Plays and Musicals to Watch This April

The Philippine theater scene shows no signs of slowing down, offering a rich landscape of historical dramas, contemporary adaptations, and thought-provoking staged readings. This April, Bangaw by the FEU Theater Guild is still running. Here is the rest of the theater shows opening this month:

Control + Shift: Changing Narratives StudioLab returns to the stage with a collection of works that explore the reclamation of Filipino narratives and the power of People’s Theater. The showcase is divided into two thematic sets: "When Power Falls into our Hands," featuring Jhudiel Clare Sosa’s Cleaners (directed by Julio Garcia) and Herlyn Alegre’s forum theater piece Monit-oh! Monit-ah! (directed by Norbs Portales); and "When Care Becomes Survival," which includes Mikaela Regis’ At Nagkatawang-tao ang Verbo (directed by Anthony Cruz) and Anj Heruela’s Baga ng Gumuguhong Langit (directed by Ian Segarra). Led by artistic director J-mee Katanyag, this year’s StudioLab confronts systemic corruption, the palakasan culture, and the resilience of communities living at the edge of survival.

It runs from April 10 to 19 at the PETA Studio Theater, Quezon City. Ticket prices are at P700 per set. Available through Ticket2Me.

Endo. is a gripping straight play adaptation of the award-winning 2007 Cinemalaya film, capturing the struggle with love and labor in the modern gig economy. The story follows Leo, a contractual worker who falls for the high-spirited Tanya, only to find their romance tested by the relentless cycle of "end-of-contract" employment and the emotional toll of economic precarity. Adapted for the stage by Liza Magtoto and directed by Melvin Lee, this PETA Plus and Ticket2Me production stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Rissey Reyes-Robinson as Tanya, with Royce Cabrera and Esteban Mara alternating as Leo. The creative team includes music director, composer, and sound designer Kabaitan Bautista, choreographer Christine Crame, production designer D Cortezano, lighting designer David Esguerra, costume designer John Carlo V. Pagunaling, and dramaturg Eric V. Dela Cruz.

It runs from April 10 to May 10 at the PETA Theater Center, Quezon City. Ticket prices range from P1,600 to P2,700. Available through Ticket2Me.

Miranda & Yolanda presents a twin bill of Floy Quintos’ Palanca-winning one-act plays, Evening at the Opera and Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna, exploring the hidden costs of authority and the psychological shifts of absolute power. Directed by Dexter M. Santos, the production features a powerhouse cast including Ana Abad Santos, Frances Makil-Ignacio, and Joshua Cabiladas in Evening at the Opera, which centers on a political dynasty’s crumbling façade, and Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, Topper Fabregas, and Jules dela Paz in Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna, set in the presidential palace the morning after the declaration of Martial Law. The creative team is rounded out by production designer Mitoy Sta. Ana, technical director Meliton Roxas Jr., lighting designer John Batalla, music and sound designer Arvy Dimaculangan, assistant director Mikko Angeles, dramaturgs and publicity managers Marvin Olaes and Davidson Oliveros, and graphic and video designer Steven Tansiongco.

It runs from April 11 to May 3 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati. Available through Ticket2Me and Encore Theater’s showbuyers.

Saglit Lang is a new play by BJ Crisostomo that explores how art serves as a source of comfort and a catalyst for growth. The story follows a child fleeing a violent reality who finds shelter in an abandoned theater, where they encounter a Maestro who reveals the magic of the stage through scenes from classic dramatic texts. Directed by Anton Juan, this Infinite Cantina production stars Ron Capinding as the Maestro, with Rico del Rosario and BJ Crisostomo alternating as Bata. The creative team features lighting designer Irene Romero, set designer Lawyn Cruz, costume designer Santi Obcena, sound designer Kyle Confesor, and projection designer Juls Castro.

It runs from April 17 to 19 and from April 24 to 26 at the 5/F Mirror Theater Studios, SJG Centre, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati. Ticket prices are at P800. Available through Infinite Cantina's Google Form.

The Moon and the Bakunawa: A Dementia Carer Story weaves Philippine folklore with the poignant reality of dementia caregiving. Written by Nitoy Chan Jr. and directed by Roobak Valle, the play follows Mamay and her son Tonyong as they navigate the fading tides of memory, using the myth of the Bakunawa as a metaphor for the condition. This Sining Maritimo production features Divina Cavestany and Arlene Abuid-Paderanga alternating as Mamay, with Phil Panganiban and Remus Villanueva as Tonyong.

It runs on April 18, 19, 25, and 26 at the Jayne Offemaria-Abuid Auditorium, AIMS Tower, Pasay City. Ticket prices range from P1,000 to P2,000. Available through Ticket2Me.

Emilia makes its way to the local stage as a historical reclamation and a political act, amplifying the voice of Emilia Bassano—long dismissed merely as the "Dark Lady" of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Originally written by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm for Shakespeare’s Globe, this Tanghalang Ateneo production is directed by Sarah Facuri and features an all-female cast, positioning the story as a dialogue with contemporary Filipino realities under the theme "Her Voice Re-sounds" (Boses Babae Nagbabanyuhay). The journey of the titular creator is portrayed by Chloe Abella, Francesca Dela Cruz, and Maliana Beran, supported by an ensemble of Tanghalang Ateneo members and alumni.

It runs from April 10 to 26 at the Rizal Mini Theater, Faber Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City. Ticket prices are at P550 for the ADMU community (including faculty and students from partner schools) and P800 for the general public. Available through Tanghalang Ateneo’s official Google Form.

Marissa marks Teatro Tomasino’s 48th year with a full-length play by Isagani Cruz that dives into the complex world of literary creation and its inherent contradictions. Directed by Angel Ocampo, the story follows Mario, a PhD candidate, as he interviews the world-renowned author Corazon Roja for his dissertation. Through a recreation of Corazon’s works and their sharp-witted banter, the two navigate the blurred lines between art and truth. Aligned with the theme "Sibol," the production frames art as a form of resistance and a means of confronting forces that suppress the authentic voice.

It runs from April 28 to May 2 at the Tan Yan Kee Audio Visual Room, University of Santo Tomas, Manila. Ticket prices range from P300 to P399. Available through Teatro Tomasino’s Google Form.

Santa Juana ng mga Katayan closes Ateneo ENTABLADO’s 43rd season with a Filipino translation of Bertolt Brecht’s Saint Joan of the Stockyards. Translated by Guelan Varela-Luarca and directed by Delphine Buencamino and Issa Manalo Lopez, this Brechtian straight play follows Juana Dilim as her aspirations for justice collide with the harsh realities of a capitalist system. Featuring the ENTA 43 Trainees, the production interrogates the human cost of labor and the exploitation inherent in the meatpacking industry. The artistic team includes associate director Katriel Garcia, technical director Lora Batomalaque, set designer Wika Nadera, and composers Nica del Rosario and Matthew Chang.

It runs from April 19 to May 3 at the Fine Arts Black Box, Old Communications Building, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City. Ticket prices are at P700 for the Ateneo community and P1,000 for non-Ateneans. Available through Ateneo ENTABLADO's Google Form.

The Addams Family returns to the Ateneo stage through Ateneo blueREP after a decade, bringing its kooky, upside-down world to life. The story follows the iconic macabre family as they face a quintessential human challenge: their children growing up. Wednesday Addams has fallen for a "normal" boy from Ohio and invited his respectable family over for dinner—a fateful night where secrets are revealed and relationships are tested. Directed by Jillian Ita-as with musical direction by Matthew Chang, the production features Ron Balgos and Rafael Jimenez as Gomez, and Dia Papio and Riri Dauigoy as Morticia.

It runs from April 24 to 26 and from May 1 to 3 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City. Ticket prices range from P1,250 to P1,550. Available through bluerepertory.helixpay.ph.

Trophy Boys kicks off Mad Child Productions’ third season, A.K.A. Our Coming of Age, with a staged reading of Emmanuelle Mattana’s satirical play. The story follows an elite, all-boys high school debate team as they prepare to argue the controversial motion that "feminism has failed women," diving deep into themes of toxic masculinity, queer desire, and the performativity of gender. Directed by Jillian Ita-as, the production features Dippy Arceo, Zoë de Ocampo, Yani Lopez, and Leanne Mamonong.

It runs from April 10 to 12 at the 5/F Mirror Theater Studios, SJG Centre, Makati. Ticket prices are at P800. April 10 and 11 are already sold out. For the April 12 showbuy, log on to their Google Form.

*ERRATUM (April 2, 3:50 p.m.): Cast information has been edited. Apologies for the oversight.

Shattered Sheep marks the debut of Exile Assembly, a new Quezon City-based Christian theater group, with a staged reading that explores the raw, human aftermath of Jesus’ death. Written and directed by Karl Salenda, the play focuses on the often-overlooked period between the crucifixion and the resurrection, reimagining the disciples not as distant icons, but as people paralyzed by grief and uncertainty. The production features a cast including Donn Boco, Tristan Bite, Joann Co, and Dyas Adarlo. Previously staged as a full production within a church ministry, this revised version brings the contemporary and reverent story to a broader audience, grounding the biblical figures in a deeply personal moment of loss.

It runs from April 10 to 19, with all performances at 7 p.m., at Disciple Brew, Eton Centris, Quezon City. Ticket prices are at P750, inclusive of one drink. Available through Exile Assembly’s Google Form.

Paglalakbay: The Journey of the Sea People closes Ballet Philippines’ 56th Season with a bold, original full-length production depicting the prehistoric maritime migrations to the islands of Batanes in 3000 BCE. Choreographed by Artistic Director Mikhail "Misha" Martynyuk, the ballet follows Ama, a visionary leader who guides his people across perilous waters toward an unknown horizon. The narrative dramatically explores the meeting of cultures and the assimilation with indigenous populations, weaving a story of belonging, resilience, and the enduring legacy of the sea.

It runs from April 10 to 12 at The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City. Ticket prices range from P1,000 to P4,000. Available through TicketWorld.

International Dance Day Fest returns to Makati, transforming the city into a vibrant hub for movement and global talent. Organized by Ayala Land and the International Theatre Institute, the festival celebrates dance as a universal language through a week-long series of high-profile showcases. The lineup features an Opening Gala with the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, alongside dedicated nights for Folk Dance, Street Dance, Ballet, and Contemporary works. Highlights include special appearances by guest principal dancers Thomas Forster and Christine Shevchenko, as well as educational lecture-demonstrations led by ABT Studio Company Artistic Director Sascha Radetsky and Joffrey Ballet répétiteur Christine Rocas.

It runs from April 21 to 26 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati. Available through TicketWorld.

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