Filipinos are known for their talent for singing, which is why there is no doubt that the music industry is filled with great artists and songwriters.

In the musical theater industry, there are multi-talented performers who can sing, dance, and act all at once just to complete the story.

Even if the ‘winter months have just begun, give yourself an early treat, whether it’s just to pass the time or listen to something new.

Get ready to add these musicals to your bucket list of joy.

1. Anak Datu

This play tells the historic events of Mindanao’s Tausug and the rise of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front through the birth story of Imao’s first son, Abdulmari Jr. (Toym) Imao, in 1968.

Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company and its Director Nanding Josef, together with Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Carlos Dala, and Hash Magarang of Sining Kambayoka, are the selected casts for the 2023 rerun.

Written by Rody Vera and produced by Chris Millado, the musical play returns as the first major live production from September 29 to October 15 at the CCP Black Box Theatre, Pasay City.

2. ²Bayani: Isang Rock Operang Alay Kay Andres Bonifacio

Another historical-musical is ²Bayani which is a two-act rock opera following the arrest of Andres Bonifacio in April 1897 until his assassination.

Originally, the play was staged in 1996 with Tanghalang Ateneo at Rizal Mini Theatre in Ateneo de Manila University, and working with Areté, the online production began in 2020.

Online viewing for the pandemic production directed by Ricardo Abad and Bullet Damas as Andres Bonifacio is still available until December 2023 on Areté Ateneo’s website.

This play is perfect for people who are looking for entertaining, educational, and remote learning to ace the life of Andres Bonifacio in their history classes.

3. Bawat Bonggang Bagay

Take a trip back to memory lane with Jon Santos as the main cast, a child listing down ‘every brilliant thing’ that is worth living to help his mother overcome depression.

Interestingly, the play is narrated by the child’s grown-up version and is actually a Filipino translation by Guelan Larca of Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s book, Every Brilliant Thing.

With high demand from the public, reruns were available on September 16 and will be staged until September 29 at Zobel De Ayala Recital Hall in Maybank Performing Arts Theater.

4. The Last Five Years

Get a glimpse of the past and the previous with Gab Pangilinan as Cathy and her reversed timeline, while developing a relationship with Myke Solomon as Jamie and his fast-forward timeline.

This unconventional love story and musical play has only been staged twice: in 2003 by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Audie Gemora, and in 2014 by Nikki Gil and Joaquin Valdes.

Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s musical writer and composer, Jason Robert Brown, is set to rerun the musical play on September 29 in Circuit Makati.

5. Halimaw

Unfold fantasy, history, and memory in the 1971 Zarzuela story, modernized through pop-rap musical retelling, by Palanca multi-awardee Isagani R. Cruz.

Set in a fantasy monarchy-based Philippines, a courageous janitor tries to save the tyrant king’s daughters from three monsters known as “halimaw”: Binibining Sirena, Ginang Purista, and Ginoong Dragon.

Major casts to look forward to are Viñas Deluxe from Drag Race Philippines Season 1, Bene Manaois from PETA, and Noel Comia Jr., Cinemalaya 2017 Best Actor, together with DLSU’s Harlequin Theater Guild performers.

The upcoming musical is directed by Raffy Tejada and will be staged on October 4 to 6 at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium at De La Salle University.

Tickets are limited until September only and are inclusive of a signed souvenir program and merchandise, so grab your chance this September to find out the real monsters of reality.

Photo Credit:
https://www.youtube.com/@PETATheateronline, https://www.facebook.com/toym.imao, https://www.facebook.com/AreteAteneo, https://www.facebook.com/ourawesomeplanet, https://www.facebook.com/barefootcollab, https://www.facebook.com/dlsuhtg