unSAULicited

Mark your calendars, theatre fans — the Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen is officially coming to Manila this September 2025! After years of anticipation, Filipino audiences will finally get the chance to experience the global hit that has captivated hearts and minds around the world. A Musical That Speaks to a Generation Since its Broadway debut in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen has become one of the most celebrated musicals of the decade. Centered around Evan, a high school student struggling with anxiety and a desperate need to belong, the story unfolds through a twist of fate that forces him to choose between truth and the life he’s always dreamed of. It’s a raw, emotional, and deeply human journey about connection, honesty, and self-acceptance in an often isolating world. The Manila run will showcase the acclaimed UK touring production, presented by GMG Productions, in partnership with ATG Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, and Nottingham Playhouse. The show features a m...

After the successful restaging of Othello , CAST (Company Of Actors in Streamlined Theatre) and Mad Child Productions return with a fiery, fearless new collaboration: In The Eyes Of The People — a bold adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People , reimagined for the Filipino stage by acclaimed playwright-director Nelsito Gomez. Set in the idyllic town of Santa Cristina in the Visayas, the play unfolds as the community prepares for the grand opening of the much-hyped Santa Cristina Hot Springs. At the helm are Mayor Peter Lopez and his sister, Chief Scientist Tricia Lopez-Ramos — but two weeks before launch, a discovery threatens to unravel it all: an unknown bacteria contaminates the springs. What follows is a searing, high-stakes drama that explores the dangerous intersection of science, politics, and public perception. What is truth worth when it threatens economic dreams? Who decides what’s best “in the eyes of the people”? 🧬 Old Story, Urgently New Lens Nelsito Gomez,...

After capturing hearts and accolades at World of Dance Philippines 2025 with a stunning 2nd place finish and wins for Best Costume and Best Theme , the FEU Dance Company (FDC) returns to the stage for their annual major concert — this time with deeper stories to tell. Happening March 28 and 29 at 6 PM in the historic FEU Auditorium , FRAMES: Elevating the Unseen is more than just a dance concert. It’s a tribute, a spotlight, and a heartfelt thank you to the many unsung heroes of the FEU community — the people whose contributions often go unnoticed, but are essential to university life. Artistic Director Michael Barry Que and the FDC present a two-part showcase that weaves together the elegance of Philippine folk tradition with bold, contemporary movement. Part I features a stunning lineup of rarely performed folk dances from the Cordillera, Lumad, Muslim, Maria Clara, and Rural suites , under the guidance of Que and Folk Dance Coach Zahreen Sadia . This section doesn’t just sho...

  The Grand Bar and Lounge at Newport World Resorts was transformed into a glittering showcase on March 13 as the cast and creative team of the highly anticipated Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo unveiled a first glimpse of the production. The press conference was anything but ordinary—it was a full-on theatrical spectacle. Set against a backdrop of a moving stage and electrifying choreography, the cast delivered showstopping performances of Jonathan Manalo’s most beloved songs. The musical, which officially opens this April, promises to dazzle audiences with a vibrant mix of glitz, glamour, and heartfelt storytelling. Not Your Average Jukebox Musical Delia D. is the latest creation from Full House Theater Company (FHTC), the powerhouse behind hit Filipino jukebox musicals like Ang Huling El Bimbo and Buruguduystunstugudunstuy . But as FHTC Co-Artistic Director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo shared, Delia D. offers something refreshingly different. “This i...

Kisapmata grips you from start to finish, immersing the audience in a suffocating tension reminiscent of a Jordan Peele thriller. Every moment is heavy with suspense, each scene meticulously crafted to build an atmosphere of dread and unease. This stage adaptation, directed by Guelan Varela-Luarca and produced by Tanghalang Pilipino, successfully captures the chilling horror of Mike de Leon’s 1981 film, which itself was based on Nick Joaquin’s crime report, The House on Zapote Street . The story unfolds inside a seemingly idyllic household on Zapote Street—home to a retired policeman, his wife, and their daughter, Mila. Their world is one of rigid control, dictated by a patriarch whose authority is absolute and whose love is suffocating. When Mila falls in love with a man named Noel, the fragile facade of domestic bliss begins to crack, revealing the horrors lurking beneath. The terrifying unraveling of this so-called perfect Filipino family is a powerful commentary on the abuse of po...

Rewatching Liwanag Sa Dilim brought a greater appreciation for its intricate storytelling and dynamic performances. Initially, the plot felt convoluted, but a second viewing helped clarify the narrative, making the experience more enjoyable. While some plot points remain a bit confusing, the production’s energy, music, and performances more than compensate. The musical effectively balances humor and drama, keeping audiences engaged. However, its greatest strength lies in its stunning choreography and ensemble work, often overshadowing the story itself. The adaptation feels like a young adult novel retelling of a culturally significant material familiar to Filipino high school students—accessible, yet not as profound as one might expect. Standout Performances: Anthony Rosaldo – Though he faced some vocal struggles, Rosaldo’s natural charisma carried his performance. His stage presence and emotional delivery kept him compelling to watch. CJ Navato – A revelation in the show, N...

Manila is about to experience an electrifying, high-energy dance spectacle like never before! BURN THE FLOOR , the globally acclaimed theatrical dance production, is set to light up The Theatre at Solaire starting July 2025 . Brace yourself for a show that’s not just a performance—it's a full-throttle, heart-racing experience that will leave you breathless. A Dance Extravaganza Like No Other BURN THE FLOOR is more than just a dance show; it’s a fusion of tradition, innovation, and pure passion. With jaw-dropping choreography, live music, and a dynamic ensemble of world-class dancers, this production brings ballroom dance to the next level. From the elegance of the Viennese Waltz and Foxtrot to the fire of the Tango and Paso Doble , and the high-energy excitement of the Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, and Jive , every move is designed to captivate. Described by Heat Magazine as a performance that “will have you leaping out of your seat to join in,” BURN THE FLOOR promises to be the mos...

Opera enthusiasts are in for a rare treat as internationally acclaimed tenor Arthur Espiritu takes center stage at the MiraNila Heritage House & Library for a one-night-only homecoming concert on April 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This highly anticipated event, presented in partnership with Leon Gallery and Gallery MiraNila of The Blue Leaf , promises an evening of breathtaking vocal artistry and world-class musical performances. A Voice That Transcends Borders Hailed by critics as a “rare spinto-tenor in the tradition of Pavarotti” , Espiritu has dazzled audiences across Europe, North America, and Asia with his magnificent vocal power, lyrical expressiveness, and effortless high notes . His journey from Morong, Rizal to the grand opera houses of the world is a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft. Fresh from his European engagements—including starring roles in Maria Stuarda, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Traviata, and La Bohème —Espiritu returns to the Phili...

Tanghalang Ateneo, the premier theatre company of Ateneo de Manila University's Loyola Schools, proudly presents "Ningning sa Silangan," a compelling Filipino translation of Jo Clifford’s acclaimed play "A Light the Village," translated masterfully into Filipino by Jerry Respeto and directed by esteemed theatre practitioner Charles Yee. The play opens in March 2024 at the Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo de Manila University. As the culminating production of Tanghalang Ateneo's 46th season, titled "Eloquentia, Sapientia, Humanitas: The Ricky Season," "Ningning sa Silangan" is dedicated to the enduring legacy of the late Dr. Ricardo "Ricky" Abad. Dr. Ricky’s influential sociological approach to theatre emphasized wisdom, eloquence, and humanism—values integral to Tanghalang Ateneo’s vision. Notably, Dr. Ricky himself directed "Ningning sa Silangan" in 1999, later famously incorporating it into his 2009 Ateneo School of Humani...