Theater is definitely back, as evidenced by the slew of sold-out runs from the brave companies who opened 2022’s stages, both popular and experimental. And now the show is set to keep going as more theater companies are now ready to welcome audiences to their first live productions post-pandemic.
Here are just some shows to watch out for for the remaining months of the year:
Anak Datu
Tanghalang Pilipino
Sept. 23, 24, 30, Oct. 1, 2, 7, 8 at 8 p.m.
Sept. 24, 25, Oct. 2, 3, 8, 9, at 3 p.m.
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater)
“Anak Datu” is a play adapted from the short story of the same name written by National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao. Aside from integrating the short story, playwright Rody Vera and director Chris Millado also incorporate elements and events of Mindanao’s conflict-ridden history within the plot, along with details from the lives of Imao’s family. Artist Toym Imao, son of the National Artist, also works on the play as its set designer.
Tickets available through Ticket2Me or by contacting the CCP Box Office at +632-88323704 or +632-88321125 local 1409.
We Will Rock You
GMG Productions
Oct. 27 to 30, Nov. 1 to 6, 8 to 13, 15 to 20
Samsung Performing Arts Theater
Opening and making its first stop in Manila, “We Will Rock You” is an international touring musical featuring the songs of Queen. The musical follows two revolutionaries off to save rock and roll in a post-apocalyptic world.
Tickets available through TicketWorld.
Carousel
Repertory Philippines
Nov. 26, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 (evening)
Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 8, 10, 11, 17, 18 (matinee/afternoon)
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater)
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” is one of REP’s postponed musicals from 2020. Starring Gian Magdangal and Karylle, the musical tells the story of Billy Bigelow, a carousel barker, who falls in love with millworker Julie Jordan. Their romance costs them their jobs, which then forces Billy to find another way to provide for their new family.
The musical is set to have a post-modern re-imagination at the hands of director Toff De Venecia. “It’s a radical departure from previous iterations, even from what we set out to do in 2020,” he said.
Tickets available through TicketWorld and the CCP Box Office.
The Reconciliation Dinner
Dulaang UP
Nov. 18 to 20
University of the Philippines – Diliman
This new one-act play by Floy Quintos explores the aftermath of the 2022 elections, and how people attempt to heal the division that political choices and affiliations have caused.
Details on how to purchase tickets to be announced soon.
Joseph the Dreamer
Trumpets
November 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27
Maybank Performing Arts Theater
After a successful extended run last July and August, Trumpets has announced that the musical featuring the biblical story of Joseph, son of Jacob, will be having a third run this November. Tickets are available via Ticketworld.
Batang Rizal
Philippine Educational Theater Association
Streaming: Oct. 14 to 16
Live: Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
PETA Theater
As the title suggests, the award-winning play “Batang Rizal” gives us a glimpse into the early life of Jose Rizal. The story follows a young boy named Pepito, who magically meets the hero in his youth. Their journey together teaches them the truth about heroes, and how age is no measure nor limit for heroism.
Tickets for streaming are available through KTX. For ticket inquiries, contact Mitch Go at +63917-5391112.
Mula sa Buwan
Barefoot Theater Collaborative
Dec. 2 to 11
Samsung Performing Arts Theater
On “Mula sa Buwan”’s final matinee show last Sept. 18, cast member Gab Pangilinan announced that they are set to have another run in December.
“Mula sa Buwan” is a Filipino musical adaptation of Edmund Rostand’s “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Read more about the 2022 run of “Mula sa Buwan” here.