MANILA THEATER WATCH: Must-See Plays in the Metro for the First Quarter of 2014!
When in Manila, there are a million different ways to indulge oneself in culture and arts – watching films, going to concerts, visiting museums, exploring architectural structures – but have you ever considered grabbing some tickets to watch a theatrical play?
Theater offers a wonderful way to get in touch with your artsy fartsy side, while being entertained and having fun, as well. Here’s a quick list of what’s up with the Manila theater scene for the first quarter of 2014.
MANILA THEATER WATCH 2014
WAIT UNTIL DARK (Repertory Philippines)
Image from: Repertory Philippines Site
Repertory Philippines is kicking off their 47th year with the suspense-thriller, “Wait until Dark”. Adapted from the 1967 film that starred Audrey Hepburn, “Wait until Dark” is the perfect way to scare the hell out of you, with its surprising twist and turns of events. Just think about this: the story is about a blind woman who needs to fight for her life over psychopaths and ruthless criminals. If you were that woman, wouldn’t you be scared, as well?
“Wait until Dark” will be running from January 17 to February 19 at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Tickets are available via Ticketworld.
WICKED: The Broadway Musical (Lunchbox Theatrical Productions)
Image from wickedthemusical.com.ph
This year, “Wicked” will be hitting Manila from January 22-February 23 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo in the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked” tells the story of the witches of Oz, even before Dorothy came and messed around. One of the most famous Broadway musicals to date, “Wicked” has definitely sold its tickets like pancakes, selling out most of the shows in just a matter of weeks. In fact, they have already extended their season, adding up an additional 16 shows from the original schedule. If you intend to watch this play, make sure to reserve your tickets as soon as you can – last time I checked, most of the seats were already limited, and the additional shows are still quickly selling out, as well.
RED (Actor’s Actors Inc. & The Necessary Theater)
Image from culturalcenter.gov.ph
Set in the 1950’s, “Red” is a story about Mark Rothko, an artist who committed suicide after withdrawing his commission of murals at Seagram Building in Park Avenue. Nobody knows why he did it, but with the help of his fictitious assistant, Rothko slowly unveiled his story.
The award-winning production would be staged at Tanghalang Huseng Batute in CCP from January 31-February 9. “Red” is a mind boggling and highly intellectual play written by John Logan.
RAK OF AEGIS (PETA)
Image from PETA’s facebook fan page
Have you ever heard of the lyrics “ang halik mo, mamimiss ko, bakit iniwan mo ako”? Oh, come on, don’t you ever pretend that you haven’t heard of it or sang it in karaoke! This year, PETA will be staging “Rak of Aegis”, which will be featuring songs from the 90s hit band, Aegis.
Set at the flooded village of Villa Venizia, the story revolves around fame, love, and resilience. The play will include songs such as “Christmas Bonus”, “Luha”, and “Basang basa sa ulan”. Created by Maribel Legarda and Liza Magtoto, with musical arrangement and direction by Myke Salomon, “Rak of Aegis” is definitely a play that will rock your world.
“Rak of Aegis” will run from January 31 to March 9 at the PETA Theater Center.
WILLIAM (PETA)
Image from William Facebook Fan Page
Who doesn’t know William Shakespeare? Apparently, these kids don’t.
“William” is a production that aims to educate people about William Shakespeare’s works, through the most unconventional way of telling the story through rap songs and hip-hop dance moves. The story revolves around five high school students who were forced to study Shakespeare under the supervision of their terrorizing teacher.
“William” will feature 10 different wrap songs written by Jeff Hernandez, with choreographies by John Tan (from Urban Dance Crew). The production will run at the Star Theater from January 31-February 16.
ANG NAWALANG KAPATID (Dulaang UP)
Image from Dulaang UP’s facebook page
This year, Dulaang UP is set to stage an original adaptation of the Indian Epic ‘The Mahabharata’. Book and lyrics by Floy Quintos, “Ang Nawalang Kapatid” will definitely be one of those musicals that will keep you wondering all throughout. The production will feature original music by Ceejay Javier, under the direction of Dexter Santos.
The show will run from February 5-23 at Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, UP Diliman.
LOVE: THIS IS NOT YET A MUSICAL (Sipat Lawin Ensemble)
Image from Sipat Lawin’s facebook page
Last year, Sipat Lawin Ensemble has staged “Love: This is not yet a musical” and has gained a lot of good reviews from their audience and from the theater community. Being one of the first crowd-sourced plays to be staged in the country, Sipat Lawin has dedicated this year on creating more content for the production. Aiming to be the biggest crowd sourced play by asking fans and strangers in different social networking sites about their views on love, “Love: This is not yet a musical” is one of the most promising and innovative productions to look out for.
The show will run from February 14-March 2, with the venue yet still for announcement.
MGA AMA, MGA ANAK (Tanghalang Pilipino)
Image from culturalcenter.gov.ph
“Mga Ama, Mga Anak” is an adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s Fathers and Sons, rewritten by Virgilio Almario and Jose Lacaba. Set to be directed by Joel Lamangan, “Mga Ama, Mga Anak” is a production that will tackle about generations, revolving mostly about fathers and sons, but also touching on theology and emphasizing one’s freedom of choice.
The production will run from February 21-March 9 and will be staged at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino in CCP.
What are you waiting for? Don’t miss your chance to watch and experience these world class theatre productions When in Manila!
