MANY Filipino theater fans went into a frenzy when “Hamilton” was announced to be staged in the Philippines until November. Due to popular demand, more seats were added for the Manila leg of the musical.
Aside from “Hamilton,” there are more reasons for theater fans to rejoice as more musicals, both locally and internationally, will be staged in Philippine theaters.
In case you missed the announcements, republicasia listed several theater productions you should look forward to in 2024.
‘One More Chance’
Hearts will break into pieces as the Filipino classic film “One More Chance” will have a musical adaptation, which will feature tracks by nine-piece folk-pop band Ben&Ben.
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) confirmed this during the curtain call of the all-original Filipino musical “Walang Aray,” where the band made a surprise appearance and performed their hits “Kathang Isip” and “Araw-Araw.”
“Natapos man ang love story ni Tenyong at Julia, simula naman ng kwento nina Popoy at Basha,” PETA said in its Facebook post.
Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the 2007 romantic film centers on college sweethearts Popoy and Basha who broke up after five years of dating, but destiny keeps on making their paths cross again as they try to move on with their lives.
John Lloyd Cruz portrayed the role of Popoy, while Bea Alonzo gave life to Basha.
Additional details about the musical—such as the plot, the cast, and tickets—are yet to be announced.
“One More Chance” The Musical is set to be staged in April 2024.
‘Miss Saigon’
GMG Productions, the theater company that brought “Hamilton” to the country, announced on October 13 that it will also stage “Miss Saigon” in Manila.
The Tony Award-winning musical tells the love story between a young Vietnamese woman named Kim and an American soldier named Chris during the Vietnam War. It is based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly.”
“Miss Saigon” featured numerous Filipino talents, including Lea Salonga, Joanna Ampil, Rachelle Ann Go, Aicelle Santos, Jon Jon Briones, and Leo Valdez.
The musical will be shown in March 2024.
Ticket prices range from P2,116 to P8,464, according to Ticketworld’s website.
The presale dates for UnionBank and Citi members kicked off on October 23 and will end on November 3. The waitlist presale, on the other hand, will end on October 27.
Tickets for the general public will go on sale on November 6.
‘Buruguduystunstugudunstuy’
Another musical based on the discography of a Filipino band will be staged, following the success of the “Ang Huling El Bimbo (AHEB)” musical.
Newport World Resorts (NWR) Musical revealed in September that the songs of ’90s OPM band Parokya Ni Edgar will be featured in its upcoming musical titled “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical.”
Buruguduystunstugudunstuy is the title of the band’s sophomore album released in 1997.
Further details of the musical, such as its plot and opening date, are still kept under wraps, but the casting call for the show has already begun.
‘Rent’
Local theater company 9 Works Theatrical also revealed in September that it will bring the Broadway musical “Rent” to the country.
The announcement was made during the curtain call of the musical “tick, tick…BOOM!,” where its cast members, including Khalil Ramos, performed their rendition of “Seasons of Love” in front of the audience.
“Rent” follows the story of a group of young artists struggling to survive in New York City in the ‘90s.
The upcoming musical has opened its auditions for the cast.
“Rent’s” opening date in Manila is yet to be announced.
‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal’
Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) recently opened its 37th theater season with the staging of three theater productions in a bid to expose the youth to the truth.
Among these shows is “Pingkian: Isang Musikal,” a full-length musical that will tell the story of Filipino general Emilio Jacinto, also known as Pingkian when he joined the Katipunan, from the end of the Philippine Revolution in 1898 to the beginning of the Philippine-American War in 1899.
The musical will be directed by Jenny Jamora, with music by Ejay Yatco.
“Pingkian: Isang Musikal” will be the final production in the 37th season, following “Sandosenang Sapatos,” which will be shown beginning November 17.
The musical will run from March 1 to March 24, 2024.
The ticket costs P1,500, but Season Pass holders, students, government employees, PWDs, and senior citizens are entitled to a 20 percent discount.
