'Maxie the Musical' Sequel Premieres this June with Real-Life Drag Artists
Bold. Brave. And Bongga (spectacular)! These are just some of the words to describe the newest show strutting its way through the Philippine theater scene this June!
It’s surely going to be a Happy Pride Month as the 2013 original Filipino musical, "Maxie The Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” finally gets a sequel with a brand new story following one of Filipino pop culture's most beloved queer icons.
"Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Music Extravaganza" combines theater and drag — putting them together onto one stage with the promise of an immersive Pride celebration like no other. This bold reimagining builds on the legacy of the award-winning 2005 film and invites audiences to step directly into the protagonist’s glitter-filled, heartbreak-prone, and fabulously complicated world. Set five years after the first musical, the sequel follows Maxie as she navigates love, identity, and resilience. The new show is slated to run from June 13 to 22, 2025 at Illumination Studio in Makati City.
The Beat Manila got to attend the media launch last June 5 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City, where we got to meet the cast and see a special sneak peek at the upcoming play. In that 15-minute preview, it was clear to see that this show is packed with explosive performances by talented drag artists who will not only entertain you with their songs and impressive dance moves, but also make you laugh out loud with their silly antics and comedic spiels.
This highly anticipated production is directed by Melvin Lee and written by Julia Icawat Enriquez and Mikaundre Gozum Santos, with musical direction, arrangement, and additional original songs by JJ Pimpinio.
As for the cast, the star who wears the crown of the iconic Maxie Oliveros is rising star Jamila Rivera, who came all the way from Naga City, Camarines Sur! Jamila stated that Maxie is the reason he pursued drag and was eager to showcase his talent at the auditions, where he blew everyone away with not just his dynamic drag artistry but also his exceptional singing voice.
When asked how it felt being chosen to play such an iconic character and about the importance of queer representation, he replied, “I’m nervous, excited, halo-halo siya (it's a mix of everything)! But I’m with the right people, with the right production, and with the right team. We want to deliver this story so that more people will be introduced to this colorful world.”
“I believe I represent a lot of people. Not just queer kids but also people who felt lost and found their community, found their place,” he shared. “I think it’s very important because many people are looking for a sense of belongingness, and I want to tell everyone who watches ‘Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros’ that you’re not alone in this world. You will find your people, or the right people will find you. Just continue to be yourself.”
As for the best part about playing the role, Jamila happily expressed, “The best part is getting to sing my heart out!”
And indeed, in that short preview, we got a glimpse of his singing talent, and safe to say, crowds will be blown away!
Also joining Jamila on stage are some of the country’s top drag performers: Zymba Ding, Corazon, MRS TAN, and Winter Sheason Nicole — alongside equally-talented actors Jem Manicad, Gerhard Krystoppher, and Gabriel Villaruel.
“It’s good that we rally queer representation in media, but this time, we hope they won’t only be represented or seen, but also understood,” said Gabriel Villaruel. “This story gives the spotlight to new stories of queer and trans people in the Philippines and we hope to shed some light and hope on the things the community is going through.”
MRS TAN also shared her appreciation for their production team, J+Productions and PETA Plus, for casting real drag artists and allowing them to tell their own stories. “Malaking bagay ‘yun sa amin (It’s a big deal for us).”
“I think for all of us, especially those who have seen the original 2005 film, it really is such an honor to be part of the continuation of the story that has become such an icon in the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines,” shared Gerhard Krystoppher. “We were all part of that story, and we hope that when you watch it, you will also feel that you’re a part of it too.”
Rounding out the powerhouse ensemble are Ado Villanueva, Air Paz, Gerald Magallanes, Honey Bravo, Jay Cortez, Marit Samson, Misha Fabian, and Robert Macaraeg.
This new play is more than just a sequel but a theatrical experience that puts the viewer within the story, as the line between the stage and seat blurs — each performance unfolding in and around the theater space, providing an intimate and interactive celebration of queer joy, survival, and transformation. Part drag show, part musical, and part rallying cry, this spectacular live stage feature is both a Pride celebration and an educational experience, as it portrays the plight of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Whether you’re a part of the community, a fan of Maxie, or simply looking to have a good time, this is a show worth blocking a few hours for. Tickets are available at Ticket2Me and are priced at P2,500. You can buy them here.
For updates, follow their official Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages.
Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Music Extravaganza
Show Playdates:
- June 13 (Fri) – 8 PM
- June 14 (Sat) – 2 PM & 8 PM
- June 15 (Sun) – 2 PM & 8 PM
- June 17 (Tue) – 8 PM
- June 18 (Wed) – 8 PM
- June 19 (Thu) – 8 PM
- June 20 (Fri) – 8 PM
- June 21 (Sat) – 2 PM & 8 PM
- June 22 (Sun) – 2 PM & 8 PM
Venue: Illumination Studio, 2723 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Cor Sabiosan Lorenzo, Makati City 1200
Tickets: P2,500. Get your tickets here.
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