Featured art by Calvin Manalili.
MANILA, Philippines — With live events—and with it, the theater industry—seeing a well-deserved renaissance post-pandemic as it has been made evident in the past few years since regaining a sense of normalcy, we’re seeing the continuing rise of interest from people to create new and fresh shared experiences in the theaters.
Years into its unparalleled dominance, this year, we’re seeing productions mushrooming from exciting returns to the theater and original musicals to gripping straight plays and adaptations, here’s a rundown of some of the productions on our radar that deserve to be bookmarked on your theater calendar.
Next to Normal
February 1-23, 2025
Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati
“Next to Normal” follows the story of a family following a disgruntling event that shakes the foundations of their relationship. Dubbed as one of the pioneers in bringing discussions of mental health to the mainstream stage, the award-winning rock musical is written by Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics) and directed by the company’s Artistic Director and Rank Magazine cover subject, Toff de Venecia. The cast features Shiela Valderrama and Nikki Valdez alternating as Diana; OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena alternating as Dan Goodman; Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay alternating as Natalie Goodman; Vino Mabalot and Benedix Ramos alternating as Gabe Goodman, among others.
O Pag-ibig na Makapangyarihan
February 7 – 23 & March 8 – 9, 2025
IBG-KAL Theatre & Erehwon Center for the Arts
Set after the formation of the Philippine revolutionary group Kataastaasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) in 1893, the play narrates the dramatic love story between Gregoria “Oryang” de Jesus and Andres Bonifacio in a time where their love is seen as far from the norm, showcasing to its audiences that love will always persevere.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
February 20 – March 9, 2025
Rep Eastwood Theater
This two-act musical shows a series of vignettes and songs about love, dating, and relationships in the fast-paced modern age, covering any encounter and journey there could be when finding love in a bustling metropolis. This musical will be sure to make you engaged and thrilled throughout with its humor and relatability.
Ang Panaginip
February 28 – March 2, 2025
The Theatre At Solaire, Parañaque City, Metro Manila
“Ang Panaginip” is a full-length Filipiniana ballet produced by Ballet Philippines. This ballet tackles the story of 18 princesses who wish to escape their palace life in an attempt to pursue individuality and self-expression. Although rooted in a fantasy setting, this fairytale also combines the appreciation of Filipino culture and inspirations from Filipiniana fashion.
Anino sa Likod ng Buwan
March 1 – 23, 2025
PETA Theater Center
This play’s story is set during the 1990s wherein the Philippine military and the communist resistance are in conflict with one another. It centers on the tangled relationships between a husband and wife along with a military man. The plot is filled with complex dynamics of politics and human relationships.
Para Kay B
March 14 – 30, 2025
Doreen Black Box Theater, Ateneo de Manila University
Based on the novel written by Ricky Lee, this story tackles five different tales on how five women deal with the treacherous waters of love and life. This stage adaptation will return this March as its first adaptation to the stage dates back in 2017 by playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc. He will return this 2025 for the production.
Kisapmata
March 7 – 30, 2025
CCP Black Box Theater
A theatrical performance of a gripping drama that centers around a seemingly peaceful Filipino family of a retired policeman, his wife and daughter, all living in Zapote Street. When it unravels as his daughter falls in love with a man, filling their family with tension, love, and fear within their household, adapted from a crime report of Nick Joaquin, “The House on Zapote Street”, and a multi-awarded film by Mike De Leon of the same title. With a dramatic story this tense, it will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next for this seemingly ideal Filipino family.
Othello
March 7 – 16, 2025
The Mirror Theatre Studio, Makati, Metro Manila
“Othello” is a theatrical play based on William Shakespeare’s canonical work. The story delves on a man who experiences jealousy, betrayal, deception and love. The play is produced by CAST PH and is directed by Nelsito Gomez, and will run for eight performances starting on March 7 until 16.
Liwanag sa Dilim
Opens March 7, 2025
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza
First announced in September 2024, this new original Filipino musical features songs from OPM songwriter Rico Blanco. The story talks about an orphan who searches for his lost identity. Upon learning about his past, he later meets and joins a new friend in his journey to fight for the oppressed and the underprivileged.
Mga Anak ng Unos
March 28 – April 13, 2025
IBG-KAL Theater
Dulaang UP’s twin bill “Mga Anak ng Unos” features two plays that highlights the ongoing issues of climate crisis. In which “Sa Gitna ng Digmaan ng mga Mahiwagang Nilalang Laban sa Sangkatauhan” is a fantastical presentation of these issues, in contrast with “The Climate Project” which is a presentation grounded in reality. The twin bill is a stark reminder of the issues of climate change in two uniquely exciting ways.
Pilato
April 4 – 13, 2025
PETA Theater Center
Based on the biblical account of Poncio Pilato, the musical is set during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, wherein the story follows Pilato’s search for the truth amidst societal and political unrest at the time. This is going to be the Corner Studio’s first theatrical performance, so don’t miss out on supporting them as they showcase their creativity and storytelling on the stage for the first time.
Delia D.
April 25 – June 8, 2025
Newport Performing Arts Theater
A dazzling musical that features a romantic, comedic, dramatic, yet heartwarming story of chasing your dreams despite facing the hardest challenges all while encountering friendship and love along the journey. Its music, highlighting the highly praised body of work of Johnathan Manalo, makes sure that this performance will be as electrifying as it could possibly be.
Legally Blonde
May 2025
To be announced
A romantic comedy musical centering around the life of Elle Woods and how, in the process of attempting to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner, she not only overcomes the hardships of being in a prestigious law school like Harvard Law, but also triumphed as a successful lawyer. Defying the stereotype of “dumb blondes” but also sending a message of the power of women. This theatrical performance will be Ateneo Blue Repertory’s 33rd Season Finale Production, under the direction of Meann Espinosa, so be sure to send your support, and celebrate the organization’s storied year.
We Aren’t Kids Anymore
May 2 – 25, 2025
Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati
“We Aren’t Kids Anymore” is a musical that dives deep into the reality of growing up and realizing the world just stops being simple as you thought it would be. This play is directed by Rem Zamora and was written by Drew Gasparni, a songwriter and musical composer, by Barefoot Theater Collaborative. The production is slated to feature performances by Gab Pangilinan, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, Luigi Quesada, and Myke Salomon, who also doubles as Musical Director together with Farley Asuncion.
Come From Away
June 2025
Samsung Performing Arts Theater
A musical set in the small town of Newfoundland in Gander, Canada after the 9/11 attacks. It tells a heartwarming story of the hospitality and kindness shown by the residents of Gander to the 7,000 stranded airline passengers that came from all walks of life, highlighting unity, trust and love in times of crisis. This theatrical performance is sure to bring you a slice of wholesomeness to brighten your day.
Into The Woods
August 7 – 24, 2025
Samsung Performing Arts Theater
This dark comedy that has long been a Broadway favorite follows the story of a baker and his wife who wish to have a child but can’t due to a witch’s curse. An adventure ensues in which they encounter numerous characters from many classic fairy tales such as “Cinderella”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, and “Rapunzel” as they try to fulfill the wish to lift the curse, all while reflecting on the consequences of their actions and life-long desires. With an all-star cast of internationally renowned Filipino artists, such as Lea Salonga, Arielle Jacobs, and Eugene Domingo, this theatrical performance will surely add its own Filipino touches to the story that will resonate with the local audience with tickets for its August run already sold-out as of this writing, and for good reason.
With introduction and additional text by Leo Balante
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