3 musicals to watch this weekend
Theaters all over Manila are bustling with shows happening every weekend, each one presenting a vibrant snapshot of life, ideas, and experiences we can all relate to and find beauty in. But if you’re in need of some quick, musical suggestions, here are three productions to catch.
“Bar Boys: The Musical”
Until Nov. 30
Hyundai Hall, Arete, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
It is often said that theater is a mirror of society, but in some cases, it goes beyond just reflecting reality. In “Bar Boys: The Musical,” it is both reflection and projection—it shows us the realities of the society we live in today, but also gives us a glimmer of hope of what it could be.
Like the 2017 film, it follows four young men—Erik, Chris, Torran, and Josh—as they journey through the ups and downs of law school, juggling pursuing their dreams with real-life problems. It’s a coming-of-age story where we become witnesses to their growth from boys to men, from students to lawyers.
Now staged at the Arete, the musical is granted a bigger space to tell the story visually. This 2025 version is a level up from their early black box staging, and what is noteworthy with the visual upgrade is that the improvements in set design aren’t just there for spectacle. Each section of the stage serves to add depth to the storytelling.
What is most compelling about “Bar Boys: The Musical,” especially now, amid ongoing disheartening news of corruption and injustice in our country, is that it reminds us that there will always be hope. That there are still people we can continue to put our faith in—that we can be the people to make a difference.
“Bar Boys: The Musical” is on its final extended weekend. Tickets are available at Ticket2Me or bit.ly/barboystickets.
“Shrek The Musical”
Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City
The magic of theater comes alive when the curtains go up at “Shrek The Musical.” Based on the hit 2001 film, “Shrek The Musical” follows the adventures of the ogre Shrek as he sets out to reclaim his swamp, where, along the way, he meets all sorts of quirky characters.
Beloved for how its story and characters reflect and subvert classic fairytale characters and tropes, “Shrek The Musical” is a fun theatrical experience for all members of the family—presenting themes of acceptance of individuality, friendship, and love, all while retaining its signature humor.
From looming castles and sprawling forests, to accurate costumes (and quick transformations!) and characterizations, this production of “Shrek The Musical” is, quite literally, larger than life. If anyone still needs convincing that theater is best enjoyed live, “Shrek The Musical” may well be a good chance to win them over.
“Gregoria Lakambini”
Until Dec. 14
Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex, Pasay City
The newest original Filipino musical by Tanghalang Pilipino fuses many things we love: live concerts, girl groups, and humor, with a bonus of presenting history through a contemporary lens.
“Gregoria Lakambini” takes us through the different eras of Gregoria de Jesus—from her youth, to her marriage to Andres Bonifacio, her contributions to the Katipunan, down to her second marriage and life as a mother.
The musical, created with FlipMusic, also brings together respected names in theater, music, and P-pop: written by Nicanor Tiongson and Eljay Castro Deldoc, directed by Delphine Buencamino, with music by Matthew Chang (composer for musicals “Mula sa Buwan” and “Dekada ‘70”), Nica Del Rosario (composer of Bini’s “Karera,” Sarah Geronimo’s “Tala,” and the Leni Robredo campaign theme, “Rosas”), and Bini’s choreographer Jan Matthew Almodovar.
In idol group parlance, Gregoria is definitely an ace, with the ensemble as sure all-rounders—not only serving as the narrators and set movers, but also portraying the various characters in Oryang’s life.
TP’s is no stranger to historical musicals, but what stands out here is its unique approach. The musical features a wide range of styles that cater to varying musical tastes. Personal favorites are Oryang and Bonifacio’s kilig-worthy duet, her inner thoughts while serving a meal to Aguinaldo, and the showstopping titular song. “Gregoria Lakambini” also fully embraces the “Pinay pop” concept, framing the show as a concert, with the characters openly conversing and interacting with the audience like a real concert’s “ment” portions.
“Gregoria Lakambini” is definitely a treat, whether you’re a theater fan, a pop idol fan, or both. The approachable tone makes its historical content relatable, while its girl power anthems sound like they’d fit perfectly within a playlist of P-pop hits.
