Feel the Love and Magic With Manila's Theater Shows in Nov. 2023

If you think November is just all about chills and thrills, think again! This month, Manila’s theater scene will continue to surprise us with tear-jerking, jaw-dropping, and heartwarming stages that will make us feel the love and magic.

From the restaging of “Tabing Ilog: The Musical” to the theatrical adaptation of the Filipino classic “Sandosenang Sapatos,” theater lovers are sure to feel just how extraordinary our theater scene can be. Check out our list of the must-watch plays and musicals that will dazzle the city this month.

‘Tabing Ilog: The Musical’ – Nov. 10-12, 16-19, 23-26, & 30

After being halted in 2020 because of the global pandemic, “Tabing Ilog: The Musical” is returning to the theater stage this November! The show will breathe a new life into the 1999 teenage drama “Tabing Ilog,” which starred renowned actors John Lloyd Cruz, Patrick Garcia, and Kaye Abad, among others.

This time, the production brings together theater actors and Star Magic artists to tell a story of friendship, love, and family while presenting the issues of the modern generation. Prepare to laugh, cry, and ponder, because you’re guaranteed to ride a roller coaster of emotions!

How much: P1,200 (Balcony Side B), P1,500 (Balcony Side A), P1,800 (Orchestra Side), P2,000 (Balcony/Orchestra Center), P2,500 (VIP) / Click here to purchase

Location: PETA Theater, #5 Eymard Drive, Brgy. Kristong Hari, Quezon City

‘Prinsipe Bahaghari’ – Nov. 10-12 & 17-19

November also marks the time to celebrate and honor the younger generation! This National Children’s Month, Mulat Theater is taking Antoine de Saint-Exupery's timeless classic, “The Little Prince,” to the theater stage with its puppet play titled “Prinsipe Bahaghari" (Rainbow Prince).

The Filipino adaptation will tell the story of the Rainbow Prince and his adventures as he embarks on a quest to find a companion who will help him tend to his flower, Gumamela, on his home planet. He will meet various characters along the way, leading to different learnings and realizations.

How much: P800 / Click here to purchase

Location: Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Teatro Papet Museo, 64 Mapagkawanggawa St., Teacher’s Village, Quezon City

‘Twenty Questions’ – Nov. 10-12 & 17-19

What happens when you lock two friends in a room supplied with wine? Juan Ekis’ “Twenty Questions” will show you what! The play tells the story of two college buddies, Jigs and Yumi, who were compelled to bare their perspectives about love, sex, and life with a game after being locked in a room for 24 hours. Geared towards today’s younger audiences, the “GenZfied” show will tackle both the cliches and oddities of relationships as viewed by two friends.

How much: P600 / Click here to purchase

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

‘Sandosenang Sapatos’ – Nov. 17-19, 23-26, & 30

Family, love, music, and fairy tales—all in one show! Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Tanghalang Pilipino, the musical “Sandosenang Sapatos” is a theatrical iteration of the iconic Filipino short story of the same title, which was originally penned by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan.

The story revolves around a child who was born without feet but with a loving family: a shoemaker father, a caring mother, and a devoted sister. Every year, when her birthday approaches, she dreams of various beautiful shoes but wakes up to the reality of her disability. When a tragedy strikes her family, she learns just how deep her father’s love is. The show is guaranteed to leave your hearts touched, so bring your tissues!

How much: P1,500 / Click here to purchase

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

Disney Princess – The Concert – Nov. 18-19

Get ready to dive into “a whole new world,” as Disney’s “Disney Princess – The Concert” is heading to Manila this month! Featuring four Broadway performers, the concert will give its audiences a magical night with heavenly vocals and classic tunes from our favorite Disney fairy tales. Some of the songs you can look forward to are Moana’s “How Far I’ll Go,” Aladdin’s “A Whole New World,” and The Little Mermaid’s “Part of Your World,” among others. Bring the whole family with you and feel the Broadway magic together!

How much: P2,800 (Upper Balcony), P3,800 (Lower Balcony), P5,000 (Loge), P5,500 (Orchestra), P6,000 (VIP) / Click here to purchase

Location: Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Hippodromo St., Circuit Makati, Makati City