, the daughter who can’t help but wonder if she was the reason.
“Bongga Ka ‘Day: The Annie Batungbakal Musical”
Full House Theater CompanySept. 18 to OctoberNewport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City
“Bongga Ka ‘Day” is for those up for a nostalgia trip. The musical—based on the songs of iconic ‘70s band Hotdog—is set to take audiences back to the heyday of Manila Sound. It follows Annie Batungbakal, a sales clerk who “sneaks into the glamorous disco scene to chase her dream of becoming a fashion designer.”
It stars Atasha Muhlach as Annie Batungbakal, along with Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo, who will alternate as Romer Pasion—a flight attendant and heir to House of Pasion, where Annie works.
“Sayaw ng Mga Ilaw”
Tanghalang PilipinoSept. 18 to Oct. 11Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex, Pasay City
Part of Tanghalang Pilipino’s 40th season, “Sayaw ng Mga Ilaw” is a story for young audiences that’s based on the International Board on Books for Young People honoree of the same title. At the center of the story is Laya (played by alternates Wincess Jem Yana and Annika Co), a young girl who dreams of learning the traditional Pandanggo dance with the help of her older sister.
The story takes a turn as their father, a construction worker, fails to return home. Amid loss, grief, and healing, Laya learns how dance—and the love of family—can give hope.
“Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper”
Repertory Philippines (Repertory Theater for Young Audiences)Running until DecemberREP Eastwood Theater
Everyone knows the timeless tale of Cinderella, but it doesn’t make her story of making dreams come true any less charming.
Repertory Philippines’ offering features a new staging meant to be more engaging for its young audience. The long-running children’s theater production will feature actress-singer Katie Bradshaw, Swiss Filipina dancer, singer, and figure skater Ornella Brianna, alongside Ateneo Blue Repertory alumna and Star Magic trainee, Julia Santiago, in the role of Cinderella.
“The Effect”
Company of Actors in Streamlined Theater (CAST PH)Sept. 19 to 27Doreen Blackbox Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
From a staged reading in 2025, CAST PH brings “The Effect” to a full staging this year. The 2012 play—written by British playwright Lucy Prebble—revolves around Connie and Tristan, volunteers for a clinical drug trial. Throughout the course of the trial, the two fall in love, which throws off the experiment.
Directed by Sarah Facuri, CAST’s “The Effect” stars Sue Ramirez as Connie, Brian Sy as Tristan, Dean Daniel Rosen as Dr. Toby Sealy, and Cathy Azanza-Dy as Dr. Lorna James.
“Bantayog: Alaala at Gunita” (staged readings)
Scene Change and AreteSept. 19 and 20 (“Villa” by Guillermo Calderon)Sept. 26 and 27 (“Desaparesidos” by Lualhati Bautista)Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati, Makati City
This staged reading cycle by Scene Change tackles the themes of Martial Law, disappearance, and remembering through the plays “Villa” (by Chilean playwright Guillermo Calderon, translated and directed by Giancarlo Abrahan) and “Desaparesidos” based on the novel by Lualhati Bautista and adapted to the stage by Guelan Valera-Luarca.