The theater is an integral part of Filipino culture, with a long history of stage plays and musical productions that showcase the creativity and artistry of local and foreign artists. In recent years, the Philippine theater scene has been booming with new and exciting productions that cater to a wider audience. As we enter 2023, the entertainment industry is once again abuzz with upcoming shows and performances showcasing the best of Philippine musical theater.
This article will feature some of the most anticipated shows happening in the Philippines this year, from the Maybank Performing Arts Theater to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater and beyond. Get ready to be enthralled and entertained as we take a closer look at some of the hottest musical plays that celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines.
Here are 7 of the theater shows and Philippine musicals that will be running this year:
As summer heats up in the Philippines, the theater scene is also heating up with exciting shows that are sure to delight audiences of all ages. Two of the most anticipated local productions happening in June are Virgin Labfest 18: Hitik and Red.
June - Virgin Labfest 18: Hitik
Virgin Labfest is an annual festival of new, untried, and unstaged one-act plays at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). This year, Virgin Labfest 18 will showcase 12 original plays that will take audiences on a journey of laughter, bringing joy, tears, and everything in between.
Virgin Labfest 18 is set to run from June 7 – 25, 2023, at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Cultural Center of the Philippines' Blackbox Theater).
June - Red
Red is a play that explores the life and art of Mark Rothko, an American artist known for his abstract expressionist paintings. Set in Rothko's studio in the late 1950s, the play follows his conversations with his young assistant as they prepare to create a series of murals for a prestigious restaurant. Marlon Rivera stars direct red acclaimed actors JC Santos and Bart Guingona in the lead roles.
As one of the most successful productions on Broadway, Red has won numerous awards and critical acclaim for its exploration of the creative process, the relationship between art and commerce, and the human struggle for artistic expression. With a talented cast and creative team, the Philippine production of Red promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience.
May - Ang Huling El Bimbo
The hit musical Ang Huling El Bimbo is set to make a grand return to the Newport Performing Arts Theater after a four-year hiatus. The production is presented by Newport World Resorts' Full House Theater Company and directed by Dexter Santos, with Dingdong Novenario as the writer. The musical is a heartwarming story of friendship featuring the music and songs of one of the most iconic Pinoy rock bands.
The cast of the upcoming 2023 run will have a mix of new and returning faces, including original cast members Gian Magdangal, Gab Pangilinan, and Topper Fabregas as Hector and young Joy, and young Anthony, respectively. Other cast members who will be reprising their roles include Jamie Wilson as Sergeant Banlaoi and Sheila Francisco as Tiya Dely.
Adding a fresh spin to the show are new cast members Nino Alejandro, Bullet Dumas, Anthony Rosaldo, Paw Castillo, and Katrine Sunga, who were selected from the auditions held in July 2022. These talented actors will bring their unique flavor to the music and dance show.
Ang Huling El Bimbo is one of the most famous musical theaters in the Philippines and is currently showing at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila, running until May 27.
May - Kuwentuhog #PusoK
Kwentuhog #PusoK is a collection of five one-act plays exploring different love aspects. The plays, written by George De Jesus III, Mariane Abigail Eugenio, Alex Baylon, BJ Crisostomo, and Rachel Gianan, tackle various themes, from love to social transformation. The production is presented by Act Avenue and directed by its senior members.
Kwentuhog #PusoK will be staged at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City for a limited run from May 20 to 21, 2023, at 2 PM and 6 PM.
July - Ibarra
This July, the Philippine theater scene will be graced by the production of Ibarra. This musical play tells the story of Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character of Jose Rizal's novel Noli Me Tangere.
The production is directed by Frannie Zamora, with music by Joed Balsamo, and written by Jomar Fleras. Award-winning actor Piolo Pascual will portray the lead role of Crisostomo Ibarra.
Joining Piolo in the cast are some of the most talented artists in the country, including Myramae Meneses, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Floyd Tena. With such a talented cast and a production team that boasts of some of the best names in Philippine theater, Ibarra is sure to be a musical that theater fans won't want to miss.
Take advantage of this chance to witness a unique retelling of a classic novel through the power of music, song, and performance.
The production is scheduled at the GSIS Theater, J.W. Diokno Blvd, CCP Complex, from June 8 to 18, 2023.
September - Anak Datu
Anak Datu is a play with music that draws from the original story of the same title by National Artist Abdulmari Imao and is written by Rody Vera. It chronicles the historical lives and struggles of Mindanao's Tausugs in the midst of an escalating conflict and developing insurgency that eventually led to the establishment of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The story was first crafted by Imao in 1968 in anticipation of the birth of his first son, Abdulmari Jr. (Toym) Imao.
It promises to be a moving and thought-provoking production that tackles important themes of religion, culture, and human relationships. The show will run from September 26 to October 15.
September - Hamilton
The much-awaited Broadway hit musical Hamilton is finally coming to Manila this September. Presented by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, Globe Live, and TICKETWORLD, the musical is set to take the stage at The Theatre at Solaire from September 9 to October 15, 2023.
Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton through a blend of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B music. It has been praised for its innovative storytelling, musical direction, and diverse casting.
November - Sandosenang Sapatos
Sandosenang Sapatos is a musical based on a children's story by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan. The show follows Susie, a young girl in a wheelchair who dreams of becoming a ballerina to sing and fulfill her father's wishes.
Written by Layeta Bucoy, with music composed by Noel Cabangon and Joed Balsamo, the musical will be restaged by Tanghalang Pilipino in November 2023 as part of its 37th season.
The 2023 run of Sandosenang Sapatos will be directed by Jonathan Tadioan, accompanied by a live stage by new artistic team members. The musical originally ran at the CCP Studio Theater in July 2013, with subsequent performances in December 2013 and 2014 under Tuxqs Rutaquio.
The show is set to run from November 14 to December 3 at the CCP Black Box Theater, and casting for the production has yet to be announced.
In conclusion, 2023 looks to be an exciting year for theater in the Philippines, with a variety of shows lined up for audiences to enjoy. There's something for everyone, from musicals to plays, both new productions and restagings of beloved classics.
We encourage theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike to support the Philippine theater scene by checking out these shows and experiencing local artists' unique creativity and talent. Whether it's in-person or through virtual performances, let's show our appreciation for the theater community and help keep the art form thriving in the country.
If you plan to catch any of these amazing theater shows happening in the Philippines this year, why make it more convenient by staying at Vista Residences' properties in Metro Manila? With its strategic locations, you can easily access the theaters where these shows will be held. Plus, Vista Residences offers rental services that cater to your needs and preferences, making your stay comfortable and hassle-free. Book your stay now and enjoy the vibrant theater scene in the Philippines!
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