Theater Watchlist: 4 shows to see this September

For Filipino theater enthusiasts, 2024 is a gift that just keeps giving as it has been surprising all of us non-stop with numerous productions every month.

This year, different theatre venues were showered with Broadway hit classics like "Miss Saigon," "Rent," and "Little Shop of Horrors," as well as local productions such as "Pingkian: Isang Musical," "Bar Boys," "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy," "One More Chance," and "Mula sa Buwan," among others.

Now that September is just around the corner, here are the shows that deserve to be on your watchlist:

"Once on This Island"

Starting September 6, local theater production company 9 Works Theatrical will be staging "Once on This Island," which tells the story of star-crossed lovers Ti Moune and Daniel Beauxhomme, and the class differences that stand in the way of their love.

It is based on Rosa Guy's 1985 novel "My Love, My Love" or "The Peasant Girl," which is a Caribbean reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid."

The cast includes Kapuso singers Thea Astley and Garret Bolden, including Sam Concepcion and Angela Ken. The musical will be staged at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City from September 6 to 29.

"Balete"

Kicking off the 38th season of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) resident theater company Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) is "Balete," a play based on the novel Tree, written by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose.

It tells the story of a young boy navigating life in a small Ilokano town, surrounded by friends from different social classes, loyal servants devoted to his family, and relatives with deep-rooted expectations.

The cast features Nonie Buencamino, Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, Toni Go-Yadao, Gelo Molina, Earvin Estioco, and Ynna Rafa.

It will run from September 13 to October 6, Fridays to Sundays, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.

"One More Chance "

It is never too late to watch the classic love story of Popoy and Basha, as its rerun is still ongoing. It tells the story of Popoy (John Lloyd Cruz) and Basha (Bea Alonzo), who have been together since college and promise to love each other forever. At some point, Basha feels suffocated in the relationship with the over-caring Popoy, leading to their breakup.

The musical adaptation stars Sam Concepcion and CJ Navato as Popoy, Anna Luna and Nicole Omillo as Basha, Kiara Takahashi and Sheena Belarmino as Tricia, and Jef Flores and Jay Gonzaga as Mark. It features songs by nine-piece folk-pop band Ben&Ben.

The second run of the musical is set until October 20 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City.

"Mula Sa Buwan"

Barefoot Theatre Collaborative's "Mula Sa Buwan" is down to its last two weekend shows until September 8, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati.

Directed by Mikko Angeles, this piece is based on Edmond Rostand's classic French play "Cyrano de Bergerac," written in 1897 and translated from French to Filipino by Francisco "Soc" Rodrigo.

Set between American and Japanese colonization, "Mula Sa Buwan" takes us to 1940s Manila, showcasing Filipino ideals and stories of misfits, love, friendship, loss, grieving, dreams, freedom, and letting go.

Among the lead cast are Myke Solomon, Gab Pangilinan, and MC Dela Cruz.

Now that Philippine theater is booming more than ever, don’t miss out. Book the ticket and hit the theater! —JCB, GMA Integrated News