Dulaang UP: Review of ROSANG TABA: A Chubby Champion

April 13, 2024

In the town of Katao, there were three sisters who owned a restaurant called "Mama Rosas." The eldest sister was Rosanna (Peewee O'Hara). The middle sister was Rosa Mia (Meann Espinosa). The youngest sister was Rosanna (Kiki Baento). During the fiesta, the sisters, together with their cook and local musicians (Cumbancheros), dramatized the story of how Mama Rosas came about, splitting the roles among themselves.

They told the story of Rosang Taba (Baento), who worked as a servant in the house of the Governor General (Jojo Cayabyab) and his wife Andrea (Espinosa).  One day, Rosa dared to stand up and speak against a rich Spanish aristocrat Pietrado (Victor Sy), who had been hurling invectives against the poor Filipino folk. In everyone's amazement, the obese and unfit Rosa actually challenged the trim and limber Pietrado to a race.

A triumphant Kiki Baento

This fun  and heartwarming play, adapted from a 2012 children's book by Dean Francis Alfar by Rody Vera and Maynard Manansala, was first staged by Dulaang UP in March 2023 at the UP Theater Main Hall Stage, under the joint direction of José Estrella, Issa Manalo Lopez and Mark Daniel Dalacat . It earned a number of citations for its production, direction, lead actress and ensemble work, from various theater award-giving bodies in various year-end lists.

As we knew from her previous shows like the recent "Walang Aray," Kiki Baento is a such powerhouse actress, emanating so much infectious energy throughout this show. Rosang Taba is a very physically-demanding role, more so for a performer of her heft. Yet here she was running and jumping around all around the quadrangular floor stage, seemingly without any sign of fatigue. That smile on her face was just so open and sincere.

Victor Sy and Jojo Cayabyab

As the condescending antagonist  Pietrado, Victor Sy was a character audiences will get annoyed at. However, Sy had that high level of physical fitness and manly grace, for him to be able to perform some athletic stunts and make them look effortlessly good. As the haughty governor, Jojo Cayabyab projected dictatorial authority, yet his characterization still managed to make him come across as delightful in his comic parody scenes.

Meann Espinosa was such a joy to watch. Her Rosa Mia felt like improv the whole time as she did the play-by-play during the race, and every one of her jokes landed. In contrast, her Andrea was kind and dignified. In her dual role as Rosalinda and Rosa's mother, Peewee O'Hara was a ball of kinetic maternal energy. As the lead Cumbanchero, the riotous Aldo Vencilao opened with some pretty corny jokes, but somehow he still pulled it off. 

Peewee O'Hara and Meann Espinosa

The execution of the crucial race scene was exciting to watch with innovative lighting design using strobe lights. It was both funny and exhilarating to watch, a testament to Baento and Sy's skills in physical comedy and comic timing. The climactic moment of empowerment and redemption was moving and powerful. The over-the-top performances, witty pop culture references, snippets of viral pop songs ('Gento,' 'Selos'), lively dance numbers, and the colorful costumes all propel the entertainment value through the roof.

******

The re-staging of "Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba" runs from April 19 to May 5, 2024, with shows 7:30 pm on Fridays, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm on Saturdays, and 10:30 am & 03:30 pm on Sundays. The venue is at the IBG-KAL Theater at University of the Philippines Diliman. P1000 for regular tickets, P800 for PWD/Senior Citizens. 

PETA: Review of ONE MORE CHANCE: THE MUSICAL: Bound for a Breakup

 April 12, 2024

Engineer Popoy Gonzales and Architect Basha Eugenio had been going seriously steady for five years, and they were already planning to get married in a year's time. Recently, Basha had not been happy about how she wasn't given any creative freedom at work and was felt trapped by Popoy's tendency to dictate what was "good" for her and their relationship.  After a series of escalating arguments, Basha finally decided to breakup with Popoy.

In the following months, Basha met a fellow architect Mark, who invited her to join his firm, whose boss welcomed and appreciated her work. Meanwhile, Popoy wallowed in misery even as he had a new girlfriend Trisha, a nightclub singer. One day, Popoy's aunt Edith and her husband-to-be Willy insisted on hiring Popoy and Basha to work together on her dream house, as they promised before. Can the estranged couple work well together again? 

"One More Chance" was a Star Cinema movie directed by Cathy Molina, written by Vanessa R. Valdez and Carmi Raymundo, and starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. It was released on November 14, 2007, and grossed over ₱152.7 million nationwide.  The film and its characters remained very popular well after its commercial run. It even spawned a sequel, "A Second Chance" (2015), an even bigger box-office hit. "One More Chance" is conveniently streaming on Netflix currently. But whether you have seen it already, or especially if you have not,  it might be a good idea to watch the play first, without prior expectations. 

Popoy (Sam Concepcion) and Basha (Anna Luna)

As directed by Maribel Legarda and adapted for the stage by Michelle Ngu-Nario, this stage musical version of "One More Chance" was very faithful to the original movie, practically recreating all of its scenes in order.  In addition, they told backstories of Popoy and Basha's friends, more than what we saw in the movie. This resulted into a rather longish 3-hour show, with one 15-minute intermission. Perhaps there could be some judicious streamlining that could be done to pick up the pace, but I get that fans know the film by heart and may come expecting certain scenes and lines to be there. Some scene changes did not go smoothly in the preview, but will surely be ironed out during the course of its run.

Designed by Ohm David, the stage had a big rotating lazy Susan in the middle which was used extensively. It had a big framing structure around it where graphics can be projected to place the scene in the restaurant, office, house or the street during a rainstorm. The main set piece was a metal scaffolding which can be split in two, with stairs on both sides, which can look precarious in some scenes when actors were on the second level. Because several key scenes were set in cars, they devised a skeletal car that can actually move, which looked cool, but malfunctioned a couple of times, which caused unintentional humor and delays.

I watched this show during the Press Preview night, and it was Sam Concepcion and Anna Luna playing Popoy and Basha. Concepcion uncannily channeled JLC in the way he looked, and the way he delivered Popoy's acerbic lines echoed. In the film, Bea Alonzo made sure her Basha was clearly fed up with Popoy's controlling nature. However, onstage, it looked difficult for Luna to project the same exasperation because of certain limitations in staging. The chicken skin scene was only shown as a projection, with a distracting Max's Chicken product placement. Those who did not watch the film may not get the importance of that scene.

Choreography by Michael Barry Que

Among the supporting cast, two actresses really stood out. One was Via Antonio, who played Basha's friend Anj (Bea Saw in the film). She certainly livened up the show with her talent in delivering killer witty one-liners with perfect comic timing. The second was Neomi Gonzales, who played two roles -- Basha's mom Rose (Shamaine Buencamino in the film), and Popoy's irascible aunt Edith (Nanette Inventor in the film). It was with the second character that we saw Gonzales' gift for comedy (which we last saw in "Walang Aray" where she played Julia's mother). Edith had funny-sounding Korean neologisms, which had the audience tittering with laughter when Gonzales let them fly. 

The roles of Jon Abella (as JP, Ahron Villena in the film) and Johnie Moran (as Chinno, Janus del Prado in the film) were expanded beyond what we saw in the film. They also prominent song solos to boot -- JP in "Pagtingin" and Chinno in "Leaves" -- even more than Poppert Bernadas (as blind pal Kenneth, James Blanco in the film) or Jay Gonzaga (as hunky rival Mark, Derek Ramsey in the film). Aside from playing Edith's fiance Tito Willie (Al Tantay in the film), Raul Montesa also played minor characters on the periphery of the main story, but he still managed to steal attention in every scene he was in, like when he played Sir Bert (Bodjie Pascua in the film) as a floridly gay boss, or that barely-awake drunk man in the next table. 

Sheena Belarmino made the most of a most thankless role, that of Popoy's rebound girlfriend Tricia (Maja Salvador in the film). Anyhow, she got to sing her own new original song "Tricia's Song," composed by Paolo Benjamin Guico, with lyrics from the original screenplay writers Valdez and Raymundo. Rica Laguardia played the role of Krizzy (Dimples Romana in the film), Kenneth's wife and organizer of their gang get-togethers. Krizzy may have been given an extra subplot at one point, but overall, the role seemed diminished in favor of Anj, JP and Chinno. 

23 songs by Ben &Ben were integrated into the storytelling here. It was amazing how these songs felt like were written specifically for the scenes where they were used.  Unlike in "Ang Huling El Bimbo" which was an original story, musical director Myke Salomon had to fit the Ben&Ben songs within a previously existing story, which I felt was a more limiting scenario. However, Ben&Ben had songs like "Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin" or "Masyado Pang Maaga" which already seemed to have been written with the plot of "One More Chance" in mind. It makes me want to review the lyrics of the other songs and see how well everything fit in. 

The Final Curtain Call

*****

 "One More Chance" runs from April 12 - June 30, 2024 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City.  The whole run is already sold out well before the premiere tonight. Break legs to the entire cast and crew!

There is an alternate cast for most of the roles. They are: CJ Navato (Popoy), Nicole Omillo (Basha), Kiara Takahashi (Tricia), Paji Arceo (Kenneth), Ada Tayao (Krizzy), Dippy Arceo (Anj), Jef Flores (Mark), Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Edith/Rose), Floyd Tena (Bert/Willie). 

Review of THE ANCIENT PRODIGAL: Lucifer's Lament

April 6, 2024

At an unspecified time, place and dimension, a risen Jesus Christ met a despondent Lucifer. They engaged in a conversation that detailed the insecurities and frustrations of Lucifer since his fall, as it revealed the compassion and mercy of Jesus since his death and resurrection. Jesus called Lucifer the "first Prodigal Son." Since Lucifer had already fulfilled the role destined for him to do, God the Father is now always ready to receive him back in Heaven. 

Receiving the offer to play Jesus Christ came as a big shock to theater veteran Jamie Wilson, who had been more associated in playing Lucifer-like anti-heroes -- from Banlaoi in "Huling El Bimbo" to Trunchbull in "Matilda." As usual, Wilson completely commanded the stage with his excellent, flawless delivery of his very long lines, in a voice so calming, compassionate and authoritative, just as we would expect from the Son of God.  As early as now, I am already considering this as one of the best acting performances in a one-act play this year.

The big surprise was model Zach Pracale, in his professional stage debut with this formidable role as Lucifer. He certainly kept up with Wilson, delivering kilometric line after line, error-free, never lapsing out of character, truly amazing achievement for this theater neophyte. He had an unusual, unnatural tempo in saying his lines, specially devised for an ethereal character like Lucifer, who had never had a chance to experience being human. His white shirt bore a couple of red marks at the back, representing his severed wings -- very haunting.

Jamie Wilson as Jesus Christ and Zach Pacale as Lucifer

Having Lucifer as a main character in a two-hander play alongside Jesus Christ is a very bold concept. During the Q&A after the show, writer-director Manu Respall revealed that he first conceived of this idea more than two decades ago, but was turned down by a church official when he pitched it. To avoid a repeat of this disappointment, he developed this current script on his own with his cast. No expert on Catholic theology and doctrine was consulted. This show would reflect his extensive research and reflection about these matters of religion.

One of the main legs upon which the plot of this play stood was that Lucifer, the fallen Bearer of Light, was a distinct entity from Satan, the Prince of Darkness. Since my childhood, educated in a Catholic school, I had always thought that Lucifer and Satan were one and the same. Respall's contention really had me re-thinking and re-evaluating my long-held beliefs about this. This 45-minute one-act play is purposefully thought-provoking and faith-challenging, aimed to make us want to read deeper about controversial topics that may catch our attention.  

Wilson and Pacale along with writer-director Manu Respall at the post-show Q&A

**********

"THE ANCIENT PRODIGAL" had its premiere today April 6 at 3pm and 6pm. There will be one last show on April 7,  2024 at 6pm. It runs at the ArtePintura Gallery, Unit 102 Mezzanine 1460, San Marcelino St, corner Escoda St, Ermita, Manila. 

Ticket Prices are at Php 950.00 for Regular, Php 770.00 for Seniors / PWD and Php 700.00 for students. 

TP: Review of PINGKIAN: A Writer's Worth

March 2, 2024

In 1898, Emilio Jacinto (Vic Robinson) led his troop of revolutionary fighters on a mission in Majayjay, Laguna. They were ambushed by Spanish troops, and Emilio was severely injured in his right leg. He was captured and held prisoner by Spanish soldiers (led by Jonathan Tadioan). A sympathetic doctor (Marco Viana) was called in to treat his injuries. A young Katipunan scout Isyo (Joshua Cadelina) found him, but he was too weak to escape.

As Emilio's life lay precariously on the balance, he had bleak nightmares about dark moments in his past, and rosy dreams about the bright future ahead.  He had fever-induced visions about his best friend Andres Bonifacio (Paw Castillo), his fellow revolutionary Dr. Pio Valenzuela (Almond Bolante), his mother Josefa Dizon (Bituin Escalante), his wife Catalina de Jesus (Gab Pangilinan) and his hero Dr. Jose Rizal (Kakki Teodoro). 

In a time where the jukebox musical seems to be the easier formula to success for a new musical production, featuring songs by known acts, like Aegis and the Eraserheads previously. Three more of the same are premiering this year, featuring songs by Ben & Ben, Parokya ni Edgar and Jose Mari Chan. It is always a more formidable challenge to compose an all-original song score, so this one is a winner for me, even for that fact alone.

Many songs were powerful anthems, like "Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban," "Nasa Loob ang Himagsikan' and "Pangarap Ko'y Kalayaan" in Act 1 ("Dilim"), and "Liwanag at Dilim," "Katapusan" and "Kalayaan" in Act 2 ("Liwanag"). The highlights of Act 1 were Jacinto's masterpiece, "Ang Kartilya" ingeniously set into a rapping rhythm; and "Pahayag," showing the initiation rites of Katipunan members. "Ikaw ang Liwanag," a love duet between Emilio and Catalina, was a refreshing breath of fresh air in Act 2. The choreography by Jomelle Era brought these songs into vibrant motion, ending in dramatic tableaux. These songs, with catchy tunes and stirring lyrics, are all going to be released on Spotify soon, and we will be ready to play them on repeat by then.

Emilio Jacinto was onstage practically for the entire 2-hour length of the show, a most exhausting role for Vic Robinson. I do not remember seeing him tackle such a big important role before, and with such impressive conviction and passion. With every song, Robinson aced various genres, from the punishing belts of "Ang Kasalanan ni Cain" (in the style of "Jesus Christ Superstar") to the rapid-fire rapping of "Kartilya" (in the style of "Hamilton"). As early as now, he seems to be a lock for the Best Actor in a Musical award next year.

Gab Pangilinan played two very different characters -- the Judas Iscariot-type traitor Florencio Reyes and the ever-smiling better half Catalina de Jesus.  Bituin Escalante only came out in Act 2, and still she owned the stage with her singular presence and rich vocals. I do not know why they chose to cast a female actor Kakki Teodoro as Dr. Jose Rizal (and I'm not sure I'm totally on board), but, as always, she rocked the role, especially in her featured song "Ang Ating Pinaglalaban." But then again, Apolinario Mabini had been played by a female actor in multiple runs of "Mabining Madirigma," so gender-swapping icons is not new to TP.

Almond Bolante looked totally manly here as a Pio Valenzuela with a rockstar vibe, totally different from the very gay Didi with a soaring counter-tenor in "ZsaZsa Zaturrnah the Musical" (2023). As Bonifacio, Paw Castillo had a strong singing voice that was perfect for inspiring nationalistic fervor. As the idealistic aspiring lawyer Isyo, Joshua Cadelina got to lead the ensemble in two songs -- "1898" and "Liwanag sa Dilim (Reprise)". 

Roby Malubay, VJ Orejotse, and Chan Rabutazo played three priests clad in black. You may think they were Gomburza, but they were actually Frs. Agapito Echegoyen, Domingo Cadenas and Antonio Piernavieja, who were executed for being whistle-blowers against the clergy. Jude Hinumdum had a solo spot number "Narito Na Ba ang Liwanag," as a townsperson named Cirilo Javier. Jam Binay  played Emilio and Catalina's daughter Laya, who sang with her parents in "Ikaw ang Liwanag (Reprise)."

The rest of the ensemble include: EJ Pepito, Paula Paguio, Roxy Aldiosa, Laui Guico, and Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company members Mark Lorenz, Sarah Monay, Erick Alcontado and Llorvie Nuevo-Tadioan. Anchored by the solid bass-baritone voice of Roby Malubay, the impressive choral singing by the Ensemble provided an ethereal musical curtain that enveloped the action onstage, immersing the audience in what felt like a religious experience. 

It is only March 2024 now, but I believe I just watched the musical which will sweep all the theater awards to be given out next year. It is a shoo-in for nominations and, very likely, wins in Outstanding Musical, Book of a Musical (Juan Ekis), Stage Direction (Jenny Jamora), Musical Direction (Ejay Yatco), and all its outstanding technicals (sets by Carlo Pagunaling, sound by TJ Ramos, lighting by D Cortezano, and projections design by GA Fallarme). 

Most of us only knew Emilio Jacinto as the Brains of the Katipunan, and nothing much more beyond that monicker. This musical allowed us to enter the mind of this young man who loved his country, who used his talent in writing to inspire people to do the same. His codename "Pingkian" referred to a small stone which can produce a spark when struck to create a fire. That was exactly what his patriotic writing did to the hearts and spirits of his fellow Katipuneros. It was very sad to know that he only lived 23 short years, yet he was able to bequeath a valuable legacy in his writings. Thankfully, we now have this musical to highlight and celebrate that legacy.

*********

"Pingkian: Isang Musikal" runs from March 1 - 24, 2024, FRI (8PM) | SAT (3PM and 8PM) | SUN (3PM), at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex.

Get your tickets from the following: LINK1 or LINK2. Price for Regular Tickets is P1,500 only.

REP: Review of BETRAYAL: Anatomy of an Affair

March 1, 2024

One day, visual artist Emma (Vanessa White) was inaugurating an art installation in her own gallery in London. After the event, she got together to talk with Jerry (James Cooney), her husband Robert's (James Bradwell) best friend. It turned out that two years ago, Emma and Jerry just ended an illicit relationship which had lasted for seven years. Jerry thought no one knew about it, but Emma told him that she had already told Robert about their affair. 

Repertory Philippines had been regularly staging English language plays and musicals every year since 1967. But after "Stage Kiss" had its run in February 2020, the next show "Anna in the Tropics" was shut down by the pandemic. They only had one show a year from 2021 to 2023. Rep comes back strong this year with its 87th season -- 4 new shows (with 2 of them original Filipino works) in a new venue -- the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza.

Rep's opens this season is "Betrayal," a classic 1978 three-hander play by Nobel Prize-winning British playwright Harold Pinter. This is Rep's first time to tackle a Pinter play. For the first time in Rep's history, three West End British actors, all with Filipino blood, were cast in the lead roles. New York and London-based actor-director Victor Lirio, also of Filipino descent, also makes his theater directorial debut in the Philippines with this project.

Pinter wrote this play with 9 scenes depicting episodes of Emma and Jerry's affair behind Robert's back, presented in reverse chronological order. The first scene was a reunion of Emma and Jerry in the present day after two years of no contact, while the final scene was the start of their affair at a party 9 years prior. Younger theatergoers will recognize this was the same style used by Jason Robert Brown in "The Last Five Years" (2001). 

Since the three main actors are actually based in London's West End, their Britishness lent more authenticity to the play. Their English accents were, of course, the real thing, with none of the inconsistent or overwrought artificiality some local actors tend to affect when playing British characters. Also, the whole play had a different feel from previous Rep plays -- everything felt toned-done and restrained, even the humor and the arguments. 

Also in the cast are Philippine-based actors Jef Flores and Regina de Vera. During the play, you'd mostly see them moving furniture and set pieces around between the scenes. Flores would also play a bit part as the Italian maître d' at a restaurant Jerry and Robert had lunch in. However, more than that, Flores is ready to cover for either Jerry or Robert in case the actors are unable to play, while de Vera is the cover for Emma. 

The set designed by Miguel Urbino was elegantly white, sparse but efficient. The centerpiece of the backdrop was a large Pacita Abad painting, which Emma had brought in from the Philippines to exhibit in her London gallery, framed by a huge rectangular arch. The lights of John Batalla were bright and glaring, to further emphasize the whiteness of the set. The resulting atmosphere in the gallery felt bleak, sterile and clinical. 

Lirio added a prologue scene at the beginning of the play set in Emma's gallery inaugurating a Filipino painting. Aside from the Filipino reference, this was supposed to set the story in Emma's point of view while staying faithful to Pinter's text. According to the post-show Q and A, Lirio also added an epilogue scene of Emma and Jerry with no dialogue, set in a darkened bar or club, to establish the attraction between them, before Robert came into the scene.

******

"Betrayal" runs from March 1 to 17 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza. Shows start promptly at 3:30 pm (matinees Saturdays and Sundays) and 8 pm (evenings Fridays and Saturdays). They close the gate promptly at start time (even when there are still people lining up at the door), so do not be late!

The play runtime is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission. You can buy tickets through Ticketworld on this LINK. Ticket prices: P2,500 (Orchestra Center and Loge Center), 2,000 (Orchestra Sides) and 1500 (Balcony). 

Sandbox: Review of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: Tournament Techniques

 February 29, 2024

For the past 25 years, Putnam County had been holding a prestigious spelling bee featuring kids who had won (or at least placed) in their respective local competitions. The master of ceremonies this year is Rona Lisa Peretti, who had been a grand champion speller herself. The actual word pronouncer was ill, so Vice Principal Panch pinch-hit.  Ex-con on parole Mitch Mahoney was the comfort counsellor, giving juice boxes to kids who get eliminated.

The contestants this year include:  the lovestruck defending champ Chip Tolentino, the pig-tailed lisping daughter of a gay couple Loggaine SchwartzAndGrubennierre, the childish kid who thought he was "not-so-smart" Leaf Coneybear, the no-nonsense over-achiever Marcy Park, "Magic Foot" technique speller with peanut allergy William Barfee, and the shy girl often left on her own by her parents and whose best friend was her dictionary Olive Ostrovsky. 

In the matinee show I watched, Star Magic talents AC Bonifacio played Marcy, as Angela Ken played Olive. Becca Coates played Loggaine, Luis Marcelo as Chip,  Ron Balgos as Barfée, and Elian Dominguez as Leaf. Among the adults, Robbie Guevara played Panch, while Jordan Andrews played Mitch. (Their alternates are: Shanaia Gomez, Krystal Brimner, Justine Narciso, Diego Aranda, Joshy Ramirez, Shaun Ocrisma, Audie Gemora and Nyoy Volante respectively in order.) The only actor without an alternate was Liesl Batucan as Peretti.

Director Missy Maramara made sure the show was filled to the brim with youthful energy and nerdy glee, from the yellow color motif of the stage to the frenetic pacing of the contest. In the show I watched, AC Bonifacio and Angela Ken stood out among the girls, and Ron Balgos and Elian Dominguez among the guys. The performances of Becca Coates and Luis Marcelo were affected by the muffled sound system of the venue so I barely understood their songs. 

One of the interactive gimmicks of this show was the calling of four members of the audience to come up the stage to become contestants of the Spelling Bee. During the show I watched, Nicki Gil was one of the guest spellers, but the other three were regular Joes, which can be boring to watch when they took a very long time spelling. One of the guests actually misspelled a word, but this error was not caught by Robbie Guevara, so she stayed on longer. 

The original 2005 Broadway show was directed by James Lapine, with music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin. I had seen this show before, staged by Atlantis at the RCBC Theater back in 2009. In my memory, I remember the show being very funny, so I enjoyed it a lot. However, I did not recall that there were some squirmy moments, like a boy's member getting excited, or that irreverent cameo by a supposedly Jesus character. 

********

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs from February 24 to March 17, 2024, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets can be bought from Ticket2Me (LINK), with prices ranging from P3300 (Premium), P2700 (Regular) and P1900 (with obstructed views).

My Yearend Roundup: THE BEST OF PHILIPPINE THEATER 2023

December 20, 2023

Since the pandemic was declared in 2020, the theater industry was one of the worst hit. The experience of theater required people to gather in one venue to watch a live performance of actors and singers on a stage. However, these were the very things which were discouraged by the quarantine precautions set by health authorities. 

By March 15, 2020, all running productions at that time ground to a halt, including Black Box "Dekada 70," Trumpets "Joseph the Dreamer," TP's "Batang Mujahideen" and Blue Rep's "Next to Normal." Kapamilya Theater's "Tabing Ilog," Atlantis' "The Band's Visit" and Rep's "Anna of the Tropics" did not even get a chance to start their run at all. 

The industry tried to adjust by resorting to online streaming of videos of plays and musicals, from June 2020 (the Virgin Labfest 2020 on CCP's Vimeo channel) to July 2022 (Benilde Theater Arts' "Doc Anna... Let's Kill This Lab!" on ticket2me.net). But of course, these did not have the same impact for true-blue theater fans. 

Beginning August of 2022 as the populace had been vaccinated and the precautions eased up, theater production companies thankfully began to stage live face-to-face plays and musicals once again. The first shows to hit the stage were all excellent -- Barefoot's "Mula Sa Buwan," TP's "Anak Datu," DUP's "The Reconciliation Dinner" and Rep's "Carousel." 

For the year 2023, I had seen and written about 25 theater productions: 10 musicals, 5 full-length plays, and 11 one-act plays. Philippine theater is very much alive and well again, selling out better than Philippine cinema, it seems. Broadway behemoth "Hamilton" even made its Asian debut at the Solaire in October this year, to quickly sold-out dates. 

There were several shows re-staged this year -- Sandbox's "Every Brilliant Thing" (2019) RWM's "Ang Huling El Bimbo" (2018), TP's "Ang Pag-Uusig" (2017) -- which I was not able to watch again. Due to schedule conflicts, I was only able to catch two sets of the Virgin Labfest. I also unable to watch some college productions, like TA's "Ang Mga Pag-ibig Nina Elias at Salome" or DUP’s "Rosang Taba" and "Sidhi’t Silakbo."

I will list here what I feel were the best among those theater shows I had seen and written about for 2023:

I. ORIGINAL FILIPINO MUSICALS

Best: WALANG ARAY (PETA)

Book: Rody Vera

Music and Songs: Vince Lim

Director: Ian Segarra

Julia was a famous sarsuela performer and Tenyong was her patient true love. Julia had to keep their affair a secret from her demanding mother Juana, who wanted her to marry Miguel, the son of Don Tadeo. When the abuse of clergy led by Padre Alfaro led to his parents deaths, a furious Tenyong decided to leave town and join the rebels. 

Other Notable Productions:

"Rama, Hari" (Alice Reyes Dance Philippines)

"Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah" (Ateneo Blue Rep)

"Tabing-Ilog" (Teatro Kapamilya)

"Hero Z" (PhilStagers) 

Notable Performances:

Alexa Ilacad, Gio Gahol, Neomi Gonzales, Kiki Baento, Carlon Matobato, Johnnie Moran, and Gerald Dy (Walang Aray). Arman Ferrer, Karylle, Miah Canton, Katrine Sunga, and Poppert Bernadas (Rama Hari), Kim Molina, Phi Palmos, Almond Bolante, and Kakki Teodoro (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah), Miah Canton and Vino Mabalot (Tabing Ilog), Wincess Jem Yana and Marynor Madamesila (Sandosenang Sapatos)

Memorable Tech Aspects:

The direction, witty book, catchy songs and music, and elaborate set and costume designs of "Walang Aray." The costumes of "Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah." The nostalgic set design of "Tabing- Ilog." The futuristic costumes and the anti-zombie antidote machine of "Hero Z."  The whimsical set design of "Sandosenang Sapatos."

II. NON-FILIPINO MUSICALS

Best: TICK, TICK... BOOM! (9 Works)

Book, Music and Songs: Jonathan Larson

Director: Robbie Guevara

New York City,1990. Jon is turning 30 years old in a few days but he is still waiting tables at a diner, yet unable to stage a show on Broadway as he planned. His best friend Michael was making serious money as a marketing executive, already owning a BMW. His girlfriend Susan, a dancer, had serious intentions of settling down and moving to Cape Cod. The pressure clock is loudly ticking, ready to explode inside Jon's head as his birthday drew nearer.

Other Notable Productions: 

"The Last Five Years" (Barefoot)

"Snow White and the Prince" (Repertory Phils.)

Notable Performances: Khalil Ramos, Reb Atadero and Tanya Manalang-Atadero (Tick Tick Boom), Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon (The Last Five Years), Jill Ita-as and Carla Laforteza-Guevara (Snow White)

Memorable Tech Aspects:

The "breaking-up" set design of "Tick Tick Boom". The "walkalator" set design of "The Last Five Years." 

III. FILIPINO PLAYS

A. One-Act: 

Best: THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM (Kumprontasyon)

Writer: Guelan Luarca

Director: Melvin Lee

Pres. Ferdinand Marcos summoned Sen. Benigno Aquino from his prison cell to coerce the senator to confess to the crimes he was accused of. The two exchange views about their perceptions about the nature of the Filipino people and politics in the country.

Other Notable Productions: 

"Lakambini" (Kumprontasyon)

"Hukay" (Virgin Labfest Set C)

"Room 209" (Virgin Labfest Set C)

Notable Performances: 

Ron Capinding and Romnick Sarmenta ("The Impossible Dream"), Sherry Lara and Teroy Guzman ("Lakambini"), Missy Maramara ("A Color for Tomorrow"), Andoy Ranay and Floyd Tena ("Hukay"),  Eshai Mesina ("O'Donnell")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

The direction, script and set design of "The Impossible Dream." 

B. Full-Length: Original Filipino Material or Filipino Adaptation: 

Best: LARO (Barefoot)

Writer: Floy Quintos

Director: John Mark Yap

A Call Boy was accosted by a Policeman, who later met a Drag Queen, who later met a User, who later met a random online Lover, who went home to his Ideal, who then met up with a Student, who then confessed to a cousin Writer, who then interviewed a Model, who then met his Philosopher boss, who later hired a Call Boy.

Other Notable Productions: 

"Ardor" (Tanghalang Ateneo)

"Nekropolis" (Tanghalang Pilipino)

Notable Performances: 

Gio Gahol, Al Gatmaitan and Jojo Cayabyab ("Laro"), Jon Santos ("Bawa't Bonggang Bagay" - Filipino translation of "Every Brilliant Thing")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

Direction and lighting design of "Laro."

IV. NON-FILIPINO PLAYS:

Best: RED (The Necessary Theater)

Writer: John Logan

Director: Bart Guingona

In 1958, abstract expressionistic artist Mark Rothko had just signed a contract to paint murals for the walls of the swanky Four Seasons Restaurant in the Seagram's Building. Because of the extensive scope of this job, he hired a young aspiring artist Ken (JC Santos) to be his work assistant at his studio in New York City. While working on the project for two years, the two discuss and argue about their clashing philosophies about art and legacy.

Other Notable Productions: 

"Lungs" (Sandbox)

Notable Performances: 

Bart Guingona and JC Santos ("Red"), Reb Atadero and Sab Jose ("Lungs")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

Direction, set design and musical score of "Red"