Theatre Shows We Are Excited for This September
September 1, 2025
The BER months are finally here, and you can already feel the festivities filling the air. Manila’s theatre scene is no exception—it’s thriving, buzzing, and shining brighter than ever.
This September, expect a feast of stories on stage: a blockbuster international production making its way to Manila, the return of award-winning homegrown plays, and the debut of a brand-new musical (based on a beloved movie!) inside a spanking-new theatre.
Here are the theatre shows we are excited to see this month of September.
KALIWAAN
A Translation of Harold Pinter's "Betrayal"
Presented by Stages Production Specialists, Inc. and MusicArtes, Inc.
Under the direction of Loy Arcenas and freely translated to Tagalog by Palanca award winner, Guelan Luarca-Valera, this production features seasoned theatre actors Missy Maramara (Emma). Nor Domingo (Jerry), and Ron Capinding (Robert).
Told in reverse chronology, it tells the story of a 7-year affair carried on by Emma and her husband, Robert's bestfriend, Jerry.
Due to popular demand, the show extended its run up with the following show dates:
- September 5, 8pm
- September 6, 5pm and 8pm
- September 7, 3pm and 7pm
Tickets are available at the following prices:
- Platinum Php 1250
- Gold Php 1100
- Silver Php 950
- Bronze Php 800
Tickets are available through this link.
The Mirror Theatre Studio, SJG Building, 8463 Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Presented by Repertory Philippines
Directed by Repertory Theater for Young Audiences Creative Director Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, this new take on the beloved Lewis Carroll classic will take you on an adventure filled with zany characters, a mad tea party, flamingo croquet, and tap-dancing playing cards.
With music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, Repertory Philippines’ Alice in Wonderland promises a tuneful, over-the-top entertaining experience for the entire family.
A stellar ensemble of actors has been cast to bring these iconic characters to life. The role of Alice will be shared by Reese De La Vega Iso, Justine Narciso, and Cheska Quimno. The Queen will be played by Cara Barredo, Pinky Marquez, and Mayen Bustamante-Cadd. The musical’s Mad Hatter are Hans Eckstein and Gerhard Krysstopher, while The White Rabbit will be portrayed by Steven Hotchkiss and
Gabo Tiongson.
Joining them are Vino Mabalot and Jay Pangilinan as the Mock Turtle; Stephen Viñas and Sebastian Katigbak as the Cheshire Cat (a role Krysstopher will also perform); Yhuan Gatbunton and Lance Soliman as the Caterpillar; Drew Bustamante and Paul Atienza as the Tweedle Dum; Katie Bradshaw and Ornella Brianna as the Tweedle Dee; Ayam Eckstein and Jay Barrameda as the Doormouse, Kenny Isidoro and Johann Parungao as the March Hare; Karl Navato as the Dodo Bird (alternating
with Pangilinan); and Vinz Castillo and Sean Nolasco as the Knave of Hearts.
Also filling the stage with fun and laughter are the ensemble composed of Coleen Paz, Jacqui Jacinto, Jiliana Tavares, Julia Panlilio, Lucylle Tan, Monica Tulio, Tanja Santos, Astro, DJ Buban, Deo Dela Cruz, Jae Valencia, VJ Cortel, and Keith Campus.
Show dates: August 23 to December 14
Get your tickets now through TicketWorld and Ticket2Me at
https://bit.ly/45tNMHU for Orchestra Center or https://www.ticket2me.net/event/22466 for Orchestra Side.
Tickets start at Php 1000.00.
Repertory Philippines Theater, Citywalk, Eastwood, Q.C.
WALANG ARAY
Presented by PETA
PETA’s Walang Aray bursts onto the contemporary scene as a poignant reimagining of Severino Reyes’ classic sarsuwela, Walang Sugat. While the original addressed colonial oppression and nationalism through themes of love and sacrifice, Walang Aray propels these narratives into the 21st century. It magnifies love and revolution with a dynamic lens, creating a production that doesn't just entertain. It provokes and raises our worldview, while preserving the essence of its source material.
Walang Aray had a total of 58 shows in 2023 alone, having staged two runs in just one year due to insistent public demand. The musical also dominated the 2024 Gawad Buhay Awards, winning eight major awards, including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical (Ian Segarra), Outstanding Book of a Musical (Rody Vera), Outstanding Original Score (Vince Lim and Rody Vera), and Outstanding Choreography (Gio Gahol). Walang Aray also bagged the major awards in the female performance categories, with Neomi Gonzales winning the Female Featured Performance in a Musical award and Shaira Opsimar taking home the Female Lead Performance in a Musical.
A defining element of this revival is its revolutionary and inclusive casting, particularly in its central roles. Among the most notable casting choices is that of Lance Reblando, a multi-talented performer known for their commanding stage presence, who takes on the role of Julia. This casting is a deliberate move by PETA to broaden representation and expand the possibilities of storytelling on the Filipino stage.
Joining Reblando are new cast members bringing their own flair to beloved roles: Rendell Sanchez as Miguel, Divine Aucina as Monica, Gold Villar-Lim as Juana, and Roi Calilong as Padre Alfaro. The ensemble also features James Lanante, MC Dela Cruz, Bomba Ding, Otep Madriaga, Miah Canton, Matel Patayon, and Zoe Damag.
Show dates: Running up to October 12
Get your tickets through Ticket2Me.
Tickets start at Php 1200.00
PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Sunnyside Drive, New Manila, Quezon City
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
Presented by GMG Productions
Since its Broadway debut in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen has touched the hearts of audiences across the globe, earning praise for its powerful themes and performances. This critically acclaimed, Tony award-winning musical is finally making its way to the Philippines with its UK touring production.
Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of Evan, an anxious high school student longing for a sense of belonging. When a misunderstanding spirals into something far bigger than he ever imagined, he faces an impossible decision: tell the truth and lose everything or embrace a lie that brings him closer to the life he has always dreamed of. As the story unfolds, Evan navigates the complexities of truth, connection, and self-acceptance in a world that often feels isolating.
The UK touring production of Dear Evan Hansen is produced by ATG Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, and Nottingham Playhouse, with direction by Adam Penford. It marks the first time that the UK Tour of Broadway and West End Phenomenon will come to Asia.
Featuring music by the Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Oscar-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Steven Levenson, Dear Evan Hansen has been recognized as one of the most impactful musicals of the past decade. It has won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.
Show dates: September 4 to October 5, 2025
Get your tickets through Ticketworld.
Tickets start at Php 2116.00.
The Theatre at Solaire, Pasay City.
JUAN TAMAD AND OTHER BALLETS
Presented by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines and Areté
A magical celebration of Filipino folklore and artistry.
Juan Tamad: Follow his playful quest for the Gintong Niyog, told with Filipino wit, music, and magical storytelling.
Nocturne: Be moved by Carlo Pacis’ lyrical duet from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
C’est la Cie: Experience Bam Damian’s electrifying neo-classical favorite that always brings the house down
Show dates:
September 12 at 7:30 PM, September 13 at 2 PM and 7 PM, and September 14 at 3 PM.
Tickets are P500. For inquiries, Viber 0967 153 6173 or email ardancephilippinesinc@gmail.com.
Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, Q.C.
PINGKIAN: ISANG MUSIKAL
Presented by Tanghalang Pilipino
After its acclaimed, sold-out run last year, Pingkian: Isang Musikal is set to return to the stage, carrying with it the prestige of winning Best Musical at both the 2024 Aliw Awards and the 2025 Gawad Buhay. This timely and powerful production once again puts the spotlight on Emilio Jacinto, the “Brains of the Katipunan”, whose ideals, struggles, and sacrifices shaped the Philippine revolution.
A Revolutionary Story on Stage
At the heart of the musical is Jacinto’s journey as a young revolutionary navigating the complex and often perilous realities of leadership. The story follows him through the final years of the Philippine Revolution against Spain and into the turbulent beginnings of the Philippine-American War
Returning with a stellar lineup of performers, Pingkian assembles some of Philippine theatre’s finest:
Vic Robinson as Emilio Jacinto / Pingkian
Gab Pangilinan as Catalina de Jesus / Florencio Reyes
Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Josefa Dizon
Kakki Teodoro as Jose Rizal
Paw Castillo as Andres Bonifacio
Almond Bolante as Pio Valenzuela
Joshua Cadeliña as Lucio / Isyo
Marco Viaña as Duktor
Show dates:
Sept 12 (8PM) Sept 13 (3PM | 8PM) Sept 14 (3PM)
Sept 19 (8PM) Sept 20 (3PM | 8PM) Sept 21 (3PM)
Sept 26 (8PM) Sept 27 (3PM | 8PM) Sept 28 (3PM | 8PM)
Oct 03 (8PM) Oct 04 (3PM | 8PM) Oct 05 (3PM | 8PM)
Oct 10 (8PM) Oct 11 (3PM | 8PM) Oct 12 (3PM)
Get your tickets through the links below:
https://bit.ly/PingkianShowBuyers
https://bit.ly/PINGKIAN-TicketworldTickets
https://bit.ly/PINGKIAN-Ticket2MeTickets
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP COMPLEX Pasay City.
PARA KAY B
Presented by LA Prodhouse and Fire and Ice Live!
The highly acclaimed stage adaptation of Ricky Lee’s best-selling novel Para Kay B will return for a limited rerun this September.
Based on Ricky Lee’s groundbreaking novel, Para Kay B dares to ask the unflinching question: “Sa limang umiibig, isa lang ba talaga ang p’wedeng maging maligaya?” The play weaves together five interconnected love stories, each exploring the beauty, chaos, and heartbreak of loving and being loved. Audiences can expect raw, unfiltered performances, lines that feel eerily personal, and moments that will have them whispering, “Wait lang, ako ‘to ah…”
Directed by Yong Tapang, Jr., who also serves as one of the producers alongside Lambert Angeles, Voltaire de Jesus, Liza Diño, and Ice Seguerra. This creative team, backed by an equally formidable crew of designers, choreographers, and stage managers, promises a rerun that will not only match but deepen the emotional impact of its first sold-out run.
Following its critically praised premiere, which played to packed houses and rave word-of-mouth, the rerun introduces new layers, fresh casting choices, and the reopening of old wounds for both characters and audiences.
The powerhouse cast includes Mario Magallona, Ava Santos, Liza Diño, Maria Alilia “Mosang” Bagio, Martha Comia, Sarah Garcia, Via Antonio, Phi Palmos, and more, supported by an exceptional creative team including Playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, Creative Consultant Phi Palmos, Choreographer Kirby Dunnzell, Technical Director Yabs, Costume Designer Raven Ong, and Set Designer Julia Pacificador.
Show dates:
September 12 to 28, 2025
Get your tickets through Ticket2Me.
Tickets at Php 2,000.00 and Php 2,500.00
Doreen Black Box Theatre, Ateneo de Manila University, Q.C.
DAGITAB (SPARKS)
Presented by Scene Change
Based on the award-winning Cinemalaya film by Giancarlo Abrahan, adapted and directed by Palanca Hall of Famer, Guelan Varela-Luarca, it was first staged in July of this year with all shows fully sold out prior to opening.
After the early closing of its maiden staging, Dagitab is moving to the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati. There will now be 200 seats available per show, with only 6 shows in total.
Dagitab premiered at the 10th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival where Abrahan won prizes for Best Director & Best Screenplay. The Young Critics Circle cited the film as Best Debut Feature of 2014, while it topped that year’s film poll of the Society of Filipino Film Reviewers (formerly Pinoy Rebyu) in the categories for Best Film, Best Performance, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography & Best Scene, was nominated for Best Screenplay at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and received 14 nominations from the Gawad Urian.
Dagitab examines the marriage of two professors, Issey and Jimmy, on the brink of separation after more than 20 years together. The man searches for a deity–the subject of his research–whom he recognizes as the ghost of a friend. While Issey is drawn to Gab, a young writer who also happens to be her godson.
This rerun features the original cast: Agot Isidro in the lead role of Issey, while Jojit Lorenzo plays Jimmy, her husband. Elijah Canlas as Issey’s sensitive godson – and eventual lover – Gab, and Benedix Ramos as Angelo, a lovelorn poet who starts a deep friendship with Gab. Completing the cast is Sam Samarita as Lorena, a haunting figure from the past.
Guelan Varela-Luarca leads the creative team which includes D Cortezano (set design), JM Cabling (movement), Jethro Nibaten (lighting), Carlos Hombrebueno (sound), and Giancarlo Abrahan (dramaturgy).
Show dates:
September 20 (2PM and 7:30PM)
September 21 (2PM)
September 27 (2PM and 7:30PM)
September 28 (2PM)
Get your tickets through Ticket2Me.
Tickets are at Php 1950 for Tier 1 and Tier 2 tickets at Pho 1550.
Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.
THE BODYGUARD THE MUSICAL
Presented by 9 Works Theatrical
The global hit The Bodyguard: The Musical is coming to life on our shores this September with an electrifying blend of West End talent and extraordinary Filipino performers. With its score packed with Whitney Houston’s signature anthems—including “I Will Always Love You,” “I Have Nothing,” and “Run to You”—and backed by world-class musical and stage direction, this production promises drama, romance, and vocal firework.
Taking on the iconic roles, Frank Farmer is played by West End veteran Matt Blaker, whose credits include The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Jersey Boys, and even a role in Netflix’s The Crown Opposite him, the Filipino-British sensation Christine Allado embodies Rachel Marron, bringing her West End acclaim from roles in Hamilton and The Prince of Egypt to this powerful part.
Rounding out the cast is a lineup of respected names in Philippine theater:
Sheena Palad as Nicki Marron
CJ Navato as Ray Court (also covers Frank Farmer)
Tim Yap as Sy Spector
John Joven‑Uy as Bill Devaney
Vien King as Agent Laney
Jasper Jimenez as Tony Scibelli
Paji Arceo as Douglas
Elian Santos and Giani Sarita alternate as Fletcher
Supporting talent includes Jasmine Fitzgerald, Radha, Fay Castro, Winchester Lopez (also Dance Captain), Carmelle Ros, Richardson Yadao, Iya & Vyen Villanueva, Alex Aure, Julio Laforteza, Natalie Duque, PJ Rebullida, Lorenz Martinez, and Lani Ligot
This marks the inaugural show at Rockwell’s brand-new 780‑seat Proscenium Theater, setting the tone for a major theatrical milestone
Show Dates: September 26 to October 19, 2025, Fridays to Sundays
Get your tickets via TicketWorld.
Ticket starts at Php 4,120.00