My Yearend Roundup: THE BEST OF PHILIPPINE THEATER 2024

December 20, 2024

In 2024, Philippine theater continued its upward surge after recovering from the pandemic paralysis, a process of restoration that started a couple years ago. For the year 2024, I had seen and written about 38 theater productions: 11 musicals, 15 full-length plays, and 13 one-act plays. 

Among the shows I was not able to watch this year included "Sintang Dalisay" at Arete, "Gruesome Playground Injuries" by CAST, and Lea Salonga's version of "Request Sa Radyo." There were a couple of touring productions at the Solaire this year -- "Ms. Saigon" in March, and "Six, the Musical" in October -- both of which I also was not able to watch. 

I will list here what I feel were the best among those theater shows I had seen and written about for 2024:

I. ORIGINAL FILIPINO MUSICALS

Best: "PINGKIAN" (Tanghalang Pilipino) (MY FULL REVIEW) 

Book: Juan Ekis

Music, Songs and Musical Direction: Ejay Yatco

Stage Direction: Jenny Jamora

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.

Other Notable Productions:

"One More Chance, the Musical" (PETA), directed by Maribel Legarda, book by Michelle Ngu-Nario adapted from screenplay by  written by Vanessa R. Valdez and Carmi Raymundo, songs by Ben&Ben, musical direction by Myke Salomon (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Bar Boys, the Musical" (Barefoot), directed by Mikko Angeles and Pat Valera, book by Pat Valera, music and songs by Myke Salomon (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Jepoy and the Magic Circle" (Repertory Philippines), directed by Joy Virata, book by Rody Vera from a short story by Gilda Cordero-Fernando, music and songs by Ejay Yatco (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances:

Vic Robinson, Gab Pangilinan, Marco Viana, Paw Castillo, Joshua Cadelina, Bituin Escalante, Kakki Teodoro ("Pingkian"); Sam Concepcion, CJ Navato, Nicole Omillo, Via Antonio, Neomi Gonzales, Paji Arceo, Sheena Belarmino ("One More Chance"); Sheila Francisco, Juliene Mendoza ("Bar Boys"); Hans Eckstein ("Jepoy and the Magic Circle"), Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Floyd Tena, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd ("Going Home to Christmas"); Tex Ordonez-de Leon, Pepe Herrera, Deevo ("Buruguduy")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

All technical aspects of "Pingkian." The musical direction of "One More Chance." The puppetry in "Jepoy and the Magic Circle." The over-the-top set, costume and lighting design, and puppetry of "Buruguduy."

II. NON-FILIPINO MUSICALS

Best: "LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS" (Sandbox Collective) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Book: Howard Ashman

Music and Songs: Alan Menken

Stage Direction: Toff De Venecia

Musical Direction: Ejay Yatco

Mr. Mushnik (Audie Gemora) owned a flower shop in a decrepit part of the city called Skid Row. Working for him were a foundling orphan boy named Seymour (Nyoy Volante), and a pretty but not-so-smart young lady named Audrey (Karylle). Because business was very bad, Mushnik declared that he has decided to close down shop. Desperate to keep the shop open, Seymour revealed that he had a new discovery which may improve business.

Other Notable Productions:

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" (Repertory Philippines), directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, book and lyrics by Joe diPietro, music by Jimmy Roberts (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Rent" (9 Works Theatrical), directed by Robbie Guevara, book, lyrics and music by Jonathan Larsen (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Once on this Island" (9 Works Theatrical), directed by Robbie Guevara, book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances: Nyoy Volante, Reb Atadero, Karylle, Sue Ramirez, OJ Mariano ("Little Shop of Horrors); Gian Magdangal, Marvin Ong, Krystal Kane, Barbara Jance ("I Love You, You're Perfect");  Anthony Rosaldo, Molly Langley, Ian Pangilinan, Adrian Lindayag ("Rent"), Thea Astley, Lani Ligot ("Once on this Island"); AC Bonifacio, Angela Ken, Ron Balgos, Elian Dominguez ("The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee")

Memorable Tech Aspects

The set, lighting and costume design, and puppet work in "Little Shop of Horrors."  The stylish set design of "I Love You, You're Perfect." 

III. FILIPINO PLAYS

A. One-Act: 

Best: 3 UPUAN (Arete) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Writer: Guelan Luarca

Director: Guelan Luarca

Three siblings come together when their father passed away from esophageal cancer. Eldest son Jers (Jojit Lorenzo) was a philosophy professor who quoted Plato and Nietzche in his daily conversations. Second son Jack (JC Santos) was a visual artist whose dream was to interpret Rolando Tinio's poetry into paintings. Youngest was Jai (Martha Comia), a journalist who migrated to the US while advocating for indigenous peoples.

Other Notable Productions: 

"Ang Munting Liwanag sa Madilim na Sulok ng Isang Serbeserya as Maynila" by Dustin Celestino, directed by Toni Go-Yadao (VLF Set D) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"The Foxtrot" by Chesie Galvez Carino, directed by Paul Morales (VLF Set C) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Sentenaryo" by Herlyn Alegre, directed by Ian Segarra (VLF Set B) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances: 

Jojit Lorenzo, JC Santos, Martha Comia ("3 Upuan"); Joshymae, Dyas Adarlo, Bon Lentejas (Ang Munting Liwanag); JC Santos and Liesl Batucan ("The Foxtrot"); Ross Pesigan, Ge Malacaman ("Ningas"). Kitsi Pagaspas ("Identite"), Thea Marabut, Peewee O'Hara ("Nagkatuwaan sa Tahanang Ito")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

The direction, script and set design of "3 Upuan." The realistic make-up of Ekis Gimenez in "Sentenaryo." The eloquent script of Lino Balmes in "Ningas."

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

Best: BALETE (Tanghalang Pilipino) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Writer: Devised by the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, based on the book by F. Sionil Jose's novel "Tree," Jose's autobiography "Promdi," and Rody Vera's Filipino stage adaptation "Balete"

Director: Chris Millado

In the town plaza of Rosales, Pangasinan stood one old magnificent balete tree. The biggest rice farm there was owned by a corrupt politician Don Vicente. It was run by by a stern caretaker Espiridion, who was the father of the narrator / protagonist, Francisco or "Kiko." As a child,  Kiko got along well with their farm servants. However, he also witnessed how his father had been a very harsh employer, often resorting to violence. 

Other Notable Productions: 

"Grace" by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter Martinez Santos (Encore Theater) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Mga Multo" by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Ron Capinding and Guelan Luarca, directed by Ron Capinding (Tanghalang Ateneo) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Medea" by Euripedes, translated by Rolando Tinio, directed by Ron Capinding (Tanghalang Ateneo) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances: 

Nonie Buencamino, Marco Viana, Gelo Molina ("Balete"); Stella Canete-Mendoza, Sharmaine Centenera-Buencamino, Leo Rialp ("Grace"); Miren Alvarez-Fabregas, Yan Yuzon, Joseph dela Cruz, Sabrina Basilio, Mark Aranal ("Mga Multo"); Miren Alvarez-Fabregas, Yan Yuzon, Joseph dela Cruz ("Medea"), Katski Flores ("Sa Tahanan ng Aking Ama"); Dolly de Leon (Request sa Radyo"), Liza Dino-Seguerra, Ice Seguerra ("Choosing"); Khay Eva, Jigger Sementilla ("Nanay Bangis"); Jaime Wilson ("The Ancient Prodigal")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

Direction, writing, set and lighting design, movement choreography of "Balete." Direction and writing of "Grace." The direction and set design of "Request sa Radyo"). The set design of "Nanay Bangis."

IV. NON-FILIPINO PLAYS:

Best: OTHELLO (CAST) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Writer: William Shakespeare

Director: Nelsito Gomez

Venetian army ensign Iago (Reb Atadero) was furious that his Moorish superior officer Othello (Tarek El Tayech) had promoted an aristocrat Cassio (Davy Narciso) to the position he aspired for instead of him. Recruiting unwitting accomplices in his wife Emilia (Maronne Cruz) and his lovesick friend Roderigo (Rafael Jimenez), Iago executed a devious plot to plant a seed of doubt between newlyweds Othello and his virtuous bride Desdemona (Gab Pangilinan).

Other Notable Productions: 

"The Half-Life of Marie Curie" by Laura Gunderson (MusicArtes) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Betrayal" by Harold Pinter (Repertory Philippines) (MY FULL REVIEW)

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Nia Vardalos and Cheryl Strayed (Sandbox Collective) (MY FULL REVIEW)

Notable Performances: 

Tarek El Tayech, Reb Atadero, Gab Pangilinan, Maronne Cruz ("Othello"), Missy Maramara, Caisa Borromeo ("The Half-Life of Marie Curie"), James Bradwell, James Cooney ("Betrayal"), Iza Calzado, Gabby Padilla, Brian Sy ("Tiny Beautiful Things")

Memorable Tech Aspects:

Direction and movement choreography of "Othello." Direction, set, sound and lighting design of "Betrayal." Set design of "Tiny Beautiful Things."

Rep: Review of GOING HOME TO CHRISTMAS: Anxieties at the Airport

December 12, 2024

It was Christmas Eve and the passengers of Liberty Airlines flight to Cebu City were stressed out. JD (Neo Rivera) was very excited, but his father JR (Floyd Tena) was grumpy at the hassle. A Lolo (Gary Junsay) and Lola (Carla Martinez) from the US were bringing their grandchild Kevin (Basti Santos) on his first trip back. Arnie (Lorenz Martinez) and his wife Josie (Neomi Gonzales) were rushing because they needed to catch a cruise. 

Baristas Chris (Davy Narciso) and Jas (Rafael Jimenez) were planning to court the pretty stewardesses, Mona (Krystal Kane) and Alex (Maron Rozelle). Senior flight attendant Pat (Carla Guevara-Laforteza) was being stalked by a naughty pilot Richard (Noel Rayos). The quartet of Dina (Julia Serad), Terry (Roxy Aldiosa), Jaime (Johann Enriquez) and Mikko (Zid Yarcia) sang Christmas carols at the airport. Mang Jose (Alfritz) was the janitor that night.

"Going Home to Christmas" is an original Filipino jukebox musical featuring the songs of Jose Mari Chan, a veteran singer-songwriter who has become the local Mr. Christmas because of a Christmas carols he had composed, in particular "Christmas in Our Hearts." This play was self-aware that it told "Hallmark-type" love stories -- puppy love, reunited love, unrequited love, long-distance love -- written in Taglish by Robbie Guevara, Joel Trinidad and Luna Grino-Inocian.

Ejay Yatco chose which Jose Mari Chan hit to fit each short story -- "Beautiful Girl" for JD and Chris, "Constant Change" and "Easier Said Than Done" for JR, "Love at 30,000 Feet," "Can We Stop and Talk Awhile" and " Hahanapin Ko" for Pat and Richard, "Tell Me Your Name," "Can We Start Over Again" and "Please Be Careful with My Heart" for Arnie and Josie. Yatco's innovative arrangements made the heart of these classics beat with new meaning. 

Audiences identify and respond to characters of their respective generation. For me, the stories and actors of Pat and Richard, Arnie and Josie, JR and Em (Mayen Bustamante-Cadd) resonated best for me. With multiple stories to tell, this play ran for 2 hours and 15 minutes, which may feel too long or too syrupy for more cynical viewers. However, true fans of Jose Mari Chan music should enjoy this show's cute sentimentality and savor its holiday warmth. 

Gonzales, Martinez, Guevara-Laforteza, Rayos, Bustamante-Cadd, Tena, Kane

at the curtain call 

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"Going Home to Christmas" ran from November 29 to December 15, 2024 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. It looks like this may be an annual classic for years to come. 

 

Mad Child: Review of NAGKATUWAAN SA TAHANANG ITO: Faulty Functioning Family

December 13, 2024

Kendra (Thea Marabut) had a loving family around her. Her mother Alice (Peewee O'Hara) loved baking muffins, knitting scarves, and girls night outs. Her father Bob (Soliman Cruz) was an ever-supportive dad who dutifully took care of everyone's needs. Her elder brother Ben (Joshua Cabiladas) was married with kids and a medical doctor, but he would never miss a family game night. However, Kendra still felt there was something missing in her life.

Kendra is the central character of this play, but she seemed to be the most distant from the other members of her family. I knew Thea Marabut from her videos with the hilarious SPIT Manila improv comedy troupe, so her pensive moods here were a revelation of her range. The mother always tried to bring her family together, and Peewee O'Hara's Alice always tried her best to a fault, even if she had to suppress the crisp cuss words she wanted to say. 

The father character had the vaguest description, with very generic requirements, like "he takes care of all of us." As a result, Soliman Cruz actually had the least "moments" with Kendra. This detail may reflect how little we may know about our fathers, except as a provider. The brother character was supposed to be the fun guy, and Joshua Cabiladas certainly fit the bill. However, the "fun guy" may not always be having fun behind his smiling mask. 

"Nagkatuwaan sa Tahanang Ito" is the Filipino translation of Sam Walsh's play "This House Is for Laughing," written and directed by Guelan Luarca. The title may make audiences expect a riotous comedy, but it is not really that, which may be disorienting. Yes, there were funny bits here and there. However, the overall atmosphere of this play was one of depression and uneasiness, not exactly the picture of the perfect family that the happy title may suggest.

This play was about the idealistic expectations we have from the other members of our family. We do not have a choice about who our family members are, or how they are as immediate relations. If society allowed us to program exactly what how we want our parents and siblings to be, will this finally bring us the elusive happiness we cannot find from our real families? This material is potentially triggering to those who may not be happy with their family.

 

Cruz, Cabiladas, O'Hara and Marabut 

at their curtain call

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Mad Child Productions' "Nagkatuwaan sa Tahanang Ito" runs at the Black Box Theater, Old Communication Building, Ateneo de Manila University. This is a limited run of only 8 shows: December 12, 13,and 15 at 5:00 PM and December 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15 at 8:00 PM. Tickets at P1000 each. 

Additional show for December 15 at 1:00 PM just announced!