Eight Must-See Theater Shows in Sept. '23: 'Hamilton,' 'Uncle Jane,' & More

It’s officially the beginning of the “–ber” months! While we eagerly wait for Christmas jingles and festivities, Manila's vibrant theater scene will continue to captivate and entertain us with a lineup of thought-provoking stories this month.

As the calendar flips to September, Filipinos will get to witness the opening of the highly anticipated musical "Hamilton," the rerun of the heart-wrenching play "Uncle Jane," along with six more shows that will tug at every theater lover’s heartstring. Check out our list of the top musicals and plays you must not miss this month.

Manila Improv Festival - Sept. 7-10

Prepare to see the multiple facets of unscripted and spontaneous improvisational theater as the Manila Improv Festival takes the stage again at Circuit Makati! This year, the festival will feature 14 shows, 70 acts, and 20 workshops from over 300 improv actors in a span of four days.

You can expect improv groups from various parts of the world, such as Show Ball from China, Spicy9 from India, Glitch Perfect from Singapore, Power Sauce from the United States, and many more, to hold unique and hilarious shows. Of course, there will also be Filipino acts in the show, such as Scenedikato, The Improverts, The La Ronde Project, MEMEprov, Mabuhay Improv, and Sabadurbia, among others. To view the full schedule, go here.

How much: P500 each (5+1 Barkada Package), P600 (General Admission). Click here to purchase.

Location: Ayala Malls Circuit, Circuit Makati, Makati City

Uncle Jane - Sept. 8 & 10

Following its successful sold-out shows last February, “Uncle Jane” is set to return to Philippine stage this month. The show, produced by The Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (CAST), is an adaptation of playwright Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” whose story is told through a woman’s lens.

The agonizing drama tells the story of a group of people who have come to mourn their “wasted lives,” including the protagonist, Jane. It earned stellar reviews from those who have witnessed it before for its “relatable” and “heartbreaking” portrait of human tragedy.

How much: P700. Click here to purchase.

Location: The Mirror Studio, 8463 Kalayaan Ave., Makati City

Rama, Hari - Sept. 15-16 & 22-23

This month, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts presents "Rama, Hari," a prestigious and highly regarded rock opera ballet that will take the stage. It will feature some of the biggest names in the industry, including Karylle Tatlonghari, Vien King, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Arman Ferrer, and Nica Tupas, among others.

"Rama, Hari" tells the story of the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, which follows the adventures of prince Rama. The hero battles against powerful demons called Ravana, who wreaks havoc upon the world and attempts to shatter his love for his wife, Sita.

How much: Opening Night: P3,000 (Orchestra Center), P2,800 (Orchestra Sides), P2,500 (Loge), P1,700 (Balcony I), P1,000 (Balcony II) / Saturday Matinee & Evening: P2, 500 (Orchestra Center), P2,000 (Orchestra Sides), P1,000 (Loge), P500 (Balcony I), P350 (Balcony II). Click here to purchase.

Locations: Metropolitan Theater, Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila / Samsung Performing Arts Theater, 5th Level, Circuit Performing Arts Theater, Hippodromo St, Circuit Makati, Makati City

Bawat Bonggang Bagay - Sept. 15-17 & 22-24

Another show that will be making a comeback on the theater stage is "Bawat Bonggang Bagay," the Filipino translation of Duncan MacMillan and Jonny Donahoe’s play, "Every Brilliant Thing." It was staged last July under Sandbox Fest but will return due to "insistent public demand." 

The one-act play will tackle mental health challenges as it follows the story of a child who grew up with a parent suffering from depression. Master impersonator and world-class comedy act Jon Santos will be reprising his role and leading the show, which is guaranteed to move its audience.

How much: P2,063.40 (Regular), P2,280 (VIP). Click here to purchase.

Location: Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Taguig City

Hamilton - Sept. 17, 19-24, 26-30

This month, theater enthusiasts across the country are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated musical "Hamilton," which has garnered immense excitement since its announcement earlier this year.

Renowned in the theater scene, this Broadway hit by Lin-Manuel Miranda chronicles the remarkable journey of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and his pivotal role in the American Revolution. Inspired by the 2004 book of the same name, penned by biographer Ron Chernow, the musical seamlessly blends various genres such as jazz, hip-hop, Broadway, and R&B. Since its debut in 2015, "Hamilton" has garnered numerous accolades and prestigious nominations, including 11 Tony Awards.

How much: Weekdays - P2,645 (E Reserve), P3,174 (D Reserve), P4,232 (C Reserve), P5,290 (B Reserve), P6,348 (A Reserve), P8,464 (VIP) / Weekends - P2,645 (E Reserve), P3,703 (D Reserve), P4,761 (C Reserve), P5,819 (B Reserve), P6,348 (A Reserve), P8,993 (VIP). Click here to purchase.

Location: The Theatre at Solaire, Aseana Avenue Entertainment City, Parañaque City.

Snow White and the Prince – Sept. 16, 24, & 30

Repertory Philippines takes the fairy tale to the stage for its own iteration of "Snow White." Titled "Snow White and the Prince," the show promises spectacular performances that will take its audience to the magical realm of the timeless tale. Repertory’s take will feature the story’s iconic elements, such as the evil queen, the magic mirror, and the seven friendly dwarves, plus a lineup of catchy songs and hilarious lines, while telling the characters’ journey to a happy ever after.

How much: P800 (Balcony), P1,000 (Orchestra Side), P1,500 (Orchestra Center). Click here to purchase.

Location: Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

Anak Datu - Sept. 29-30

Set in the pre-colonial Philippines, "Anak Datu" revolves around the story of a Muslim Mindanao village chieftain’s son, who was born amid an attack by pirates. It is based on the short story of the same title, which was penned by National Artist Abdulmari Imao, and will feature performances that highlight the Southern Philippines’ music and culture. The play also serves as a reflection of Mindanao Tausug’s life and struggles in the midst of the revolt that birthed the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

How much: P1,500. Click here to purchase.

Location: Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Black Box Theatre, CCP Complex, Malate, Manila

The Last Five Years - Sept. 29-30

How does it feel to have loved and lost? Barefoot Theatre Collaborative will answer this and more through their production of "The Last Five Years," the off-Broadway musical written by renowned composer Jason Robert Brown.

The show will let its audiences in on the story of the five-year relationship between Cathy, an aspiring actress, and Jamie, a talented writer. Not only will it tell the process of falling in love but of falling out of it as well. Above all, its viewers are expected to feel the raw emotions of the characters and ponder the complexities of human connections.

How much: P2,700 (Silver), P3,200 (Gold). Click here to purchase.

Location: Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, 2nd floor, Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati, Makati City