Theater

The latest theater productions in the country.

September 22 to October 7, 2018  – Lungs (The Sandbox Collective and 9 Works Theatrical)

September 28 to 30, and October 3 to 7, 2018 – Ang Buhay ni Galileo (PETA)

  • Lucky Stiff: A Musical Comedy

    Lucky Stiff: A Musical Comedy

    I mentioned before that I’m attending 9 Works Theatrical’s Stage Camp (Adult Class) and for our showcase, we will be adapting a musical-comedy called Lucky Stiff. It first premiered in 1988 and just last year its movie adaptation was released. And now, on the 23rd of May 2015 (Saturday), we will be playing it for the first time in the Philippines. Consider this a personal invitation to watch us sing, dance and act at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Please see the details below.

    How far would you go for six million bucks?
    Follow shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon as he competes with many others on a wild goose chase for his late Uncle’s fortune!
    From the writers of Once On This Island, Seussical the Musical, Anastasia, and many more,
    The Adult Class of 9 Works Theatrical‘s Stage Camp 2015 brings you

    LUCKY STIFF

    Catch us on May 23 (Saturday), 8 pm
    at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium,
    RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

    Ticket prices are as follows
    Orchestra (Center) – Php 700
    Orchestra (Sides) – Php 600
    Loge – Php 500
    Balcony – Php 400

    Visit our official Facebook page (Lucky Stiff: A Musical-Comedy) for inquiries.

    See you there!

    #LuckyStiffMNL #StageCamp

  • Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady Opens on May 7

    Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady Opens on May 7

    I admire friends who know what they are good at and know what they want. Even more, I respect those who act and take big leaps to make their dreams happen in this thing called LIFE (Ansis Sy, 2014). My good friends Claudia Fernandez, Ansis Sy and Pertee Briñas, all young professionals,  started their own theater company, Dalanghita Productions. To those who are not familiar with dalanghita, it is actually a Filipino fruit similar to a dalandan. (I’m sure you know what a dalandan is. If not, refer to calamansi. It is bigger. *judging you*). Dalanghita is a young company that promises a fresh take on original Filipino musicals.

    True enough, in cooperation with Philippine Education Theater Association (PETA), Dalanghita’s first musical production, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady is 100% fresh and is bound to break some boundaries in the local theater scene.  The title itself tickles my curiosity that if this was a book I saw in the bookstore, I’ll buy and read just like that. Well, actually, KPANLL became a graphic novel before it was first penned in 2013 for the 9th Virgin Labfest by the same artist and author, no other than Carlo Vergara (creator of Zsazsa Zaturnnah). KPANLL The Musical is directed by Chris Martinez (I Do Bidoo Bidoo, Kimmy Dora, Temptation Island…Live!)  with music by Vincent de Jesus (Himala the Musical, Batang Rizal, Juan Tamad).

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  • Steven Silva is Jean-Michel in 9 Works’ La Cage Aux Folles

    Steven Silva as Jean-Michel
    Steven Silva as Jean-Michel

    Life’s not worth a damn, ‘Til you can say, “Hey world, I am what I am.”

    La Cage Aux Folles has reopened in Manila last February 28 and will be back after a week off, this Saturday. Literally translated as “The Cage of Mad Women”, the show promises a feel good musical that speaks to everybody not to mention fabulous costumes and production numbers. Whether you are gay, straight or whatever, anybody can relate to a story of self-acceptance and the true meaning of family. Plus, you can never go wrong with glitter.

    Audie Gemora as Albin/Zaza
    Audie Gemora as Albin/Zaza

    First staged in 1983, the show revolves around Georges (Michael de Mesa, Hairspray) the manager of Saint-Tropez nightclub, Albin a.k.a. Zaza (Audie Gamora, The Producers) the star attraction and Jean-Michel (Steven Silva, Grease), Georges’ son from a confused youthful liaison many years back. The unconventional family lives happily until Jean-Michel invites his fiancée, Ann (played alternately by Missy Macuja-Elizalde and Joni Galeste) to their home. And as ridiculous as it sounds, he requests his father to put on a facade acceptable to Ann’s ultra-conservative family. A front that hides the glitz and glamour embedded in the very core of their home.

    Michael de Mesa as Georges
    Michael de Mesa as Georges

    I am watching La Cage on March 28, 8pm (because I have a One Direction concert to attend this week :-P). I am very much excited to watch this show. It is not a secret that I am a big fan of Steven and watching him sing and dance in last year’s Grease was a delight. However, his role as Johnny Casino was limiting and has not fully showcased his singing voice. Who would have known that he will be following that as a romantic lead. I’ve been listening to the songs and I can’t wait to hear Steven as Jean-Michel. This, considering that he almost quit showbiz. Few years ago, I read somewhere that Steven has given himself an ultimatum (2 or 3 years) to be successful. Good thing, he decided to stay or else, he wouldn’t have found his place in the wonderful world of theatre.

    Of course, I am also thrilled to see Michael de Mesa (coming back from a 6-year hiatus from the theater stage) and Audie Gamora in one stage. I am also eager to see how the Les Cagelles turned out. I’ve been teased by a lot La Cage posts in my Instragram and Facebook feeds and I can’t wait to actually see the grand spectacle in person.

    Don’t miss what people are calling the best production of 9 Works yet!

    Catch the last shows of 9 Works Theatrical’s La Cage Aux Folles directed by Robbie Guevara on March 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at the RCBC Plaza, Makati, with Friday and Saturday galas at 8:00pm, selected Saturday matinees at 3:30pm, and Sunday matinees at 4:00pm.

    For tickets or inquiries contact 0917-5545560, 586-7105 or email info@9workstheatrical.com.

    La Cage Aux Folles

  • Kanakan-Balintagos’ #Manhid: The Pinoy Superhero Musical

    Manhid posterCultural Center of the Philippines, and Ballet Philippines, now celebrating its 45th year, present the ballet musical, Manhid. What if the EDSA People Power Revolution failed? This is the question posed by the musical, which presents an alternate timeline of events leading to the present day. The people are plagued by the disease of Kamanhiran (apathy) and it is up to a chosen few superheroes to cure the people of this disease.

    Sandino Martin (Cinema One Originals Best Actor, Esprit de Corps) leads the cast as the dream boy (in more ways than one ;)) Bantugan. Mark Anthony Grantos alternates. Regina de Vera (Der Kaufmann) is the female lead as the wind-bender Lam-ang. Teetin Villanueva (COLLECTION) alternates. Mayen Estañero (Lorenzo) leads the villains as Mamalahima, the Minister of Humanity.

    Selfie with Sandino Martin, who plays Bantugan
    Selfie with Sandino Martin, who plays Bantugan

    The cast of superheroes the Maragtas also include: Allunsina, using her power as sailor mouth, is played by Gold Villar (Rak of Aegis) and alternate Kim Molina (Rak of Aegis). KL Dizon plays insect goddess Urduja. Dilim, the bringer of darkness, is played by Jean Judith Javier (Noli Me Tangere the Opera). Ronah Rastata is the healer Lagrimas. BP principal dancer Jean Marc Cordero and company member Kazier Policarpio alternate as half-bird half-human Sarimanok. Company members Victor Maguad and Erl Emmanuel Sorilla play fortuneteller Gawigawen.

    And the villains of the Tulisan ng Bayan: Fred Lo (RENT, Cinderella) and Ricardo Magno (La Revolucion Filipina) alternate as Radya Indarapatra, the charming man with a thousand masks. BP principal dancer Richardson Yadao is skilled spearman Apolaki. Shadow puppeteer Malyari is played by principal dancer Earl John Arisola and soloist Timothy Paul Cabrera. Principal dancer Katherine Trofeo and soloist Denise Parungao play poison ivy Gonongleda. Witch doctor Rasagadang is played by soloist Rita Angela Winder and company member Ma. Celina Dofitas.

    The cast of the musical Manhid
    The cast of the musical Manhid

    The musical is written by Kanakan-Balintagos (aka Auraeus Solito, director of indie darling Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros), and directed by Ballet Philippines artistic director Paul Alexander Morales, who also co-choreographed with BP2 (BP’s junior company) artistic director Alden Lugnasin. Vincent de Jesus, Carina Evangelista, and The Eraserheads composed the music. The Radioactive Sago Project is the musical’s live band, with Francis de Veyra as musical director.

    Amiciness got to watch the afternoon show last February 22 and I must say that it is an honor to have witnessed an excellent original Filipino theatrical production. You too can watch the remaining shows at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo at the CCP Main Theater, on the following weekends: February 27, 8PM; Feb. 28, 2PM & 8PM; March 1, 6PM; Mar. 6, 8PM; Mar. 7, 6PM; Mar. 8, 2PM & 8PM. Discounts for students and young professionals are available on selected dates. Buy your tickets now!

  • 9 Works Theatrical’s #GreaseRerunMLA with Steven Silva

    #GreaseRerunMLA @9WTOnline @iamStevenSilva

    One thing that excites me the most about reruns is the addition of new cast members. The anticipation of who will play which role makes me want to endlessly guess and cast an imaginary set of actors inside my head.

    Good thing, 9 Works Theatrical is starting to announce the fresh set of faces in this season’s Grease. What’s even better is that Steven Silva, one of my favorite people will debut as the Rydell High’s rock star, Johnny Casino. (I’m so excited to watch him perform Born the Hand Jive!)

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