10 Theater Shows in Metro Manila This September 2019 You Must See

When: Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays of September

* Time varies on the show date. Check Ticketworld for the complete schedule

Where: PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City

Fan favorite Rak of Aegis is back for its 7th season. This musical show tells the story of Aileen, a girl who received viral fame on Youtube because of her phenomenal voice. The 7th season features a special collaboration with Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM). This collaboration led to the addition of reputable OPM artists to the cast such as Randy Santiago, Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios, and Jenine Desiderio. Returning cast members include Aicelle Santos, Kim Molina, Isay Alvarez-Sena, Robert Sena, and Jerald Napoles. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: Check Ticketnet for ticket and seating policy. Not all shows have free seating or seating.

How to go to PETA Theater: Ride the MRT-3 then alight at the Araneta Center Terminal Station. From there, walk to Aurora Boulevard and ride a jeepney or UV Express to Espana or Quiapo. Ask the driver to drop you off at Caltex before the Quezon City Sports Club. Walk along the street at the right of Caltex then walk until you see PETA Theater Center.

When: September 1, 2019, 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM

Where: Zobel De Ayala Recital Hall, Maybank Theater, BGC Arts Center 26th St. cor. 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City

13th of September is the reimagination of Lanie Robertson’s book The Insanity of Mary Girard, which is based on real-life events during Mary Girard’s stay in an asylum. In this adaptation, the story is set in modern Philippines and tackles the importance of discussing mental health issues. This theatrical piece is the Philippines’ official entry to the 9th Festival International de Theatre de Mont-Laurier in Canada. The country is the only one in Southeast Asia that will participate. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: If you’re bringing a car, you should come early since parking slots are very limited.

How to go to Maybank Theater: Take the MRT-3 and alight at the Ayala Station. Take the northbound exit and head to the BGC bus terminal. Ride a bus from the terminal and get off once you arrive at the Fort Strip Bus Stop. After you reach the stop, walk towards Maybank Performing Arts Theatre. It is in front of Maridien Condominiums.

When: September 1, 2019, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Where: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4th Floor, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave., cor. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City

Prepare your tissues for Dani Girl, a play told from the perspective of Dani, a leukemia-stricken 9 year old girl in the pedia ward. The titular character shows bravery in spite of her deadly sickness and is supported by her best friend and fellow cancer warrior, Marty. Filled with funny anecdotes and pop culture references, Dani Girl is a show that will uplift your soul. Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee Rebecca Coates will play Dani and she will be joined by Luigi Quesada as Marty. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: The show is child-friendly, so you can bring your kids!

How to go to Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza: Take the LRT, and get off at the LRT Gil Puyat Station. Take a jeepney with a “Guadalupe” signboard. Get off near the RCBC Plaza. You can also take a bus going to Ayala Avenue, Makati City and get off at the bus stop nearest the RCBC Plaza. The auditorium is on the 4th floor of the building.

Where: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

In celebration of Ballet Philippines’ 50th season, Ballet Philippines will stage one of the most famous ballet stories ever: the classic Swan Lake. Swan Lake is a tragic love story between Princess Odette and Prince Siegfried. Along with the homegrown talents, the production will also feature guests from a prestigious Russian ballet company. Other people of note who are included in the production include Denise Parungao as the principal dancer and Toto Sicangco for the set and costume designs. Famous fashion designer Michael Cinco also provided additional costumes for the dancers. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: If buying your ticket online, make sure to download the e-ticket after the transaction and bring an I.D during ticket claiming to prove your identity.

How to go to CCP: Ride the LRT-1 and alight at Vito Cruz Station. Exit the station and turn right to Pablo Ocampo Sr (Vito Cruz) and walk along Citiland Tower, University Mall, and Rizal Memorial Basketball Coliseum opposite Jollibee. Keep walking until you reach a terminal of orange jeepneys en route to CCP/PICC. Ride one then get off at CCP.

Where: The Theatre at Solaire Solaire Resort & Casino 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City Paranaque City

Another act returning to Philippine shores would be Drum Tao. The world-class Japanese drumming group is back in Manila for their new show called “Rhythm of Tribe, Time Travel Chronicles.” Drum Tao is known for their impressive contemporary Japanese production and for combining music with martial arts, impressive choreography, and fine music. Expect extraordinary music skills and precision from Japanese Taiko drummers, who will be clothed in stunning costumes made by Paris-based designer Junko Koshino. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: Before taking photos, always make sure that doing so is allowed.

How to get to The Theatre at Solaire: Take the MRT-3 and get off at Taft Avenue station. Go down the station to ride a jeepney heading to SM Mall of Asia. There is a shuttle service heading to Solaire. Earliest trip is at 12:00PM.

When: September 7 to 8, 2019

Where: Aliw Theater CCP Complex, 1300, Vicente Sotto St, Pasay, Metro Manila

This September, Ballet Manila will run Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s version of Snow White. The ballet adaptation will be based on the Brothers Grimm version. The show will tell the story of the classic tale through stellar choreography. Although the flawless dancing will already take your breath away, expect the entire experience to be a visual feast for your eyes with its magical sets and costumes. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: Aliw Theater is smaller compared to other theaters so if you want to secure a great seat, book your tickets early.

How to get to the Aliw Theater: Take the LRT-1 and get off at Vito Cruz station. From the station, turn right to Citiland Tower, University Mall, and Rizal Memorial Basketball Coliseum. From there, keep walking until you see orange jeepneys heading to CCP or PICC. Ride one and ask the driver to drop you off at the Aliw Theatre.

When: September 17 to 22, 2019

Where: The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort & Casino 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City Paranaque City

Making their international debut this September is Shakespeare’s Rose Theater Company. Their rendition of two of William Shakespeare’s famous tales will be in production in the Philippines. The first one would be the whimsical comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a neo-classical spin. A Midsummer Night’s Dream tells the story of two young couples who are manipulated by fairies in the mystical forest of Athens. The entire play is filled with funny twists and turns as the characters navigate each of their love stories. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: Want to fully enjoy the play and understand what’s going on? Read a synopsis of the plot online before you watch.

How to get to The Theatre at Solaire: Follow the directions that were given previously.

When: September 17 to 22, 2019

Where: The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort & Casino 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City Paranaque City

Another Shakespearean classic that will have its stage production in Manila is Macbeth. In contrast with A Midsummer Night’s Dream which deals with mystical beings and is a comedy, Macbeth’s plot is a bit darker as it is a tragedy. The bloody, action-packed, and fast-paced story of Macbeth is cautionary tale of the titular character’s downward spiral from being a noble hero to a cold-hearted killer. The play features an all-British cast from the Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre Company. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: Go to the bathroom before the show starts so you won’t miss any part of the show.

How to get to The Theatre at Solaire: Follow the directions that were given previously.

When: September 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29, 2019

* Time varies on the show date. Check Ticketworld for the complete schedule

Where: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium , 4th Floor, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave., cor. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City

The Philippine Opera Company will open its 20th anniversary with Stephen Sondheim’s one-act musical, Passion. Passion tells the story of a young soldier who fell in love with his colonel’s sick cousin. In case you didn’t know, this award-winning play has bagged four Tony awards: Best Musical, Best Original Score for Stephen Sondheim, Best Book of a Musical for James Lapine, and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Donna Murphy. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: If you want to know the flow of the play, you can check the internet for guides. Also, practice general theater etiquette like not eating inside the theater, applauding the cast after the show, and not singing along with the actors.

How to go to Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza: Follow the directions that were previously given.

Where: Globe Auditorium, Maybank Theater, BGC Arts Center, 26th St. cor. 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City

Returning to the Philippines 20 years after its first run is Stephen Sondheim’s Company. The play is a thought-provoking look into relationships through the perspective of Bobby, a single man who’s figuring out if he’s ready to commit to a relationship. The audience will get to see Bobby’s relationships through a series of vignettes which tackle issues about love, marriage, and commitment. Just like Passion, Company is also an award-winning play, gathering 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online.

Tips for a good experience: Bring a jacket with you since it can get cold in the venue.

How to go to Maybank Theater: Follow the directions that were previously given

This month’s line-up of theater shows is very diverse and culturally nourishing. Not only will you enjoy the fine spectacle, but you will also learn a thing or two. Enjoy!

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