What local theater artists have been calling the “2024 theater eleganza extravaganza” since April—referring to the recent months’ weekends packed to the brim with theater productions both big and small all over Manila—continues this quarter. Seven shows—both original and reruns are set to begin, while three other major productions continue their runs.
Whether you’re looking for profound stories of faith, moving tales of romance and love, or curious to discover new, unique stories, there’s a production that’s coming up for you. Here’s what to expect on stage from June to August.
Grace
May 25 to June 16
Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati, Makati City
“Grace” has been dubbed the swan song and final masterpiece of the acclaimed and respected playwright, the late Floy Quintos. It revolves around the story of Sister Teresita Castillo, who alleged that the Virgin Mary appeared to her in Lipa in 1948. The apparitions have become controversial, with the matter escalating to the Vatican. With this religious controversy as the setting and backbone of the narrative, “Grace” explores the ideas of adherence to and even resistance to dogma, and, of course, faith.
Virgin Labfest 19: Pintog
June 12 to 30
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Pasay City
The annual festival for original, untried, untested, unstaged plays takes place again this June at the CCP. Twelve new plays are divided into four sets of three one-act plays each, aligned with different themes all revolving around the fruits of the complexities of the human experience.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
June 14 to July 6
Repertory Philippines (Rep)
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City
Modern relationships get the spotlight as Rep brings the second longest-running off-Broadway musical to the Philippine stage. Directed by Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo, Rep’s staging of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” shows the varying degrees and experiences of modern love, dating, situationships, and everything in between, through a series of vignettes, played by only four actors. The musical stars Gian Magdangal, Gabby Padilla, Krystal Kane, and Marvin Ong… all together playing 40 characters.
Patintero sa Ayala Avenue
June 29 to July 7
Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (C.A.S.T.)
The Mirror Studio, Poblacion, Makati City
C.A.S.T.’s first original Filipino play follows a 16-year-old boy kicked out of school. On his night out on the town, he finds out what happens to the lights on Ayala Avenue after Christmas. The story promises to be a thoughtful and hilarious love letter to Gen Z. The play runs for only six performances and will be a hyper-intimate staging, accommodating only 90 audience members per show.
Bawat Bonggang Bagay
June 22 to 30
The Sandbox Collective
Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati, Makati City
The well-loved and well-received Filipino translation of the interactive one-man play “Every Brilliant Thing” is making a comeback this June. Once again starring acclaimed actor Jon Santos, “Bawat Bonggang Bagay” takes its audiences through a man’s life as they discover, understand, struggle with, and take care of their mental health. Hilarious, engaging, and heartwarming, “Bawat Bonggang Bagay” is also told through a queer Filipino lens.
Little Shop of Horrors
July 6 to 28
The Sandbox Collective
Maybank Performing Arts Theater
This horror comedy rock musical based on the 1960 American horror comedy film (which was later adapted into a musical film in the ’80s. Adaptation-ception!) follows a flower shop worker named Seymour who unwittingly raises a flesh-eating plant. The Sandbox Collective’s staging features Reb Atadero and Nyoy Volante as Seymour, with Karylle and Sue Ramirez starring across them as love interest Audrey.
Mula sa Buwan
Aug. 16 to Sept. 8
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati, Makati City
One of the first big original Filipino musicals to hit the stage post-pandemic, “Mula sa Buwan” returns this year, with Myke Salomon, Gab Pangilinan, and MC Dela Cruz reprising their roles as Cyrano, Roxane, and Christian respectively. The Filipino musical adaptation of the French classic “Cyrano de Bergerac” is set in 1940s Manila amid the war, following the “dreamers, fools, and misfits fighting for their place” and their beliefs.
[READ: ‘Mula sa Buwan’ is an ode to the revival of live theater]Rent
Until June 2
9 Works Theatrical
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City
Jonathan Larson’s beloved final work, “Rent” is set to close its third Manila run on June 2. It revolves around the lives of young artists in ’90s New York, as they navigate life, dreams, friendships, and relationships, amid the bleak social landscape.
[READ: ‘Rent’ in 2024 is a reminder to spend the days you have with love]Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical
Until June 23
Full House Theater Company
Newport Performing Arts Theater, Pasay City
Four women find themselves brought together by strange circumstances. Transported to a new world, they discover more about themselves and learn how to face the issues they’ve left in the real world. Filled with uniquely Pinoy humor, “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy” is the amalgamation of the craziness found in Parokya ni Edgar’s discography.
[READ: The trippy, theatrical spectacle that is the Parokya ni Edgar musical]One More Chance The Musical
Until June 30
Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)
PETA Theater, Quezon City
The cult favorite Pinoy film of the early aughts is given the theatrical treatment. It’s the story of Popoy and Basha that we’ve always known and loved—made even more sentimental and heartfelt with the music of folk-pop band Ben&Ben.
[READ: Popoy and Basha’s love story gets the theater treatment in ‘One More Chance’ musical]