Cholo Ledesma returns to the play a decade after portraying its titular character, this time taking the director’s chair for Mad Child Productions’ season finale.

Mad Child Productions is closing its third season with Boy, a contemporary play by American playwright Anna Ziegler that explores identity, love, and the lasting consequences of decisions made on behalf of others.

Directed by Cholo Ledesma, the production will run on November 27–29 and December 4–6, 2026, at the 5/F Mirror Theater Studio in Makati City.

The staging marks a full-circle moment for Ledesma, who portrayed the titular character in the play’s 2016 Philippine production under Tanghalang Ateneo, directed by Ed Lacson Jr. A decade later, he returns to the material as director, revisiting its complex themes through a new creative perspective.

A Story of Identity, Love, and Self-Discovery

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, Boy follows Adam, a child whose parents are persuaded by a doctor to raise him as a girl following a devastating accident.

As the years pass, the consequences of that decision continue to shape Adam’s life. Two decades later, he navigates love, relationships, and questions surrounding his identity while confronting a past shaped by choices beyond his control.

The play is loosely inspired by the real-life story of David Reimer, whose experiences became central to discussions surrounding gender identity and the longstanding debate over nature versus nurture.

Through its intimate storytelling, Boy examines the intersection of medical authority, parental decisions, personal autonomy, and the search for one's identity.

Zoë de Ocampo and Topper Fabregas Lead the Cast

Leading the five-member ensemble is Zoë de Ocampo, whose previous stage credits include Trophy Boys and Patintero sa Ayala Avenue, as Adam.

Joining her is Topper Fabregas, known for Ang Huling El Bimbo and Bar Boys, who takes on the role of Dr. Wendell Barnes.

The cast also features Jam Binay (Mga Binago ng Araw, Next to Normal) as Jenny, Toni Go-Yadao (Kisapmata, Ang Pag-uusig) as Trudy, and Marvin Ong (Side Show, Man of La Mancha) as Doug.

The production brings together experienced performers and emerging theater artists, reflecting Mad Child Productions’ continuing commitment to fostering collaboration and creative experimentation.

Cholo Ledesma Returns to Boy as Director

Having previously directed productions for Tanghalang Ateneo and the Virgin Labfest, Ledesma now leads a creative team tasked with bringing Ziegler’s emotionally complex work to the stage.

Joining him are Rafael Jimenez as assistant director and Sabrina Basilio as dramaturg.

The design team includes Julio Garcia as set designer, Jethro Nibaten as lighting designer, Sage Ilagan as sound designer and composer, Paul Martinez as costume designer, and Lesley Cao as projection designer.

For Mad Child Productions, Boy continues a season dedicated to stories of self-discovery and the complexities of human experience.

The company previously staged Emmanuelle Mattana’s Trophy Boys, directed by Jillian Ita-as, followed by Guelan Varela-Luarca’s Mga Binago ng Araw, directed by Monty Uy.

Boy will have a limited two-weekend run at the 5/F Mirror Theater Studio, Makati City, on the following dates:

November 27–29, 2026

December 4–6, 2026

Matinee performances are scheduled at 3 PM, while evening performances begin at 8 PM.

Limited early bird tickets are available for ₱1,300, with regular tickets priced at ₱1,500 once the early bird allocation is exhausted.

Tickets may be purchased through:

https://tinyurl.com/mcpboy2026

Blind Box Pass holders have also been sent instructions via email on how to claim their tickets.

For further announcements, follow Mad Child Productions on Facebook and @madchildprods on Instagram and TikTok.