The Philippine theater industry is stronger than ever, with back-to-back productions running in various stages across the metro.
As we get into the year's second quarter's full swing, numerous local and international theater plays will be gracing the Manila stage. We’ve listed the best musical and theater plays in the Philippines that you shouldn’t miss.
Bar Boys
📍May 3rd to 19th, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater
Remember the hit film about four law students chasing their dreams? This musical brings their story to life onstage in a whole new way! In Bar Boys: A New Musical, Alex Diaz will play the role of Chris, Benedix Ramos will take over the role of Erik, Jerom Canlas will portray Torran, and Omar Uddin will be Josh.
The show runs for three short weeks only, from May 3rd to 19th, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati. Don't miss your chance to see it! ️ Tickets are selling fast, priced from P2,200 for Silver to P3,000 for VIP. Grab yours before they're gone! ️ bit.ly/barboystickets
Pingkian: Isang Musikal
📍April 12 at GSIS Theater, Pasay City
In love with Hamilton? Then you might as well love Pingkian. The musical explores the thoughts and words of a frequently overlooked revolutionary hero: Emilio Jacinto – the youngest and the brains behind the Katipunan, a.k.a. Pingkian. Written by Palanca Award-winning writer Juan Ekis and composed by Gawad Buhay-winning composer Ejay Yatco, Pingkian showcases a variety of musical genres that reflect the emotions capturing the spirit of the revolution and Jacinto's words. The rock-influenced songs in "Pingkian" are interspersed with rap, giving it a youthful sound that mirrors both the revolutionary organization's youthfulness and the main character of the plot.
One More Chance
📍April 12 to June 16 at PETA Theater Center, Quezon City
After showcasing the reality of love and accepting the flawed nature of the not-so-perfect love story of Popoy and Basya on the big screen, One More Chance will now continue the untold stories and provide more in-depth insights into Broadway, featuring one of the most famous local bands of the Philippines, Ben & Ben. It still primarily recounts the cherished and well-known narrative of Popoy and Basha, but it additionally incorporates dynamics that make the story current and applicable to the audience in 2024.
Rent
📍April 19 to June at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati
Mixing musicals with real-life problems and societal issues such as poverty, LGBTQA+ rights, and HIV/AIDS, Rent successfully portrays true-to-life struggles by making these situations relevant and impactful. After its Broadway debut in 1996, “Rent,” a rock-inspired musical that won multiple Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize, is now back in Manila to tell the story of eight people trying to make sense of life and its challenges together. It is, after all, a universal tale of young adults navigating the highs and lows of friendship, love, and their aspirations in life.
Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba
📍April 19 to May 5 at IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
The drama, an adaptation of the short tale "How Rosang Taba Won a Race," takes place in the Spanish colonial era and centers on Rosang Taba, a hired helper at the Spanish Governor-General's home, challenging an ambitious and arrogant army commandant to a race. The aim is to show that Filipinos are not the lazy, rude, cowardly, or divided people portrayed in the play. It explores themes of resilience, self-assurance, and national pride in the face of oppressors. Filipinos of all ages may enjoy this profound but entertaining performance. With Rosa, you may be limitless and receive valuable advice in life on how to fight for your liberty.
Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical
📍April 26 to June 8 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts
This month marks the launch of the highly anticipated Parokya ni Edgar (PNE) musical, so theatergoers and OPM enthusiasts are in for a treat. The Parokya ni Edgar jukebox musical creates its own "Parokyaverse" from the many personas and settings found in the band's discography. Four ladies from diverse origins have their lives intersected by events in this drama, bringing them together through destined fates. They embark on a journey where they learn self-worth, resilience, and the importance of unbreakable friendships.
Twenty Questions
📍April 26 to 28 at The Mirror Studio, Poblacion, Makati
If you and someone else were stuck inside a hotel room for the whole day, what would you do? Hear what Jigs and Yumi have to say about life, love, and sex over a glass of wine in the Palanca Award-winning drama "Twenty Questions." "Twenty Questions" makes a brief comeback in 2023 following its completely booked 20th-anniversary shows. This modern, Gen Z-inspired adaptation of Juan Ekis' "Twenty Questions" highlights crucial dialogues that tackle intimacy, love, and relationships.
Miss Saigon
📍March 23 to May 12 at The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque
Many Filipino musical theater careers overseas began with the long-running production "Miss Saigon," created by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil. Among the cast members of this global tour are Filipinos: Abigail Adriano as Kim, Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, and Kiara Dario as Gigi. The beloved stage production is making its way to Manila for its global premiere!
