Must-watch theater shows this summer
By September Grace Mahino
March 18, 2025
World Theater Day may fall on March 27, but that doesn’t mean you only have this day to enjoy and celebrate a live performance. From jukebox musicals to the staging of works penned by National Artists, take your pick from the world-class productions that will raise their curtains this summer season.
When: Runs until March 30
Where: CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Ramirez
Presented by Tanghalang Pilipino
What happens when the “perfect” Filipino family unravels, when a picture of domestic idyll gets torn apart by fear and violence? Adapted from the highly acclaimed 1981 Mike de Leon film of the same title, which, in turn, was based on National Artist Nick Joaquin’s crime report “The House on Zapote Street,” Kisapmata dives into the horror and ugliness lurking beneath the idealistic façade of a household run by an iron-fisted patriarch. Written for the stage and directed by Palanca Literary Awards Hall of Famer Guelan Varela-Luarca for Tanghalang Pilipino, Kisapmata stars Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, and Toni Go-Yadao.
For tickets, visit Ticket2me.net. Ticket prices are Php1500 for regular and Php2000 for VIP seats.
When: Runs until April 13
Where: RCBC Plaza
Presented by 9 Works Theatrical
In the tradition of bringing OPM to life through crowd-pleasing musicals, 9 Works Theatrical presents Liwanag sa Dilim. Based on the songs written by musician Rico Blanco during his Rivermaya days, it follows an orphaned boy Elesi (named after the hit track in the 1997 album Atomic Bomb) through his discovery of his past. As he learns about his roots, Elesi learns to fight for those who have less than he has. Liwanag sa Dilim stars Anthony Rosaldo and Khalil Ramos. It is written and directed by 9 Works co-founder Robbie Guevara, who was also responsible for the trailblazing jukebox musical Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!
For tickets, visit Ticket2me.net. Ticket price starts at Php2200.
When: Runs until March 30
Where: Doreen Black Box Theater, Ateneo de Manila University
Presented by Fire & Ice Live and Tungo at Liwanag sa Teatro, Inc.
Adapted by the Carlos Palanca awardee Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Yong Tapang, Para Kay B is based on the first novel of the same title by screenwriter and National Artist Ricky Lee. Deldoc already staged Para Kay B in intimate venues in 2017, so the news of a bigger production had Ricky Lee fans excited. The play’s well-loved source material reflects on romance and Filipino relationships, viewing them through a socio-cultural lens as it follows the lives and loves of five women.
For tickets, visit Ticket2me.net. Ticket price is Php1800.
When: Runs until April 13
Where: Mirror Studio Theatre 2
Presented by Theatre Titas
A catch-up between two old friends regresses into a passive-aggressive power play. A wealthy matron and her much younger dance instructor go through a tense final rehearsal for an amateur ballroom dancing competition. Dedma is a double feature of two original scripts (“Let’s Do Lunch” and “The Foxtrot”), both written by Theatre Titas co-founder Chesie Galvez-Cariño. Each one dives into the complicated web of relationships between Manila’s elite, from the choices they make to the masks they wear and the pretenses they keep up.
For tickets, visit Teeq.live. Ticket price is Php1000.
When: April 25 - June 8
Where: Newport Performing Arts Theater
Presented by Newport World Resorts Musicals
A highly anticipated production that promises to bring camp, comedy, drama, and glamor, Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo will light up the stage, thanks to the creative vision and talents of the same teams behind Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical and Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical. Using the classic hits and newer compositions of songwriter and music producer Jonathan Manalo, it tells the story of a drag performer named Delia who is determined to overcome the odds and make it big. Delia D stars Phi Palmos as the titular character and features Shaira Opsimar, Floyd Tena, and Sweet Lapus, among others, in the cast.
For tickets, visit the Newport World Resorts online ticketing site.
When: April 4 - 13
Where: PETA Theater Center
Presented by The Corner Studio
Just in time before Holy Week, The Corner Studio’s inaugural production takes on the trial and crucifixion of Christ but from the perspective of a conflicted Pontius Pilate. Pilato poses the same question its namesake character asked himself as Jewish elders demanded that Jesus be judged and condemned: “Ano ang katotohanan?” (What is the truth?) As the musical follows a man caught between his political ambition, his duty to his agitated constituents, and his sense of justice, it also asks audiences to reflect on the complex nature of truth.
For tickets, visit the Pilato website.
When: May 2 - 25
Where: Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater
Presented by Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
Based on Drew Gasparini’s viral concept album of the same title, We Aren’t Kids Anymore is a poignant coming-of-age story about the messy, complicated reality of growing up, told from five distinct perspectives. Directed by Rem Zamora, Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s first offering for 2025 stars Gab Pangilinan, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, Luigi Quesada, and Myke Salomon.
For tickets, visit Ticket2me.net.
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