Theater Calendar: Plays, musicals you cannot miss this March 2025

March is shaping up to be an exhilarating month for theater lovers, with productions ranging from powerful Filipino stories to timeless classics.

For a quick guide, here's a rundown of the must-see shows that are sure to capture your attention and spark your imagination.

Liwanag sa Dilim

Set to take the stage on March 7, "Liwanag sa Dilim" is an original Filipino musical that blends the power of Rico Blanco’s iconic songs with a gripping story about uncovering the past.

The plot follows Elesi, an orphan on a quest to learn the secrets of his past, and his trusted ally Cris. Their journey for justice sparks a revolution that challenges their hearts and minds. With its thrilling narrative and remarkable music, this show promises to be a standout production.

"Liwanag sa Dilim" features talented casts led by Khalil Ramos and Anthony Rosaldo, who will alternate playing the lead role of Elesi. Other stars joining the stage include CJ Navato, Vien King, Alexa Ilacad, and Nicole Omillo.

The show will run from Friday to Sunday until April 13, 2025, at the RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me, with prices online ranging from P2,200 for balcony seats to P3,900 for orchestra center premium.

READ: Khalil Ramos, Anthony Rosaldo talk about challenges as lead actors for 'Liwanag sa Dilim'

Para Kay B

A beloved literary work by National Artist Ricky Lee, "Para Kay B" returns to the stage this March with a fresh adaptation. This powerful narrative about love, loss, and identity has resonated with audiences across generations, and now, you have the chance to experience it live.

The play will run from March 14 to 30 at the Doreen Black Box Theater at Ateneo De Manila University. Ticket prices range from P1,800 (free seating) to PHP 2,000 (reserved seating) via Ticket2Me.

Directed by Yong Tapang, Jr., this adaptation will feature the emotionally charged performances of Lucas, Bessie, and Ester, and their intertwined stories.

The play explores the complexity of love through various characters, making it an essential watch for theater enthusiasts.

Kisapmata

For those who love a bit of psychological tension, "Kisapmata" is a must-watch this March. Based on the crime report "The House on Zapote Street" by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, this stage adaptation by Mike de Leon invites audiences into the world of a seemingly perfect Filipino family.

As the daughter of a retired policeman falls in love with a man, their world begins to unravel. A tale of love, fear, and deception unfolds as the family struggles to maintain their ideal image.

This features the senior members of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company: Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan, and Toni Go-Yadao.

The show will run until March 30, at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Jimenez. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me for P1,500.

Othello

Shakespeare's timeless tragedy "Othello" is also making its way to the stage this March, courtesy of C.A.S.T. (Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre).

With only eight shows available from March 4 to 13 at The Mirror Theatre Studio in Makati, this is a limited opportunity to experience the intense drama of jealousy, betrayal, and love.

The cast includes Tarek El Tayech as Othello, Gab Pangilinan as Desdemona, Maronne Cruz as Emilia, and Reb Atadero as Lago. If you're a fan of classic literature and raw emotions, this performance is not to be missed.

Tickets cost P1,000.

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

For a lighthearted yet poignant take on modern romance, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" is a two-act romantic musical comedy that explores the highs and lows of love in today’s fast-paced world. Set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis and the glow of dating apps and social media, this musical covers everything you've secretly thought about romance but were afraid to admit.

It features four actors who take on twenty vignettes, each portraying different stages of relationships—from awkward first dates to the complexities of marriage and commitment. The musical offers a hilarious and relatable look at the nuances of love and reminds us that despite the chaos of modern life, true connections still prevail.

Among the cast are Gian Magdangal, Marvin Ong, Gabby Padilla, and Krystal Kane.

Ticket prices range from P2,500 to P3,000. The show will run until March 9.

The show originally premiered in 1996 Off-Broadway and ran all through 1998 making it the second-longest-running Off-Broadway musical. 

Anino sa Likod ng Buwan

"Anino sa Likod ng Buwan," Jun Robles Lana's award-winning play that went on to become an award-winning film, will return on stage this March!

The play will run from March 1 to 23 at the PETA Theatre Center. It stars Sparkle actor Martin Del Rosario, alongside Elora Españo, and Ross Pesigan, and will be directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio.

Tickets are now available via Ticket2Me and are priced from P1,000 for Balcony Side tickets up to P2,200 for VIP.

"Anino sa Likod ng Buwan" is a one-act play that Lana wrote in 1993 and later won the grand prize of the Bulwagang Gantimpala Playwriting Competition. It follows the story of a husband and wife who are refugees of war and their connection to a military man.

Lana adapted his play into a film of the same name in 2015. The film garnered various local and international awards, including Best Director (Lana), Best Actress (Reyes), NETPAC Jury Best Asian Film, and the FIPRESCI Critics Prize at the 13th Pacific Meridian International Film Festival of Asia in 2015, as well as Best Actress at the 39th Gawad Urian in 2016.

—CDC/JCB, GMA Integrated News