Live theater is an experience like no other. The live music, the beautiful staging, the infectious energy emanating from talented performers giving it their all on stage – there’s nothing like it. Stage shows have had a great resurgence as of late, from fun musicals featuring memorable songs of our favorite musicians to complex, thought-provoking plays that hit deep into our souls.
As the year winds down, there are still several stage shows set to open, and they’re not to be missed. From a festive Christmas musical to a captivating piece featuring Pinoy folklore, here are five stage shows you should catch this November:
1. Tabing Ilog: The Musical – Opens November 8 at the PETA Theater Center
The musical adaptation of the popular 90s-early 2000s teen drama returns to the stage following its successful run last year. Tabing Ilog: The Musical explores the challenges of friendship and romance during the tricky coming-of-age years. Updated for a Gen Z audience, the characters now grapple with today’s issues, though the show retains a nostalgic essence, making it relatable across generations.
2. Emulsyon – Opens November 8 at the Erehwon Center for the Arts
A double billing of politically charged plays, Emulsyon delves into the lingering trauma of Martial Law in the Philippines, focusing on the relationship between mothers and sons. In “Indigo Child,” a son confronts his mother’s past as a political detainee, while “Loyalist Redux” showcases a clash of ideologies between a mother and son with conflicting political views. The performances by award-winning actors Meryll Soriano and Elijah Canlas are bound to leave a lasting impact.
3. Jepoy and the Magic Circle – November 9, 10 & 24 at the Eastwood Theater
Based on a short story by Gilda Cordero-Fernando, Jepoy and the Magic Circle is a family-friendly musical about a poor boy named Jepoy, his dog, and the magical creatures of Filipino folklore that they meet. While featuring traditionally fearsome characters like the tikbalang, tiyanak, and kapre, this musical offers a lighthearted, kid-friendly perspective, with an overarching message about the importance of protecting the environment.
4. Tiny Beautiful Things – Opens November 16 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater
Award-winning actress Iza Calzado makes her straight-play debut in Tiny Beautiful Things, an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s self-help book. The play, brought to life by actress and writer Nia Vardalos, explores themes of self-discovery, love, and grief through real-life letters from Strayed’s advice column. Calzado’s portrayal of the advice columnist is sure to captivate and move audiences.
5. Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical – Opens November 29 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium
It isn’t Christmas in the Philippines without Jose Mari Chan’s iconic music, and this holiday season, his songs take center stage in Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical. Presented by Repertory Philippines, the jukebox musical follows various characters as they journey home for the holidays, discovering the true meaning of Christmas along the way. Heartwarming and nostalgic, this show is the perfect start to the festive season.
Whether you're in the mood for a romantic, heartwarming Christmas musical, a family-friendly journey into Filipino folklore, or a thought-provoking play that tackles tough subjects, November’s stage shows offer something for everyone. Don't miss out on these unforgettable performances!