Just as films have taken inspiration from theater—we’ve gotten the “Wicked” franchise, the Andrew Garfield-led “Tick, Tick… Boom!”, Disney’s “Into the Woods,” and the iconic “Chicago” and “Grease”—film, too, has been a rich source of material for theater to flesh stories out of.
In the local theater scene, many independent and mainstream films alike have gotten the stage treatment. Think the “One More Chance” and “Bar Boys” musicals. This year, more productions are looking to the silver screen for stage inspiration. Here are some of the adaptations to catch this year.
“Bagets The Musical”
Jan. 23 to March
Newport World Resorts, Pasay City
Based on the 1984 coming-of-age film of the same name—which launched the careers of actors Aga Muhlach, Raymond Lauchengco, Herbert Bautista, and JC Bonnin—the musical follows the high school barkada as they navigate adolescence, family, and their relationships.
Much like the film, the musical will also springboard several young actors into the theater scene, including Aga Muhlach’s son, now an actor in his own right, too—Andres Muhlach. It will also feature KD Estrada, Tomas Rodriguez of P-pop group Alamat, Milo Cruz, Migo Valid of Xeranade, Ethan David of GAT, Jeff Moses, Sam Shoaf, Mico Hendrix Chua, and Noel Comia, Jr.
“About Us But Not About Us”
Feb. 14 to March 8
IdeaFirstLive!
Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater
The 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival Best Picture winner, “About Us But Not About Us,” is getting its stage treatment this February, under the helm of Jun Robles Lana’s company, IdeaFirstLive!
The film originally starred Romnick Sarmenta (who won Best Actor for the role) and Elijah Canlas—both actors will be reprising their roles as Eric and Lancelot, respectively.
The stage version is said to be different from the film, made to be more suspenseful for the live stage. “About Us But Not About Us” is a psychological drama that takes place over the course of a meal. The story moves around a conversation between Eric and Lancelot—a professor and his student—and the secrets that are unearthed throughout.
“Endo”
April 10 to May 10
PETA Plus
PETA Theater Center, Quezon City
“Endo,” which refers to the concept of end-of-contract labor, is the 2007 Cinemalaya film by director Jade Castro that delves into the reality that workers experience. It follows Leo, who, forced to become the family breadwinner, has been taking on a series of short-term service-oriented jobs. He meets Tanya, a fellow contractual worker, with big dreams.
In this 2026 stage adaptation, “Endo” now turns to a different form of work: the gig economy, where one continuously chases one job after another.
The “Endo” stage version features Royce Cabrera and Esteban Mara as Leo, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Rissey Reyes-Robinson as Tanya, and Kate Alejandrino-Juan and Iana Bernardez as Candy.
“Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live sa Cheter!”
June 19 to Aug. 16
PETA
ETA Theater, Quezon City
The fourth installment of the “Septic Tank” films takes on a new form: a straight play on stage. Like the previous films, which serve as satire on particular media and industries like those of indie and mainstream films, the stage version is set to tackle the “ego, art, and the chaotic, messy reality of making Philippine Theater today,” according to PETA. “Theater making today is filled with clashes, compromise, and chaos. Wala kaming itatago. It’s messy, it’s hilarious, and it’s going to be meta.”
It also stars the icon herself, Eugene Domingo.
Theater fans, expect to get a closer glimpse into the theater industry—and laugh hard while you’re at it, too.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
July
GMG Productions
The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire, Parañaque City
Filipinos love spectacle, which makes the opening of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” even more exciting to finally catch in Manila. The Broadway musical, based on the novel by Roald Dahl, features songs from the classic 1971 film as well as new music for the stage.
A show for the entire family, the Manila stop of this production is set to bring in immersive production design through innovative technology and special effects. They partnered with Illusion Projects, world-renowned experts in theatrical effects, to bring the magic to the stage. All this while also promising to stay true to the essence and values of Dahl’s beloved story.—PAULINE MIRANDA