HALUHALO: THEATER
The spectacle of ‘The Bodyguard The Musical’
The performances are definitely highlights of The Bodyguard The Musical, but no amount of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” encores can save this production.
On time and grief: Scene Change’s ‘3 Upuan’ and ‘Dagitab’
There are numerous works of art surrounded by the topic of grief in hopes we can come to terms with it. What we learn is grief and the passage of time while dealing with grief are different to everyone. In the two recent plays from Scene Change, 3 Upuan and Dagitab, these two forces are the primal focuses. Both plays, written by Guelan Varela-Luarca, handled the themes in different ways and were done with care and knowledge about the themes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘Request sa Radyo’: An enthralling exercise in empathy
Request sa Radyo is exactly that—a wordless play whose appeal comes from the breathtaking and eye-catching performances of Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon.
‘Bar Boys: A New Musical’ and what it means to fight for justice
Barefoot Theater Collaborative’s rerun of ‘Bar Boys: A New Musical’ is the hottest show currently running right now, if you're intrigued by the cast's tremendous performance and the compelling tale of justice and friendship it tells.