A Useful Guide to Theater Shows in Metro Manila this April 2018 Add some theater magic to your summer!
April marks the start of summer in the Philippines—a time when getting out in the sun becomes a priority as people plan various leisure and recreational activities for the season. If you’re still making plans and want some unique adventures, here’s an idea: theater shows! There are plenty of theater shows in Manila for April 2018, and this article will serve as your guide on what to expect!
1. An Intimate Evening with Stella Abrera When: April 6 to 7 Where: Globe Auditorium Prices: PhP4,000 for Zone 5
PhP6,000 for Zone 4 PhP10,000 for Zone 3 PhP12,000 for Zone 2 PhP15,00 for Zone 1
The show is more than just a showcase of the finesse of the dancers but it also has a purpose.
American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) first Filipino-American principal dancer, Stella Abrera, will be having a two-day performance in Manila along with her fellow ballet stars. Not only will you be treated to a stunningly graceful performance, you will also get to help the benefactors of Central of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTREX). The show happens to fall on the 20th year anniversary of the foundation. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online. How to get to Globe Auditorium: Ride the MRT to Ayala Station. From the station, ride an RCBC bus and get off at 5th Ave. Walk along 5th Ave and turn right then walk past the following
intersection of 28th. Upon reaching High Street, go right to get to BGC Arts Center. Globe Auditorium can be found in the area.
2. Arsenic and Old Lace When: April 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28 starts at 8:00PM April 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29 starts at 3:30PM Where: Onstage Theatre Prices: PhP1,200 for Orchestra Sides (free seating) PhP1,500 for Orchestra Center (reserved seating)
Arsenic and Old Lace made its theatre debut in 1941.
Originally a play written by playwright Joseph Kesselring, Arsenic and Old Lace might ring a bell for the older generation as it was made popular by the classic 1994 Frank Capra film. The timeless black comedy will make its way to the country through REP Manila’s version starring their roster of excellent performers, including Nelsito Gomez, Steven Conde, Sheikh Abraham, Barbara Jance, Jeremy Domingo, Gabe Mercado, Luis Marcelo, Dingdong Rosales, Robbie Guevara, Jay Valencia Glorioso, and REP’s Artistic Director Joy Virata. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketnet online. How to get to OnStage Theatre: Ride the MRT and drop of at Ayala station. Upon arriving, walk towards SM Makati which is interconnected with Greenbelt. Go to the second floor of Greenbelt where the theatre is located.
3. Monty Python’s SPAMalot When: April 13 to 22 Fridays at 9:00PM Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM Where: BGC Arts Theatre Prices: PhP700 for Zone 5 PhP1,000 for Zone 4 PhP1,500 for Zone 3 PhP1,800 for Zone 2 PhP2,000 for Zone 1
Spamalot is based on a musical film called Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Monty Python’s Spamalot is a cheeky parody of the Arthurian legend or stories of King Arthur. After premiering in theatre in 2004, since then the play was seen by millions of people all over the world and has grossed over $175 million. After its successful first run in the country last year, this Tony Award-winning musical comedy will be returning to Manila to bring a week of comedy of epic proportions. Talented singers and actors such as Rachel Alejandro, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, and Lorenz Martinez will reprise their roles along with the rest of the cast. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and TicketWorld online. How to get to BGC Arts Theatre: Follow the directions given for Globe Auditorium, as BGC Arts Theatre is in the same area. Read: Metro Manila: Your Concert and Entertainment Haven
4. SaWakas: The Farewell Run
When: April 7-8, 10-15, 17-19, 22, 3:00 PM or 8:00PM Where: Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati Prices: PhP800 for Silver PhP1,200 for Gold PhP1,500 for VIP
The musical will feature favorite rock hits such as “Burnout” and “Makita Kang Muli” (See You Again).
Critically-acclaimed musical “Sa Wakas” (At Last) will return for its third year run this April. The musical, which premiered in 2013, uses different songs from local rock group Sugarfree. In fact, the title itself is from the debut album of the band which was released in 2003. Even if you’re not a Sugarfree fan, the emotional performance of the actors will get you hooked as you witness the familiar feelings of love and heartbreak that are explored in the story. Tickets are available at TicketWorld outlets and TicketWorld online.
How to get to Power Mac Center Spotlight: Take the MRT and get off at Magallanes Station, then ride a jeepney to PRC to get to Circuit Makati.
5. Kent Oliver Defying Reality When: April 21, 2018, 2:00PM (Matinee) & 8:00PM (Gala) Where: Teatrino Greenhills Prices: PhP1,545 for Zone 3 PhP2,575 for Zone 2 PhP3,605 for Zone 1
Kent Oliver has performed his slick magic tricks in various countries.
While magic may seem like something that only exists in books, movies, and cartoons, magic shows still are huge hits. The Philippines has its own share of homegrown magicians who have
made huge waves in the entertainment scene, and one of them is Kent Oliver. For his April 21 show in Teatrino Greenhills, Kent Oliver will demonstrateclassic magic tricks and new innovations and feats in the art of illusions. Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and Ticketworld online. How to get to Teatrino Greenhills: Walk to EDSA and ride the MRT to Ortigas Station and walk north to the intersection of EDSA and Ortigas Ave. You can ride a jeepney or a bus (G-Liner) bound for Quiapo or San Juan. Ask the driver to drop you off at Greenhills Shopping Center. Teatrino is within its vicinity.
Tips for ticket purchasing and watching
Monitor the Facebook page or the social media accounts of the event or the venue to check the availability of tickets. To ensure a secure transaction and to protect your identity and information, only purchase tickets from the venue or official partners only, not from third-party distributors. If you have questions about certain things such as the parking availability, try asking the venue’s Facebook page. To get a discount, try to buy tickets earlier. Some publish early bird rates. Observe the rules and regulation of the venue when it comes to what is allowed and prohibited. Check if the play allows children to enter. If you’re bringing kids, keep an eye on them during the event. Adjust your travel time because the Metro Manila traffic is unpredictable. Allow an extra hour just in case. Arriving earlier at the venue can get you a nice parking spot. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings while watching the show.