The Stage is Ready: Musical and Theater Plays in the Philippines

The theater scene is alive and kicking in the Philippines! While not as big as the country’s TV and movie industries, it has countless devoted fans and newbies exploring alternative forms of entertainment. 

The business also rakes in some serious money. For perspective, the total loss in theater revenues during the pandemic was more than ₱400 million.^[1]

But the industry is gaining back its footing. Performing groups are more excited than ever to make their spectators laugh, cry, and sing their hearts out. 

We’ve listed the best musical and theater plays in the Philippines that you shouldn’t miss. Read through the following and take your pick!

Top 7 Musical and Theater Plays in the Philippines in 2024

Ready to get enthralled by the best theater performances in the Philippines? Check out this list of theater plays and shows in the Philippines in 2024: 

🎭 Pingkian: Isang Musikal 

• Date: March 1 to 24, 2024 
• Location: Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater), Manila 
• Ticket prices:  ₱1,500 (regular) / ₱1,200 (student)

Both history and musical fans will love “Pingkian: Isang Musikal.” Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), this Manila theater play chronicles the life of Emilio Jacinto, a general during the Philippine Revolution. 

The full-length musical also shows how Jacinto navigated the country’s transition from the Spanish reign to the genesis of the Philippine-American War. One of the creative licenses of this play is the incorporation of Andres Bonifacio and Dr. Jose Rizal as ghosts who visit Jacinto. 

“Pingkian: Isang Musikal” is penned by seasoned playwright Juan Ekis and directed by Jenny Jamora. The music is composed and arranged by Ejay Yatco. 

Read more: Prepare Your Wallet: Concerts and Fan Meetings in the Philippines

🎭 Miss Saigon 

• Date: March 23 to May 5, 2024 
• Location: The Theatre at Solaire 
• Ticket prices:
  • E Reserve (Balcony Back Row) – ₱2,116
  • D Reserve (Balcony Middle Row) – ₱2,962
  • C Reserve (Balcony Front Row) – ₱4,020
  • B Reserve (Orchestra Left, Right Back) – ₱4,761
  • A Reserve (Orchestra Center Back and Premium Gold Left, Right) – ₱6,348
  • VIP (Orchestra Center Front and Premium Gold Center) – ₱8,464 

The heat is on in Saigon…or in Manila? The critically acclaimed musical that launched Lea Salonga to international stardom is coming to the Philippines this March. The end of “Miss Saigon’s” local run is supposed to be in April, but due to popular demand, it will continue until May 5. 

“Miss Saigon” narrates the doomed romance between Chris, an American soldier, and Kim, a Vietnamese woman working at a brothel. It is based on the 1904 opera “Madame Butterfly” written by Giacomo Puccini which tells the story of an Asian woman left behind by her American lover. 

The Manila run of “Miss Saigon” features Abigail Adriano and Seann Miley Moore, both Filipino-Australian actors and singers; Nigel Huckle, a New York-based Australian-American actor; and Sarah Morrison, the lead for the Australian run of “Mamma Mia,” among others. 

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🎭 One More Chance: The Musical 

• Date: April 12 to June 16, 2024
• Location: PETA Theater Center, Quezon City 
• Ticket prices: 
  • Balcony Side –  ₱1,500
  • Orchestra Side – ₱2,200
  • Orchestra and Balcony Center – ₱2,500
  • VIP Front and Back – ₱3,000 

“One More Chance” is one of the local films that defined a generation. Its realism and collection of hugot have appealed to millions of Filipinos up until today. 

This year, “One More Chance” is coming to the Philippine musical theater scene. What makes things more exciting is the modern retelling of Popoy and Basha’s story featuring the music of Ben&Ben.

In case you forget, “One More Chance” tells the story of Popoy and Basha who have been sweethearts since college. But life has gotten in the way, causing tension and revealing their differences. 

Get your tissues ready for the feels. This Filipino musical play will feature Ben&Ben’s smash hits “Leaves,” “Paninindigan Kita,” and “Araw-Araw.” 

Read more:

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• Ready to Binge-Watch? Check Out 12 Sites to Watch Filipino Movies
• [Battle of the Brands] Netflix vs iflix: Which Online Streaming Service is Better?

🎭 Rent 

• Date: April 20 to May 24, 2024
• Location: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City 
• Ticket prices: 
  • Balcony – ₱2,000
  • Loge Back – ₱3,400
  • Loge Side – ₱3,400
  • Loge Center – ₱3,600
  • Orchestra Side Zone 2 – ₱3,400
  • Orchestra Side – ₱3,600
  • Orchestra Center Front – ₱3,500
  • Orchestra Center – ₱3,800
  • Orchestra Premium – ₱4,000

The seasons of love are coming to Manila. “Rent,” a rock musical by Jonathan Larson, is easily one of the most awaited musicals in the Philippines. 

The local staging of the play is happening at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. It features theater artists Anthony Rosaldo, Molly Langley, Thea Astley, Ian Pangilinan, Reb Atadero, Justine Peña, and Jasmine Fitzgerald, among others.

“Rent” is a story of a group of friends grappling through the times of the AIDS epidemic. Societal issues, such as poverty, are heavily discussed. 

🎭 Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical

• Date: April 26 to May 5, 2024 
• Location: Newport World Resorts, Pasay City 
• Ticket prices: 
  • Bronze – ₱1,105
  • Silver – ₱2,210
  • Gold – ₱3,315
  • VIP – ₱4,420
  • SVIP – ₱5,525 

OPM legend Parokya ni Edgar is known for their lighthearted, realistic, and often mildly irreverent tracks. If you’re up for some nostalgia, get ready to hear their songs in one of the most anticipated musicals in Manila.  

“Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical” presents an all-female lead cast composed of Marynor Madamesila, Kyle Napuli, Natasha Cabrera, and Tex de Leon. The story of the musical tells how the four women meet together and embark on a journey of self-discovery. 

This Filipino theater play is penned by playwright Rody Vera. The music, on the other hand, is arranged by Ejay Yatco. 

🎭 I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change 

• Date: June 7 to 30, 2024
• Location: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City 
• Ticket prices (based on 2024 season passes at 30% off covering three shows):
  • Gold Year Pass (Orchestra Center) – ₱6,650
  • Silver Year Pass (Orchestra Side) – ₱5,250
  • Balcony Year Pass – ₱3,710 

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” the second-longest-running Off-Broadway musical, is one of the most long-awaited theater shows in the Philippines this 2024 among theater fans.  It’s also perfect for people exploring love, as it examines the nature of relationships, albeit in a comedic manner. 

The play is also an intimate one, opting to cast four characters. Repertory Philippines is the company behind the local run of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” 

🎭 Going Home to Christmas

• Date: November to December 2024
• Location: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City 
• Ticket prices: 
  • Gold Year Pass (Orchestra Center) – ₱6,650
  • Silver Year Pass (Orchestra Side) – ₱5,250
  • Balcony Year Pass – ₱3,710

“Going Home to Christmas” is a jukebox musical you and your family can look forward to in the last quarter of the year. 

“Going Home to Christmas” tells four heartwarming love stories set at the airport. One of the theater shows in the Philippines this 2024 produced by Repertory Philippines, this play features the songs of Jose Mari Chan. 

Final Thoughts

While theater may be a small niche in the Philippines, its foundations are solid, thanks to dedicated fans and devoted patrons. With social media’s power, more and more people are getting drawn to the wonders and delights of this art form.

If you and your friends are looking to bond over something new and exciting, consider watching musical and theater plays in the Philippines. You have a lot of choices, as you can see. 

Sources: 

• ^[1] Will the coronavirus kill Philippine theater? (Rappler, 2020)
• ^[2] Pingkian: Isang Musikal Ticketing Page 
• ^[3] Miss Saigon Ticketing Page
• ^[4] One More Chance: The Musical Ticketing Page
• ^[5] ‘Rent’ to be staged in PH in 2024 (Rappler, 2023)
• ^[6] Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical Ticketing Page
• ^[7] and ^[8] I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Going Home to Christmas Press Release