October Spotlight: Must-See Theater Shows in Manila
October in Manila is set to dazzle theater lovers with a fresh lineup of musicals, plays, and dance productions. From timeless classics to bold contemporary works, the city’s stages are alive with stories that entertain, inspire, and move audiences. Whether you’re craving heart-stirring drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, or spectacular musical numbers, this month’s shows promise unforgettable nights at the theater.
Dear Evan Hansen
A Broadway and West End sensation continues to captivate Manila! "Dear Evan Hansen," originally set to run from Sept. 4 to 28, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire, has been extended due to overwhelming demand and will now play until Oct. 5, 2025.
Featuring an award-winning score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman) and direction by Adam Penford, this powerful musical explores themes of anxiety, identity, and connection with unforgettable songs and emotional resonance. Tickets are available via TicketWorld.
Walang Aray
Ready for its last shows this October, "Walang Aray" continues at the PETA Theater Center until Oct. 12, 2025, dazzling audiences with its genre-bending mix of pop, funk, and laugh-out-loud Pinoy humor.
This sharp and spirited reimagining of Severino Reyes’ classic sarsuela has captured hearts with its wit, energy, and proudly Filipino storytelling. Tickets start at P2,250 via Ticket2Me.
Shakespeare in the Park featuring Twelfth Night
Experience the magic of theater under the stars with Shakespeare in the Park – "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," set to enchant audiences from Oct. 3 to 10, 2025, 5 PM at the Ayala Triangle, Makati.
Directed by Nelsito Gomez, this free-admission event is presented by Ayala Land and Make It Makati, in partnership with CAST, offering a delightful retelling of Shakespeare’s whimsical comedy filled with mischief, romance, and laughter in one of the city’s most beloved green spaces.
Florante At Laura
Ballet Manila brings back “Florante at Laura” for a limited run from Oct. 3 to 5, 2025, at the Aliw Theater. A reimagining of Francisco Balagtas’ timeless epic, this ballet explores love, heroism, and patriotism through world-class choreography, live music, and powerful storytelling.
With artistic direction by Lisa Macuja Elizalde, choreography by Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance, and an original score by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, the production features live accompaniment by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth.
Performances are set on Oct. 3 at 8 PM and Oct. 4 to 5 at 5 PM. Tickets are available via TicketWorld, with group discounts for bulk bookings.
Pingkian: Isang Musikal
The award-winning "Pingkian: Isang Musikal" continues its run this October until Oct. 12, 2025, at the CCP Black Box Theater. Hailed Best Musical at the 2024 Aliw Awards, this production brings to life the story of Emilio Jacinto, the “Brains of the Katipunan,” as he faces the trials of leadership during the Revolution and the Philippine-American War.
With stirring music and powerful performances, Pingkian offers a moving portrayal of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom. Tickets start at P1,900 via Ticketworld.
The Bodyguard: The Musical
Still running this October until Oct. 19, 2025, "The Bodyguard: The Musical" dazzles the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati City with its spectacular staging and Whitney Houston’s iconic hits, including “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “I Will Always Love You.” Tickets are available via TicketWorld.
Mari Dance: A Dance in a Day in a Dance
Step into the world of movement with Mari Dance’s maiden production, "A Dance in a Day in a Dance," running from Oct. 10 to 12 and 17 to 19, 2025 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté. Choreographed by multi-awarded artist JM Cabling, this original contemporary piece uses the metaphor of doors to explore the gateways of work, passion, home, and change.
With direction by Mikko Angeles and design by Wika Nadera, Arvy Dimaculangan, and D Cortezano, the production offers a raw and thought-provoking look at the dancer’s journey. Tickets are priced at P1,800 and P1,500 via Ticket2Me.
‘Laman Loob’ Horror Twin Bill
"LAMAN LOOB: Dalawang Dulang Katatakutan" haunts the stage on Oct. 11 to 12, 2025 at the Campos Room, Areté.
Featuring Talistis by Rafael Jimenez and Taong Seda by Iago Guballa, this twinbill stage-reading mixes vocal acting, live scoring, and foley for a spine-chilling theater experience. Tickets are P800 via the show's Google Form.
Dedma: A Twin Bill
"Dedma: A Twin Bill" returns this Oct. 17 to 26, 2025 at Mirror Studio Theatre 2, Makati.
Featuring Chesie Galvez-Cariño’s Let’s Do Lunch (dir. Maribel Legarda) and The Foxtrot (dir. Paul Alexander Morales), the plays explore friendship, power, and unspoken tension. Starring Naths Everett, Issa Litton, Ash Nicanor, JC Santos, and Jackie Lou Blanco. Tickets are at P1,000.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba In Concert
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba In Concert" comes to The Theatre at Solaire on Oct. 11 to 12, 2025, 2 PM.
An 18-piece live band performs the anime’s iconic soundtrack alongside scenes on the big screen. Tickets are available via ticketworld.com.
HAPHOW The Musical
"HAPHOW The Musical" takes the stage at The Theatre at Solaire from Oct. 24 to 26, 2025.
Featuring lovable insect characters and an inspiring original score, this Filipino Broadway-style show highlights the values of Humility, Acceptance, Patience, Honesty, Open-Mindedness, and Willingness. Tickets start at P1,050.
Bar Boys: The Musical (2025)
"Bar Boys: The Musical" returns on Oct. 24 to 26, 2025, 7:30 PM, at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Quezon City.
Adapted from Kip Oebanda’s acclaimed film, this powerful production follows four aspiring lawyers as they navigate ambition, sacrifice, and the bonds of friendship in pursuit of their dreams.
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