Filipinos’ love for music and drama is undeniable; what more if these two were combined in one form? Yes, I’m talking about musical theater. From heartfelt song numbers to striking storytelling, musicals have really captured the hearts of Filipino fans.
In the past six months, there have been a lot of musicals that have taken to the Philippine theater stage. But don’t worry if you feel like you’ve missed the hype—our love for musical theater is just getting started! So to catch you up to speed, here are SEA Wave’s High Five musicals to watch out for this second half of 2024.
Little Shop of Horrors
Image from The Sandbox Collective
If you are looking for something out of this world, you might want to check out the Filipino adaptation of the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors. This comedy-horror musical follows the story of a florist who raises a peculiar plant. Little does he know that the newest addition to his collection is a mean green mother from outer space. Karylle Tatlonghari and Sue Ramirez will alternate in the role of Audrey, while Reb Atadero and Nyoy Volante will alternate in the role of Seymour.
Be sure to catch the show at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater this July 6 to 28, 2024. Visit TicketWorld for more information!
One More Chance the Musical
Image from Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)
One More Chance The Musical is an original Filipino theater play that made big waves in the second quarter of 2024. Featuring songs from the Filipino pop band Ben&Ben, the play follows the story of Popoy and Basha from the 2007 hit movie One More Chance. While its initial run ended on June 30, due to popular demand, the musical will come back for a rerun from August 23 to October 20, 2024!
Don’t miss the chance to be captivated by the story of Popoy and Basha once more, with the backdrop of senti songs from Ben&Ben. Visit TicketWorld for more information and catch One More Chance The Musical at PETA Theater Center.
Once on this Island
Image from Once On This Island Broadway
Who doesn’t love Broadway? Another Broadway adaptation that the Philippine theater stage will make its own is Once On This Island. Based on the novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy, the musical tells the story of a young peasant girl named Ti Moune who rescues and falls in love with a young boy named Daniel from the other side of the island. The play also features four gods, including the Goddess of Love—Erzulie, the Demon of Death—Papa Ge, the Mother of the Earth—Asaka, and the God of Water—Agwé.
The cast for the Philippine adaptation is yet to be announced, but what’s sure is that it will start to run in September this year at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza in Makati. Visit Ticket2Me for information and stay tuned to 9 Works Theatrical for more updates!
Six the Musical
Image from Six
If a trip through history is what you’re looking for, Six the Musical might be the best bet for you! First premiering in the West End, this British comedy musical follows the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII while they all engaged in a competition to decide who had the worst relationship experience with the King.
Proudly presented by GMG Productions, the show is set to run on October 1 to 20, 2024 at The Theatre at Solaire Philippines, so check out TicketWorld for more information.
Mula sa Buwan
Photo from Mula sa Buwan
Another musical making a comeback on the theater stage is Pat Valera and William Elvin Manzano’s Mula sa Buwan. This musical is based on the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac, but weaves in bits of Filipino history and is set in 1940s Manila, following themes of unrequited love, dreams, and the journey of growing up. The cast includes Gab Pangilinan as Roxane, Myke Salomon as Cyrano, and MC Dela Cruz as Christian.
Musical theater plays are indeed a source of happiness for a lot of theater fans, but other than this, they also open a wide door of opportunities to all the talented artists out there, especially Filipinos. Mula sa Buwan is set to have its re-run from August 16 to September 8, 2024 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, so check out TicketWorld for more information.
The performing arts are thriving and musicals are just one way of seeing how receptive audiences are to artforms outside of the mainstream. Which one of these shows are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!