HALUHALO: THEATER
Come look at the Freaks: The relevance of ‘Side Show: The Musical’ today
The product of Sandbox Collective’s efforts is a more humanized look at each character in the show and every decision they made for this production is made with empathy and understanding.
Everything About The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Side Show’
The musical has been staged several times since then, including here in the Philippines. Now, it will make its return to the Philippine stage this July. While anticipating its comeback, here is everything you need to know about this production.
O ye of little faith, watch 'Grace'
‘Grace’ is a moving work that resonates with our history as a nation of devotees whose religion wasn’t endemic to our land but whose faith is like that of a mustard seed.
Resilience of Humanity and of Those Who Come From Away
The beauty of humankind is found in compassion, and ‘Come From Away’ displayed this wonderful act of goodness.
The Playbook Club’s Twinbill ‘First Love, Last Love’: A Bleak Take on Love and Relationships
Rafael Jimenez’s twinbill ‘First Love, Last Love’ tackles the immaturity that accompanies inexperienced love. That love, like everything else, is shaped by forces outside one’s control: future events, societal laws, and government policies.
Unearthing the Memories of Our Formative Years in ‘Virgin Labfest XX’s Set A: Bubot’
The first set of every festival teases us with what to expect moving forward, but it’s never a concrete indicator of what will happen next. Much like in real life, our childhood experiences may shape our future but do not necessarily define them. Aptly titled ‘Bubot,’ the first set of Virgin Labfest’s 20th season immerses us in stories mostly associated with our formative years. Bubot—a term closely tied to immaturity and underdevelopment—captures a moment that once existed, before and during our early teens. This set forces us to revisit a time repressed by college and work, resurfacing memories indiscriminately: the good, the bad, and the so-so.
Jon Santos shines in ‘Bawat Bonggang Bagay’
‘Bawat Bonggang Bagay’ proves that Santos is a force to be reckoned with, having an arsenal of ‘Yes, and’ along with his unwavering wit.
What ‘Choosing’ means for Liza and Ice
In this Pride Month special, we talked to Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño-Seguerra about ‘Choosing (A Stage Play)’ and how it breaks the stigma on the challenges that LGBTQIA+ couples go through, embracing all the decisions they make like broken fragments in kintsugi.
Omigod! Ateneo Blue Repertory’s ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ Was Perfect!
Ateneo Blue Repertory has consistently been putting out spectacular musical productions and their production of ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ was beyond perfect.
Sh*t, We Really Aren't Kids Anymore
Watching the Barefoot Theatre Collaborative's ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ was an emotional journey as an adult still figuring it all out. Sometimes we just need a piece of art that makes us feel seen and heard, for someone to tell us that we'll get through it.
Recognizing and Conquering the Real Enemy in ‘In the Eyes of the People’
As we enter the midterm elections, CAST PH & Mad Child Productions’ recently concluded collaborative production 'In the Eyes of the People' reminds us of who the real enemy is—and how to overcome them.
The Case for Mother Earth: 3 Stories From Katipunan’s Theater Scene
The battle of Katipunan takes a three-week intermission as Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas and Tanghalang Ateneo unite in the name of theater for their respective season-ender productions.
‘Kisapmata’ REVIEW: To Remember, to Never Forget
Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Kisapmata’ reminds us that in allowing ourselves to live on, we allow ourselves to remember—to never forget—and to continue retelling the story.
Stage is the Perfect Medium for 'Anino sa Likod ng Buwan'
Watching the film with the knowledge of the play finally being staged this year, I kept agreeing with that decision: maybe theater is the perfect place for ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan.’
2024 Philippine Theater: A Curtain Call to Excellence
As we reflect on the remarkable moments of the past year in the theater scene, here are some of the highlights that made 2024 an unforgettable year for stage performances
‘3 Upuan’ REVIEW: Spare Staging Gives Way to Unsparing Expression of Grief
Guelan Varela-Luarca’s play of three elder millennial siblings preparing for, and experiencing, grief with confident simplicity. 3 Upuan trusts its actors to express its wise musings and the weight of time’s passage to profound effect.
The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Next to Normal’: A Portrait of a Filipino Family
The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Next to Normal’ offers the audience a chair at the Goodman family’s dinner table, allowing us to see past the walls they’ve built for themselves and into their heart of hearts.
What to expect with The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Next to Normal’
The Sandbox Collective had a great run in 2024, with its production of Little Shop of Horrors and Tiny Beautiful Things. They are now back with their first offering this 2025, Next to Normal. The show features music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.
CAST PH’s ‘Freud’s Last Session’ and The Greatest Debate That Never Happened
With its barebones staging and sharp dialogue, CAST PH’s stage reading of ‘Freud’s Last Session’ demonstrates that even the simplest of setups can leave the audience pondering about the everlasting debate between faith and reason.
‘Nagkatuwaan Sa Tahanang Ito’ REVIEW: A Wonderfully Staged Exercise in Exerting and Releasing Control - Like Any Great Family
Mad Child Productions’ ‘Nagkatuwaan Sa Tahanang Ito’ raises thorny questions and feelings about family. Three people orbit Kendra’s preferred definition of family, even if Kendra is forced to examine what it really means to keep a family close.