CAST PH and Areté reunite the original cast of the 2025 staged reading for a fully staged production of Lucy Prebble’s acclaimed play.

MANILA, Philippines — After making its first appearance under CAST PH’s Theoria Omnium staged reading series in 2025, Lucy Prebble’s The Effect is returning to the stage—this time as a full production.

CAST PH, in partnership with Areté, will stage The Effect from September 19 to 27, 2026 at the Doreen Blackbox Theater in Areté, bringing back the complete cast of last year’s reading.

Leading the production are Sue Ramirez as Connie Hall and Brian Sy as Tristan Frey, with Dean Daniel Rosen as Dr. Toby Sealy and Cathy Azanza-Dy as Dr. Lorna James. Chaye Mogg serves as understudy for Connie Hall.

The production marks the next chapter for CAST PH’s interpretation of The Effect, following the response to its 2025 staged reading.

Sarah Facuri, CAST PH Executive Director, returns to direct the production and shared that the reception to the reading encouraged the company to revisit the work on a larger scale.

“We were heartened by all the positive reactions to The Effect back in 2025,” Facuri said, adding that the company knew it wanted to explore the piece as a full production.

The move also gives the returning cast an opportunity to rediscover the material in a different theatrical setting, now with the elements of a complete staging.

Joining Facuri on the artistic team are Teia Contreras as Assistant Director, Carlos Hombrebueno as Sound Designer, Jethro Nibaten as Lighting Designer, D Cortezano as Set Designer, and Myra Ho as Photographer.

The collaboration also reflects Areté’s continuing commitment to making professional theater accessible to a wider audience, particularly students. The creativity and innovation hub emphasizes that accessibility is part of how it approaches the work it puts onstage.

The Effect will have performances on:

• September 19 — 8 PM
• September 20 — 3 PM and 8 PM
• September 24 & 25 — 8 PM
• September 26 & 27 — 3 PM and 8 PM

All performances will be held at the Doreen Blackbox Theater at Areté.

Tickets are now available through https://arete.helixpay.ph/

The Effect is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

The production is also only the beginning of CAST PH’s plans for the remainder of 2026, with the company teasing two more unannounced shows for theater audiences later this year.

Photos courtesy of CAST PH.