After a painfully long January, life is finally kicking into high gear with all the back-to-back events and shows happening this month. Get ready to pack your weekends, theater fans, because there are a lot of productions opening in the next few months.
Got your tickets ready?
Walang Aray
Philippine Educational Theater Association
February 17 to May 14
PETA Theater Center, Quezon City
“Walang Aray” is the modern reimagination of the Severino Reyes zarzuela “Walang Sugat.” The comedy musical presents the classic tale in a language, sound, and feel that makes it approachable for today’s audiences. “Walang Aray” features three sets of leads playing the characters of Julia and Tenyong: thespians Marynor Madamesila and Gio Gahol, Shaira Opsimar and Jon Abella, and the Star Magic love team KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad.
[READ: ‘Walang Aray’ is a comedic, modern reimagination of the Zarzuela]Ang Pag-uusig
Tanghalang Pilipino
February 17 to March 12
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Black Box Theater, Pasay City
“Ang Pag-uusig” is the multi-awarded Filipino adaptation of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” translated by Jerry Respeto and directed by Dennis Marasigan. Though set amidst the historical Salem witch hunt, “Ang Pag-uusig” brings forward themes and issues we still see rampant in our society today. It is, in many ways, a riveting look into humanity and the search for truth.
[READ: ‘Ang Pag-uusig’’s witch hunt is a compelling look into our own mob mentality]Uncle Jane
Company of Actors in Streamlined Theater (CAST)
February 23 to 26
The Mirror Studio, Makati City
Another adaptation, this time of Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” will be presented by CAST through a staged reading entitled “Uncle Jane.” Expect the play to deal with themes of regret and unfulfillment, typical of Chekhov’s works, but with a modern-day setting. The play is adapted and directed by Nelsito Gomez and features Topper Fabregas, Missy Maramara, Justine Peña, Leo Rialp, Jay Glorioso, Justine Narciso, Jaime Del Mundo, and Audie Gemora.
Tickets have already sold out.
The Sound of Music
GMG Productions
March 7 to 26
Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Makati City
Another Rodgers and Hammerstein classic makes its return to the local stage with the Manila leg of “The Sound of Music”’s international tour. Based on the story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, the musical’s touring cast includes Jill-Christine Wiley as Maria Rainer and Trevor Martin as Captain von Trapp. The Manila leg will also feature local actors Karylle Tatlonghari (“Carousel,” 2022) and Markki Stroem (“Mula sa Buwan,” 2022) as Baroness Elsa von Schraeder and Rolf, respectively.
Zsazsa Zaturnnah The Musical… ‘Yun Lang!
Ateneo Blue Repertory
March 17 to April 2
Doreen Black Box Theater, Arete, Ateneo de Manila University
Based on the iconic graphic novel by Carla Vergara and with music and lyrics by Vincent De Jesus, the musical follows the story of a gay beautician named Ada, who transforms into the superheroine Zsazsa Zaturnnah when they swallow a melon-sized magical stone. An ode/parody to Darna but with her own flair, “Zsazsa Zaturnnah” also brings to light the many issues our LGBT community constantly have to deal with. The university production will star Kim Molina in the titular role.
Ang Huling El Bimbo
Full House Theater Company
April 21 to May 7
Newport Performing Arts Theater, Pasay City
The hit jukebox musical returns to the live stage this April, featuring new and returning cast members. The story of love and friendship navigating the dark realities of life, set to the nostalgic tunes of the Eraserheads, will be brought to life on stage this year by returning cast members Gab Pangilinan, Gian Magdangal, Topper Fabregas, Sheila Francisco, and Jamie Wilson, along with new cast members Nino Alejandro, Bullet Dumas, Anthony Rosaldo, Paw Castillo, and Katherine Sunga.
Breakups & Breakdowns
Upstart Productions
April 15 and 16, April 22 and 23
Bayanihan Theatre, The British School Manila, University Park, 36th Street, BGC
Original musical comedy “Breakups & Breakdowns” will once again be revisited with updated material as Upstart makes their live stage comeback this year. The musical, with book written by Joel Trinidad and music by Rony Fortich, explores the ups and downs of modern dating and relationships.
Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba
Dulaang UP
March 23 to April 2
University Theater Main Hall, University of the Philippines – Diliman
Based on the Palanca award-winning children’s short story “How Rosang Taba Won a Race” by author Dean Francis Alfar, “Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba” is Dulaang UP’s second offering for their 45th season. The stage adaptation by Rody Vera and Maynard Manansala features theater veterans Peewee O’Hara, Skyzx Labastilla, Jojo Cayabyab, Victor Sy, and Aldo Vencilao, with Kiki Baento playing the title character.
Mula sa Buwan (proshot)
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
March 18 (advance screening), March 24 to 26 (international online streaming)
Cinemas 3 and 4, Circuit Makati
The 2022 hit musical “Mula sa Buwan” will be screening the professionally filmed version of the show (proshot) in cinemas on March 18. The musical’s proshot will also be streamed online from March 24 to 26. The stream can be accessed internationally and will have English subtitles available. The proshot will feature the original cast: Gab Pangilinan as Roxane, Myke Salomon as Cyrano, and Markki Stroem as Christian.
[READ: ‘Mula sa Buwan’ is an ode to the revival of live theater]