Curtains Up! Theater Shows You Must Watch in Manila This Oct. 2023

Wake up, theater lovers, because September has just ended! We welcome October, a month filled with anticipation for the fast-approaching Halloween and Christmas seasons.

Speaking of anticipation, are you ready to be spellbound by Manila's theatrical offerings this month? If yes, we’ve curated another list of theater shows you must watch this October! From the hilarious and campy musical “Walang Aray” to the spooky and eerie student play “Ang Unang Aswang,” this month’s shows are ready to surprise you and demonstrate just how versatile the city’s theater scene is.

‘Halimaw’ – Oct. 4-7

For its October offering, the DLSU Harlequin Theater Guild transforms Isagani R. Cruz’s 1971 zarzuela “Halimaw” into a pop-rap musical. Featuring Filipino actors Bene Manaois, Noel Comia Jr., and drag queen Viñas Deluxe, this daring show promises its spectators a thrilling experience that will exhibit spectacular songs, vocals, dances, and raps. Audiences can also look forward to a show that will imbue political awakening and unveil who the real “monsters” are.

How much: P350 (Balcony 2), P500 (Balcony 1), P700 (Orchestra), P1,500 (Premium Seating) / Click here to purchase.

Location: DLSU Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium, 7th floor Yuchengco Building, De La Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila

‘Ang Unang Aswang’ – Oct. 4-7, 11-14, 18-19, 21, 25, & 28

Another student play that makes it to our list is the Far Eastern University Theater Guild’s “Ang Unang Aswang!" With teasers that exude eerie vibes fitting the Halloween season, how their version will spook us is something that we must look forward to!

Renowned Filipino playwright Rody Vera originally penned the story, which revolves around a woman who was raised in the woods under the guidance of a boar, a cat, and a dog. She falls in love with a man from the city, who will eventually teach her the pain of love and reality. Catch this play to find out how she turns into the first “aswang!”

How much: P200 (for FEU Community), P400 (Guests) / Click here to purchase.

Location: FEU Center for the Arts, Ground Floor, Engineering Bldg., Far Eastern University, Nicanor Reyes Street, Sampaloc, Manila

‘Walang Aray’ – Oct. 6-8, 13-15, & 20-22

Due to popular demand, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is restaging “Walang Aray” this month! The award-winning musical is a reimagination of Severino Reyes’ “Walang Sugat,” which tackled the injustices the Filipinos faced under Spanish rule.

From Oct. 6-22, “Walang Aray” promises to wow theater enthusiasts again with comedy gold, catchy tunes, and fun choreography. Combined with a satiric narrative of Filipinos’ modern-day and age-old issues that will ignite nationalism among its spectators, this one is definitely a must-watch!

How much: P1,200 (Balcony Side), P1,500 (Orchestra Side), P2,000 (Balcony Center & Orchestra Center), P2,500 (VIP) / Click here to purchase.

Location: PETA Theater Center, 5 Sunnyside Dr., New Manila, Quezon City

‘Silver Lining’ – Oct 20-22 & 27-29

Did you ever wish you could have a conversation with your younger self and talk about things you could have done differently? Rockitwell Studios and MusicArtes’ new musical production, “Silver Lining,” will give you a peek at what it’s like to look back on your past self. With the central topic of “hope and redemption,” this musical will show how its characters confront their past, the struggles faced by their children in the current times, and how they found healing despite all these.

How much: P1,000 (Balcony), P1,500 (Loge Side), P2,000 (Orchestra Side Regular & Loge Center), P2,500 (Orchestra Side Premium), P3,000 (Orchestra Center), P5,000 (VIP) / Click here to purchase.

Location: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4th Floor, Tower II, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave., Makati City

Here are other ongoing plays and musicals to catch this October:

• “Hamilton” – Oct. 3-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-29 & 31 at the The Theatre at Solaire, Aseana Avenue Entertainment City, Tambo, Parañaque
• “The Last Five Years” – Oct. 5-8 & 12-15 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, 2nd floor, Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati, Makati City
• “Anak Datu” – Oct. 5-8 & 12-15 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Black Box Theatre, CCP Complex, Malate, Manila