On Stage: Theater Shows to Watch in Manila This September 2026
Theater lovers have plenty to look forward to this September as Manila’s stages come alive with compelling dramas, original Filipino musicals, and beloved adaptations. Fall in love all over again with “The Notebook: The Musical” or discover fresh local storytelling through “Shorts and Briefs 2026: What Ifs.”
From moving tales of resilience and memory to feel-good OPM productions, this lineup highlights some of the season’s most exciting theatrical experiences. Don't miss out!
The Notebook: The Musical
Let your heart be moved by “The Notebook: The Musical” on Sept. 3 to 6, 10 to 13, and 17 to 20, 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
Based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel and beloved film, this stage adaptation follows Allie and Noah as they navigate love, heartbreak, distance, and devotion across different stages of their lives. Featuring a soaring contemporary score and emotionally rich storytelling, the production explores what it means to choose someone through every season of life.
Performances are scheduled at 2 PM and 7:30 PM on select dates. Tickets start at P1,915, and the show is recommended for audiences aged 12 and above.
JONAH by Rachel Bonds
Uncover the layers of memory, trust, and human connection in “JONAH” on Aug. 29 to 30 and Sept. 5 to 6, 2026, at Dance Royalties Studio PH in Mandaluyong.
Presented by SPIKE THEATRE, this intimate one-act play by acclaimed playwright Rachel Bonds unfolds through fragments of conversations, memories, and relationships, inviting audiences to piece together a story shaped by vulnerability, survival, and the search for connection. Directed by Edith Garcia, the production offers a thought-provoking theatrical experience that explores the spaces between people and the choices they make when navigating life’s uncertainties.
Performances are scheduled at 3 PM and 7 PM on select dates. Tickets are priced at P800 (Senior/PWD Discount), P1,000 (Regular), and P1,500 (Patron, includes benefits).
MULI - An OPM Musical
A second chance at love, life, and the choices that shape us unfolds in “MULI: An OPM Musical” on Sept. 11 to 13, 18 to 20, and 25 to 27, 2026, at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater.
Created by the team behind “Sa Wakas,” this original Filipino musical follows characters confronting regrets, forgotten dreams, and unexpected opportunities to begin again. Starring Kakki Teodoro and Janine Teñoso, and featuring music from the hitmakers at FLIPMUSIC, the production blends heartfelt storytelling, humor, and powerful OPM songs into an emotional theatrical experience.
Performances are scheduled at 3 PM and 8 PM on select dates, with tickets ranging from P1,854 to P3,914.
Bongga Ka 'Day: The Annie Batungbakal Musical
A beloved Filipino icon returns to the spotlight in “Bongga Ka ’Day: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” on Sept. 18 to 20 and 25 to 27, and Oct. 2 to 4, 9 to 10, and 24, 2026, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Inspired by the classic Nora Aunor film and powered by the timeless music of Hotdog, this feel-good musical explores identity, confidence, and self-expression through beloved OPM hits like “Annie Batungbakal,” “Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko,” and “Pers Lab.” Produced by the team behind “Bagets: The Musical,” the show blends nostalgia, humor, and heart into a vibrant celebration of Filipino music and culture.
Performances are scheduled at 3 PM and 8 PM on select dates, with tickets starting from P1,300 (Bronze).
Shorts and Briefs 2026: What Ifs
Fresh voices and bold ideas take the spotlight at “Shorts and Briefs 2026: What If?” on Sept. 18 to 20 and 25 to 27, and Oct. 2 to 4, 2026, at the Halxyon Club in Poblacion, Makati.
Eksena PH’s annual theater festival returns with six original, previously unstaged Filipino plays that explore life’s biggest “what ifs” through stories of love, identity, friendship, mortality, and second chances. Featuring works like “Palakakay,” “Ang Unang Bading sa Langit,” and “Kape at Brownout,” the festival offers a first look at exciting new voices in Philippine theater.
Performances are scheduled at 7:30 PM on Fridays, 3 PM on Saturdays, and 3 PM and 7:30 PM on Sundays. Admission is P1,000 for all six plays, while PWD and Senior Citizen tickets are priced at P850.
Sayaw ng mga Ilaw
A moving story of family, courage, and hope unfolds in “Sayaw ng mga Ilaw” on Sept. 18 to 20 and 25 to 27, and Oct. 2 to 4 and 10 to 11, 2026, at the CCP Black Box Theater.
Adapted from Cheeno Marlo Sayuno’s acclaimed children’s story, this heartfelt production follows young Laya as she navigates loss, uncertainty, and the healing power of family while holding on to her dream of dancing the Pandanggo. Directed by Jonathan Tadioan with music by Krina Cayabyab, the play offers an emotional and uplifting theatrical experience centered on resilience, compassion, and community.
Performances are scheduled at 3 PM and 8 PM, with tickets starting at P1,954.80.
The Effect
A question of love, chemistry, and free will lies at the heart of “The Effect” on Sept. 19 to 20 and 24 to 27, 2026, at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté.
Lucy Prebble’s acclaimed play follows two volunteers in a clinical trial whose growing attraction raises an unsettling question: Are their feelings real or simply a side effect of the medication? Starring Sue Ramirez, Brian Sy, Dean Daniel Rosen, and Cathy Azanza-Dy, this gripping psychological drama blends romance, science, and ethical dilemmas into a thought-provoking theatrical experience.
Performances are scheduled at 3 PM and 8 PM on select dates, with tickets priced at P1,800 for regular seats and P2,000 for premium seats.
Ambon, Ulan, Baha
A Filipino classic returns to the stage in “Ambon, Ulan, Baha” on Sept. 26 to 27, 2026, at the Metropolitan Theater.
More than three decades after its last staging at the venue, Frank G. Rivera’s acclaimed ethno-pop-rock zarzuela follows young lovers Nonoy and Inday as their community grapples with the consequences of environmental destruction, greed, and unchecked development. Blending powerful music with timely social and environmental themes, this landmark revival offers a moving reflection on progress, responsibility, and resilience.
Performances are scheduled at 2 PM and 7 PM on Sept. 26, and 10 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM on Sept. 27. Tickets are priced at P1,000 for general admission and P1,500 for reserved seating.
Looking for more? Here are some ongoing theater shows from the previous month:
Tagay Para sa Ex
Friendship, love, and lingering heartbreaks take center stage in “Tagay Para Sa Ex” on Aug. 8, 13, 15, and 22, and Sept. 5, 2026, at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio.
Loosely inspired by Raymond Carver’s “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” this intimate play follows five professionals whose casual drinking session turns into a night of honest confessions, emotional revelations, and difficult questions about relationships, ambition, and the choices that shape our lives.
Performances are scheduled at 3 PM and 7 PM, with tickets priced at P500 for regular admission and P800 for VIP admission.
Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper
A fairy-tale favorite comes to life in “Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper” on select dates from Aug. 22 to Dec. 13, 2026, at the REP Eastwood Theater.
This charming stage production puts a playful spin on the classic story as Cinderella navigates wicked stepsisters, unexpected friendships, and magical adventures with the help of her lovable rat companion, Putterman, and her Fairy Godmother. Filled with humor, heart, and enchanting surprises, the show delivers a feel-good theatrical experience that reminds audiences of all ages that dreams really can come true.
Performances are scheduled at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM on select dates, with tickets starting from P1,030.
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