Noli Me Tangere, The Opera
When: January 28 to February 3, 2017
Where: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, CCP Main Theater, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Synopsis: With plans to marry his beloved Maria Clara, Juan Crisostomo Ibarra returns to the Philippines from Europe after pursuing scholarly studies. However, with parish priest Padre Damaso out to get him, a story of forbidden love, betrayal, and revenge unfolds.
Why it's worth seeing: This is the Philippines' first full-length opera. It's also an entertaining way for high school students to visualize and understand this required school reading.
Ticket price: P1,030 to P3,605
Where to buy: Visit ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999
Wicked
When: opens February 2, 2017
Where: The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort and Casino, Aseana Avenue, Parañaque
Synopsis: Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students: a popular blonde girl called Glinda, and a misunderstood, green-skinned girl named Elphaba. The extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Why it's worth seeing: Aside from being a Broadway and West End musical phenomenon, it has been critically-acclaimed as one of the greatest musicals of our time by The Daily Mail in the UK, The New York Times, and many others.
Ticket price: from P1,750 to P7,000
Where to buy: Visit ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999
Watch the cast of Wicked perform "Defying Gravity" in the video clip below:
Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones (PETA)
When: May 3 to 7, 2017
Where: PETA Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City
Synopsis: Using bits of household rubbish and household items, Bunk Puppets create surreal shadow puppets in front of your eyes. In each scene, the audience watches the action unfold in front of the screen, to see the magical transformations. IMPORTANT NOTE: It is available for all ages, but some bits may be a bit scary for children under 7 years old.
Why it's worth seeing: It’s like watching a live cartoon, and a cool way for the kids to discover shadow puppetry.
Ticket price: P938.72 (free seating)
Where to buy: Visit ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999
Paw Patrol Live
When: June 3 and 4, 2017
Where: Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, 3rd Floor Newport Mall, Newport Blvd., Newport City, Pasay City
Synopsis: Based on the hit animated TV series on Nickelodeon produced by Spin Master, PAW Patrol Live! brings everybody's favorite pups to the stage for an action-packed, high-energy, musical adventure. When Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found during the day of the Great Race, the pups come to the rescue. Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma, and the newest pup, Everest, to rescue Mayor Goodway and to run the race in her place.
Why it's worth seeing: The performance features up-tempo music and a cleverly written script, a good introduction to live theatre for young children. There's also an opportunity for live audience participation and become part of the PAW Patrol Cheer Team.
Ticket price: from P2,400 to P4,200
Where to buy: Visit ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999
Beauty and The Beast Children's Theatre (Rep)
When: August to December 2017
Where: Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Legazpi Street, Makati
Synopsis: An arrogant young prince, Prince Adam, and his castle’s servants fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return. The spirited, headstrong village girl Belle enters the Beast’s castle after he imprisons her father Maurice. With the help of his enchanted servants, including the matronly Mrs. Potts, Belle begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation. Directed by Joy Virata.
Why it's worth seeing: The timeless tale of love that defies all odds is not to be missed! It's also interesting to see which version you'll love best: the animated film (1991), the live action adaptation (2017), or the theater production.
Roald Dahl's Matilda (Atlantis Theatrical)
When: No details yet, cast auditions ongoing
Where: No details yet
Synopsis: British author Roald Dahl created the fictional character of Matilda, a young, smart, and telekinetic girl who rights the wrongs at home and at school. The book was published in 1988 and has been adapted into a movie in 1996.
Why it's worth seeing: The movie celebrates its 20th anniversary this year!