Performing Arts
Here's What You'll Be Missing If Joseph the Dreamer Doesn't Get More Shows
With only 10 shows, here's why theater fans need more.
by Kate Alvarez
Published on Jul 14, 2025
(SPOT.ph) Just three days before opening night, Joseph the Dreamer announced that all 10 shows of its six-day run were officially sold out. Since then, we've been waiting with bated breath to see if Trumpets Inc.—the folks behind the musical—would add more shows. Halfway through their scheduled run, there's still no change; the show strictly closes on July 20.
It’s unusual, for sure; popular demand usually leads to an extension. You’d think a sold-out run would mean more dates, but alas, no divine intervention this time. The stars, quite literally, aren’t aligning.
But it's not so much a case of 'why won't they' and more one of 'how could they possibly?' In an interview with SPOT.ph, the team behind Joseph the Dreamer shared that syncing the calendars of their star-studded cast—top-billed by Sam Concepcion and Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano—has been the real challenge. And with the thriving Philippine theater scene, there are currently no venues available to house an extension this month.
Still, we're holding out hope. Maybe if more people cry FOMO, they'll reconsider. So hear us out; here are the reasons why we think this version of Joseph the Dreamer deserves more than 10 shows—or at least another run before the year ends.
Here are the reasons why we think Joseph the Dreamer needs more shows:
It's the much-needed 2025 update to the 36-year-old musical
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Sam Concepcion and Jordan Andrews share the role of Joseph, in Joseph the Dreamer..
ICYDK, Joseph the Dreamer was first staged in 1989, written by the late renowned director Freddie Santos, based on the cantata of musical composer Cam Floria. It's the reimagined biblical story of Jacob’s favorite son, the titular Joseph, who is betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and eventually goes on a journey for self-discovery and redemption.
While the original story is timeless, the material is a bit dated.
"It was written in the late ’80s. The way that it was written, I knew it would not be completely accepted or would not be able to connect with the generation today,” says director Paolo Valenciano, who, together with musical director Myke Salomon, reimagined and updated the musical in 2020 by adjusting some of the scenes for the 2025 theater crowd.
"We want it to be inclusive, so we really just reworded some of it to make sure that it was sensitive to other beliefs," he adds.
One of these updates included additional scenes exploring the feelings of doubt, like the one where Joseph questions if God is listening—something Valenciano describes as a common experience that even the most devout young people grapple with today.
"A lot of us go through that at one point. We find ourselves a night asking, 'God, are you even there?' says Valenciano. "I wanted people, whatever they were feeling, whatever their thoughts are, whatever their doubts are—I wanted it to be acknowledged onstage."
The stage may be smaller, but it's a stunner
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Mio Infante’s scenography and Paolo Valenciano’s direction transformed the stage into a Biblical-scene-meets-pop-concert. Photo by Myra Ho courtesy of Trumpets Inc. .
Joseph the Dreamer is currently being staged at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati's RCBC Plaza, and notably, it has a smaller stage compared to the Maybank Theater, where they staged their 2020 to 2022 runs. So naturally, there were adjustments that needed to be made.
"The set changes and costume changes are much more difficult with a smaller stage," says four-time returning cast member Matthew Barbers, who plays Joseph's vengeful older brother Simeon.
But that's nothing that award-winning scenographer Mio Infante can't work his magic on. He transformed the stage into a tapestry of scenes. It’s almost like watching those sepia-toned bible-based films from our childhood, injected with colorful elements of ’80s and '90s pop concerts.
That shift to a more intimate venue may have been more challenging logistically (big cast and all), but it actually worked to the advantage of the show. "It adds that grittier aspect to it, that everyone is up close and personal to the material," Barbers says.
You can see the emotional build-up of the powerhouse cast—a mix of familiar faces and new standouts—play out in real time. You can see every nuance from each actor right in front of you.
Jordan Andrews. 'Nuff said.
While Concepcion has made the titular character his own, first-time Joseph, Jordan Andrews is bringing his own take, one you shouldn't sleep on.
Andrews spent years pursuing his thespian dream. In fact, when he joined Pinoy Big Brother in 2021, the London-born-and-raised actor was dubbed the "Musical Dreamchaser ng London." Andrews has since landed support and ensemble roles in productions such as Rent and Tabing Ilog, but never nabbing the lead role—that is, until Joseph the Dreamer.
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The spotlight is finally on Jordan Andrews and it's well-deserved. Photo by Myra Ho courtesy of Trumpets Inc. .
“It’s always close, but not close enough,” he told SPOT.ph, recalling the times when he was trying not to be too hopeful to avoid disappointments. He found himself “dampening” his own dreams.
Case in point, when he auditioned for JTD after friend and colleague Concepcion's prodding, Andrews wrote “any role” on the sign-up sheet. But Valenciano saw the same thing Concepcion saw in Andrews.
"Direk Pao had me come back in after an hour to read the Joseph lines. And then Sam came up to me and whispered, 'Hey Joseph.'" Even then, Andrews was in doubt. He did not want to celebrate until he got the final, official call.
"Direk Pao had me come back in after an hour to read the Joseph lines. And then Sam came up to me and whispered, 'Hey Joseph.'" Even then, Andrews was in doubt. He did not want to celebrate until he got the final, official call.
And when he finally donned that well-deserved signature technicolor coat, he turned to past Josephs (Audie Gemora, Gary Valenciano, and Franco Laurel) to prepare for his role. They all gave him the same advice that worked for them: “Do not copy our Josephs.”
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Opening night reunion. This was the first time all seven Josephs stood on one stage together— Alvin dela Peña (2006), Sam Concepcion (2020, 2022, 2025), Audie Gemora (1989-2000), Gary Valenciano (1999-2000), Franco Laurel (2006, 2009), Jordan Andrews (2025), and Neo Rivera (2022). Photo courtesy of Franco Laurel..
He took it to heart. Like those before him, Andrews found his own interpretation of the character, one that was front and center during preview night, his first as a lead.
We watched his character build up, leading to a deep and emotional ending—one that had everyone choking back their tears by the end of the second act.
After the show, we asked him what he hopes audiences will take from his Joseph. “That it’s okay to dream again, no matter what you go through. It’s time to dream again,” he said, which we could tell was not just about Joseph.
You don't have to be a believer to feel moved by Joseph the Dreamer.
While Joseph the Dreamer is a Christian musical staged by a Christian theater group, its message isn’t reserved for the pious. It hits just as hard, even for the Doubting Thomases among us.
For Barbers, the play hits on universal truths that stuck with him—especially the line, “When God closes the door, he opens a window,” which he says is his biggest takeaway from the role.
"I learned that sometimes when you don’t get what you want, you are getting what you deserve. And sometimes that’s a tough pill to swallow—but when you reframe it, it’s a beautiful thing to swallow," he reflects.
For Barbers, the play hits on universal truths that stuck with him—especially the line, “When God closes the door, he opens a window,” which he says is his biggest takeaway from the role.
"I learned that sometimes when you don’t get what you want, you are getting what you deserve. And sometimes that’s a tough pill to swallow—but when you reframe it, it’s a beautiful thing to swallow," he reflects.
Even if you come from a completely different religious belief or background, you’d be pleasantly surprised at how this reimagined Bible story can speak to you.
As ensemble member and swing Justine Narciso puts it: "This show is a constant reminder that we just have to keep being hopeful and believe that the best possible outcome will happen."
It opens up discussions we need to be having about family.
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The plot thickens when Joseph gets sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Photo by Myra Ho courtesy of Trumpets Inc..
Beyond a test of faith, Joseph the Dreamer is about family. Anyone who’s had a complicated relationship with their loved ones will find someone to relate to in this story. There's Simeon’s warranted anger, Reuben’s humor masking the pain, Benjamin’s struggles of being left out, the endless sibling rivalry, a father playing favorites, and relatives not taking accountability. And then there's also Joseph’s journey from dreamer to doer and doubter to believer—these are all universal struggles that many of us, regardless of the type of family or upbringing we’re coming from, can relate to.
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Joseph the Dreamer's curtain call on preview night. Photo by Myra Ho, courtesy of Trumpets Inc..
Joseph the Dream will make you both cry along and laugh out loud. Its message is simple but profound and universal; it certainly helps that it's packed with the familiar, funky vibes of the '80s and '90s, too.
While the show is currently down to its last five shows, we can't help but pray for a venue to miraculously become available, but we guess we'll just have to wait and see. Who knows, a window—er, theater might just open.
Catch Joseph the Dreamer on July 11 to 13, and July 18 to 20 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Tickets for shows for this run are currently sold out. For more information, visit Joseph the Dreamer's Facebook page.
Also read:
Must-Watch Concerts and Theater Shows This July 2025
Your Ultimate Guide To Theater Shows in the Philippines in 2025
Also read:
Must-Watch Concerts and Theater Shows This July 2025
Your Ultimate Guide To Theater Shows in the Philippines in 2025
Kate Alvarez is an elder millennial writer and commercial model. Visit her travel blog, KateWasHere.com, and follow her on IG @replikate.
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