(SPOT.ph) Get ready for parodies, homegrown arts and culture, international performers, and a few off-Broadway shows. Did we mention that the circus is coming to town? It's going to be a festive month for Manila's theater fans.
Puno
Theater group: PETA
When: August 1, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Where: PETA Theater Center, No.5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City
Cast: Gaye Galiluyo and Georgette Sanchez
Synopsis: This one-hour dance concert directed by Agnes Locsin explores "the literal, physical, and symbolical virtues of the texture and strength garnered from the trunks that bear the weight of life." It features international artists and Ballet Philippines alumni Gaye Galiluyo and Georgette Sanchez.
Ticket prices: P500 (VIP), P350 (Regular), and P220 (Students)
Purchase tickets via PETA Office at (02) 725-6244 and (0916) 309-0707
Sintang Dalisay
Theater group: Tanghalang Ateneo
When: Aug. 1-4, 7 to 11 and 14 to17 at 7 p.m., Aug. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m., and Aug. 11 at 10 a.m.
Where: Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo de Manila University
Synopsis: This dramatic piece is forged from two writings: Ang Sintang Dalisay ni Julieta at Romeo by G D. Roke in 1901 and Romeo and Juliet, Rolando Tinio's translation of the William Shakespeare classic. Set in Sampurna, an imaginary Muslim community, the story revolves around secret lovers Rashiddin and Jamila, who come from prominent families mired in an age-old hatred for each other.
Ticket prices: P250
Purchase tickets at the door or via Regina Aquitaña at (0915) 112-9301
Noli Me Tangere: The Opera
Theater group: Dulaang UP
When: Aug. 1, 2 and 8-10 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 11 and 12 at 10 a.m. & 3 p.m.
Where: Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, UP Diliman
Cast: Jonathan Velasco, Cynthia Guico, Rica Nepomuceno, Joy Abalon Tamayo, Myramae Meneses, Antonio Ferrer, Luigi Manzano, and Elainne Vibal
Synopsis: Under the tutelage of vocal coach Camille Molina and director Alexander Cortez, UP's opera singers breathe life into Jose Rizal's timeless novel retold by National Artist Felipe Padilla de Leon.
Ticket prices: P250. Student and senior citizen discounts apply.
Purchase tickets at the door or via Dulaang UP at (02) 926-1349, (02) 981-8500 loc. 2449, and (02) 433-7840.
Dula Salle 2012: Realidad
Theater group: DLSU Harlequin Theater Guild
When: Aug. 1-4 at 10 a.m., 3 p.m., & 6 p.m.
Where: William Shaw Little Theater, De La Salle University, Taft Ave.
Synopsis: To open the 46th season of the Harlequin Theater Guild, directors Rielle Ramos, Andrea Villaflores, Antoinette Go, and Zoe Delos Santos bring to life four short Filipino stories penned by Genaro Gojo-Cruz-Mcdonalisasyon, Posporo, Ang Pigtas Kong Tsinelas, and Mga Anak ng Bayan.
Ticket prices: P150
Purchase tickets at the door or via Donna Sta. Ana at (0917) 806-2891 or (0922) 805-1700
Layag: Journey of the Filipino Soul in Dance
Theater group: Kaloob Philippine Music and Dance Ministry
When: Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. & Aug. 4 at 3 p.m.
Where: Folk Arts Theater, CCP
Synopsis: To keep our Filipino arts and culture from fading, Layag brings back authentic and centuries-old music and dance onstage. This colorful festival aims to tell the story of the Filipino, which is "not written on paper, but in music and dance."
Ticket prices: P500, P200 & P100
Purchase tickets via Ticketworld or at the Kaloob Bookstore in CCP
13: The Musical
Theater group: Ateneo Blue Repertory
When: Aug. 4 & 11 at 3 p.m.
Where: Fine Arts Theater, 3/F Gonzaga Hall, Ateneo de Manila University
Cast: RJ Santillan as Evan, Bernice Reyes as Patrice, David Mercado as Archie, Roxci de Leon as Lucy, Raya Esteban as Kendra, Darrell Uy as Brett, Wrench Canicosa as Malcolm, Nikki Surtida as Eddie, Arjo Mejilla as Simon, Maronne Cruz as Charlotte, and Abegail Esteban as Cassie
Synopsis: Catch the last two shows of this campus hit directed by Toff De Venecia. 13: The Musical brings us back to our awkward days as a 13-year-old, where fitting in is as tough as math homework. Both cool kids and geeks at heart will enjoy the catchy musical numbers and comical acting of Ateneo's talented thespians.
Ticket prices: P200
Purchase tickets at the door or via Aina Pacificador of Blue Rep at (0917) 500-2462
Florante at Laura
Theater group: Gantimpala Theater Foundation
When and where: Aug. 3, 4, and 5 (9 a.m., 12 nn. & 3 p.m.) at AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo; Aug. 10, 11, and 12 (9 a.m., 12 nn, & 3 p.m.) at Star Theater, Star City Compound; Aug. 17, 18, and 19 (11 a.m. & 2 p.m.) at Cinema 3, SM Southmall
Cast: Yutaka Yamakawa and Al Gatmaitan as Florante, Vera Capiral as Laura, Arkin Da Silva as Adolfo, Leo Ponseca as Aladin, and CJ Mangahis as Flerida
Synopsis: Florante at Laura, the Francisco Balagtas story that almost every Filipino high school student is familiar with, is back onstage. The timeless love story of two pairs of lovers, Florante and Laura and Aladin and Flerida, is set in the dark kingdom of Albania, which is caught in a web of chaos. See how true love conquers all and bravery restores peace to the land.
Ticket prices to be announced
Purchase tickets at the door or via Gantimpala at (02) 998-5622
Joe: A Filipino Rock'sical
Theater group: Philippine Stagers Foundation
When and where: Aug. 4 to 5 (8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., & 5 p.m.) at SM North EDSA Cinema 9; Aug. 7 to 9 (8 a.m., 11 a.m., & 2 p.m.) at Dagupan Convention Center; Aug. 11 (8 a.m., 11 a.m., & 2 p.m.) at Teatro Marikina; Aug. 12 (8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., & 4 p.m.) at SM Centerpoint Cinema 1; Aug. 18 to 19 (8 a.m., 11 a.m., & 2 p.m.) at SM North EDSA Cinema 9; Aug. 25 and 26 (8 a.m., 11 a.m., & 2 p.m.) at SM North EDSA Cinema 9
Cast: Patrick Libao, Atty. Vince Tañada, Monique Azerreda, Kevin Posadas, Jordan Ladra, Cindy Liper, Kierwin Larena, Adelle Ibarrientos-Lim, Chris Lim, Chin Ortega, JM Encinas, Cherry Anne Bagtas, and Gabby Bautista
Synopsis: If you think you know all there is to Jose Rizal, think again. This original Filipino rock musical deconstructs the schoolbook ideology on our national hero. Playwright and director Vince Tañada presents the more human side of Joe as opposed to the demigod image that Filipinos have known him for.
Ticket prices: P250
Purchase tickets via (0927) 391-3447
Saltimbanco
Theater group: Cirque Du Soleil
When: Aug. 9 at 8 p.m., Aug. 10 at 4 p.m. & 8 p.m., Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. & 8 p.m., Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Aug. 14 at 8 p.m., Aug. 15 at 8 p.m., Aug. 16 at 8 p.m., Aug. 17 at 8 p.m., Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. & 8 p.m., and Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Where: SM Mall of Asia Arena
Synopsis: After the success of Fuerza Bruta, Cirque De Soleil is back! A cast of 50 artists from 20 countries is coming to Manila for a "kaleidoscopic celebration of awe-inspiring artistry and agility." Brace yourselves for breathtaking acrobatics, circus characters, festive performances, and gravity-defying acts.
Ticket prices: P10,500, P7,500, P5,500, P3,500, P2,500, and P1,200. Children four feet and below get 20% off the regular rate.
Purchase tickets via SM Tickets
Walang Sugat
Theater group: Tanghalang Pilipino
When: Aug. 9 at 8 p.m., Aug. 10, 17, and 25 at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Aug. 11, 18, and 26 at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Aug. 12, 19, and 27 at 3 p.m.
Where: Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP
Cast: Cris Villonco, Noel Rayos, Antonio Ferrer, Noemi Manikan-Gomez, Bodjie Pascua, Lou Veloso, Jennifer Villegas, Jean Judith Javier, Red Nuestro, Jonathan Tadioan, and Gino Ramirez
Synopsis: Severino Reyes' libretto first presented in 1902 resurfaces in our modern era to show us how a love affair can spark a revolution amidst the American colonization. Multi-awarded filmmaker Carlitos Siguion-Reyna debuts as Walang Sugat's musical director, while "Bayan Ko," one of the most popular patriotic songs of the Philippines, is featured in this sarswela.
Ticket prices: P800. Student and senior citizen discounts apply.
Purchase tickets via Ticketworld or TP at (02) 832-1125 locals 1620-1621
Wizard of Oz
Theater group: Repertory Philippines
When: August 18 to December 16
Where: Various schools and locations. Visit Repertory.ph for the full list of dates and venues.
Cast: Coming soon
Synopsis: L. Frank Baum's masterpiece comes to life with Repertory's interpretation of the magic of Oz. When a tornado whisks Dorothy away from Kansas to the land of Oz, she goes on a quest to find the mighty wizard who has the power to send her back home. In her journey she encounters unique characters such as the Tin Woodsman, Cowardly Lion, and the wicked Witch of the West. Not to be confused with the hit MGM film, this local version of Wizard of Oz does not include songs from the original 1939 fantasy film.
Ticket prices: Coming soon
Purchase tickets via Repertory.ph and Ticketworld
Forbidden Broadway
Theater group: Upstart Productions
When: August 24 (8 p.m.) and August 25 (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
Where: RCBC Theater, Makati
Cast: Liesl Batucan, Caisa Borromeo, OJ Mariano, and Lorenz Martinez
Synopsis: After its successful run in May, "the funniest show in New York" is back for a limited engagement. This musical revue features popular songs from Broadway musicals such as Rent, Mamma Mia!, Wicked, and Cats with satirical lyrics that poke fun at the shows and original stars. Director Joel Trinidad promises surprise guests for the three shows in August.
Ticket prices: P1,100, P1,000, P900, P800, P700, and P600
Purchase tickets via Ticketworld and Upstart Productions at upstarttickets@gmail.com or upstartproductionsinc@gmail.com
Bona
Theater group: PETA
When: Aug. 24-26, and 31, Sept. 2, 7-9, 14-16, and 21-23
Where: PETA Phinma Theater, No.5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City
Cast: Eugene Domingo, Edgar Allan Guzman, Phil Noble, Joey Paras, Jeff Henson-Dee, She Maala, Olive Nieto, Dudz Teraña, Junevir Tabor, and Juliene Mendoza
Synopsis: Lino Brocka's critically acclaimed film, which originally starred Nora Aunor and Philip Salvador in 1980, is making its theater debut set in contemporary Manila. Actress Eugene Domingo plays the title role, a spinster call center agent who becomes a fan of Gino Sanchez, a contestant in the talent search, Star of Tomorrow. Her disturbing obsession with Gino pulls her into a quicksand of worship and pity.
Ticket prices: P1,300, P1,000, P800 & P600
Purchase tickets via Ticketworld
The Phantom of the Opera
Theater group: Lunchbox Theatrical Productions
When: August 25 to September 30
Where: CCP Main Theater, Manila
Cast: Peter Jöback as The Phantom, Sofia Escobar as Christine, and Killian Donnelly as Raoul. Click here to view the tentative cast.
Synopsis: Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece finally comes to Manila. Watch Christine, Raoul, the disfigured musical genius known as The Phantom, and the powerhouse international cast perform Broadway classics such as "Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You" live for the Manila audience.
Ticket prices: P7,000, P5,800. P4,500, P3,500, P2,250, and P1,750
Purchase tickets via Ticketworld
Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience
When: Aug. 28, 29, and 30 (7:30 p.m.), Aug. 31 (5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.), Sept. 1 (2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.), and Sept. 2 (5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
Where: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati
Cast: Daniel Clarkson and Jeff Turner
Synopsis: Not to be confused with A Very Potter Musical, the YouTube hit that forayed Darren Criss into Glee stardom, Potter Potter is another Harry Potter parody that will leave both wizards and muggles in stitches. Written and performed by two-time Olivier Award-nominated actors Daniel Clarkson (not Radcliffe) and Jefferson Turner, Potted Potter is "perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed)."
Ticket prices: P2,950, P1,900, and P950
Purchase tickets via Ticketworld
Alamat: Si Sibot at Si Gunaw
Theater group: Ballet Philippines
When: Aug. 24 to 26 and Sept. 1 to 2
Where: Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Star City Compound, Pasay City
Synopsis: Based on the children's book written by Palanca hall of famer Ed Maranan, this production features a timely environmental message in a mythical setting. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde is onboard as the artistic director with Osias Barroso as artistic associate.
Ticket prices: P600. 50 % discount for students.
Purchase tickets via Ticketworld
The Woman in Black
Theater group: Dulaang Kalay of Kalayaan College
When: Aug. 31
Where: T.E.A.T.R.I.N.O., Greenhills Promenade
Cast: Jeremy Domingo as Actor and Reb Atadero as Arthur Kipps
Synopsis: One of the few horror plays in the world, The Woman in Black is based on the novel by Susan Hill. It tells the tragic tale of Arthur Kipps through a performance by a hired Actor. As they re-enact the strange occurrences during Kipps' short stay in the Eel Marsh House, they soon discover a malevolent figure that refuses to be exorcised.
Ticket prices: P500 for regular admission. 25% off for students and teachers. 50% off for Kalay students and staff.
Purchase tickets via Gabe Ongkiko at (0905) 428-3371
Photos from Facebook (Ballet Manila, Ateneo Blue Rep, DLSU Harlequin Theater Guild, Dulaang Kalay, Dulaang UP, Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Kaloob: Philippine Music and Dance Ministry, PETA, Philippine Stagers Foundation, Tanghalang Ateneo, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Upstart Productions), lunchbox-productions.com, repertory.ph, smtickets.com, and ticketworld.com.ph.