7 local, international musicals to catch in 2025

The curtains are rising on an exciting season for theater lovers in the Philippines! If you haven't yet immersed yourself in the enchanting world of musicals this year, you're in for a treat. From September through December, a packed schedule of local and international productions promises to captivate audiences with narratives spanning love, family, ambition, and even mental health.

Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or considering your very first live performance, there's an impressive array of shows to choose from. Expect everything from beloved fairy tales and cinematic favorites brought to life on stage, to triumphant reruns of past hits making their grand return. Here's a look at what's currently running and what's coming soon to a stage near you.

Currently Running

Embark on a fantastical journey down the rabbit hole with **Alice in Wonderland**, presented by Repertory Theater for Young Audiences. This vibrant children’s production follows Alice as she encounters a whimsical cast of characters, including the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, and the Queen of Hearts. It began its run on August 23 and continues every Saturday and Sunday until December 14 at REP Eastwood Theater in Quezon City, with tickets starting at P1,000. It's truly a perfect family outing!

For a dose of Filipino wit and classic theater, don't miss PETA’s return of **Walang Aray**. This comedic musical cleverly reinterprets Severino Reyes’ zarzuela, *Walang Sugat*, chronicling the romantic and revolutionary struggles of lovers Tenyong and Julia. This iteration, which opened on August 29 and runs until October 12 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City, features a notable cast including trans performers Lance Reblando as Julia and Ice Seguerra as Lucas. With a running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, tickets are available from P1,200 to P2,500.

Good day, indeed! The highly anticipated Oliver, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning musical, **Dear Evan Hansen**, has finally graced Filipino audiences. This British-produced touring version, which premiered on September 4, marks its first run in the Philippines. It tells the poignant story of high school student Evan Hansen as he navigates complex themes of friendship, grief, and an unexpected connection with Connor Murphy. Featuring a captivating score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (the minds behind *La La Land* and *The Greatest Showman*), the Manila run at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City was extended to October 4 due to overwhelming demand. Tickets begin at P1,904.40. Please note, due to mature themes, the musical is recommended for ages 12 and above, with a restriction for children under five.

Hitting the Stage Soon

Based on the acclaimed novel by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, **Para Kay B: A Stage Adaptation** is set to open on Friday, September 12. Directed by Yong Tapang Jr., this musical, returning after its successful first run in March, explores the intertwined lives of Lucas, Bessie, Ester, Sandra, Irene, and Erica as they experience "kabog, kilig, and kirot." Catch it at The Doreen Black Box Theater at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City until September 28. Seats are priced at ‘Nagpatawad’ for P2,000 and ‘Nagmahal’ for P2,500.

Delve into history with the return of **Pingkian: Isang Musikal**, a 2024 Aliw Awards Best Musical Play, on Friday, September 12. This production vividly portrays the leadership and courage of national hero Emilio Jacinto, the 'Utak ng Katipunan,' amidst the Philippine revolution and the early Philippine-American War. Vic Robinson reprises his role as Emilio Jacinto, joined by *Mula sa Buwan* and *Ang Huling El Bimbo* star Gab Pangilinan, who will portray Catalina de Jesus and Florencio Reyes. The show runs until October 12 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex in Pasay City, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets range from P1,800 to P2,000.

For those intrigued by law school dramas, **Bar Boys: The Musical** is making a much-anticipated comeback. Adapted from Kip Oebanda’s 2017 film, this stage production follows four friends through the rigorous challenges of law school, touching on family expectations, ambition, and identity. Produced by Barefoot Theatre Collaborative, the nearly three-hour show is rated PG-13 and features a book and lyrics by Pat Valera, with music and lyrics by Myke Solomon. Catch it at the Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, with shows from October 24 to 26 and November 7 to 23, 2025. Main cast members Benedix Ramos, Alex Diaz, Jerom Canlas, and Omar Uddin return, with tickets starting at P999.

Get ready for "The greatest fairy tale never told" as **Shrek The Musical** arrives on October 31 at the New Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City! Based on William Steig’s book and the popular DreamWorks animated film, this musical follows the grumpy ogre Shrek on his quest to rescue Princess Fiona. Produced by Full House Theater Company and directed by Michael Williams, with musical staging by Dexter Santos, the show stars Jamie Wilson as Shrek and Krystal Kane as Princess Fiona. The 2-hour and 30-minute production offers tickets ranging from P1,500 to P4,500. While based on a children's story, admission is restricted to children three years old and below.

This upcoming season truly offers a spectacular opportunity to witness the power of storytelling through song and dance. Whether you prefer grand narratives, intimate journeys, or laugh-out-loud comedy, there's a musical waiting to transport you. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of live theater!