Repertory Philippines Brings Theater Back On-Stage for Season 87
Theater fans, hang on to your seats and brace yourselves because Repertory Philippines is finally reopening the curtains for their 87th season!
by Marian Luisa Palo
Photos by Repertory Philippines
December 5, 2023
Repertory Philippines has just announced a jam-packed Season 87 for the upcoming year 2024 at the Greenbelt OnStage Theater on December 4. The season features one Harold Pinter play, one Off-Broadway musical, and two original musicals.
The 87th season of Repertory Philippines is much-awaited as it marks an on-stage 'welcome back' to Philippine theater after the pandemic. Since their last physical stage in 2019, they are back full-force to prove that the show must go on. Here's a roll call of what's in store for REP 2024!
Repertory Philippines is bringing Nobel Prize winner in Literature Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal” to the Philippine stage, directed by Victor Lirio, starring London-based Filipino actors James Bradwell, James Cooney, and Vanessa White.
Inspired by Pinter’s own seven-year affair, Betrayal is a story set in London and Venice over a period of nine years that explores the consequences of an extra-marital affair. It also delves into themes of gender inequality and navigating the complications of affairs.
Betrayal is part of “The Bridge Project,” Repertory Philippines’ initiative to bring professionals from around the world to the Philippines for workshops and masterclasses for Filipino acting enthusiasts and aspirants. Catch Betrayal next year, REP’s first Pinter play, from March 1 to March 17, and experience the musical tale of Emma, Jerry, and Robert.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Exploring dating and relationships, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” will bring humor and music to the REP stage. It is directed by the ‘first lady’ of Philippine musical theater, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, with the book and lyrics by Joe Di Pietro and the music of Jimmy Roberts.
"I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change" will showcase a series of vignettes featuring over 40 situations about characters described as big-city singles, awkward wallflowers, suburban settlers, and sassy seniors—all portrayed by only four actors.
If you are a fan of musicals and sitcoms and wish to explore the nuances of love and marriage, get ready for "I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change," showing from June 7 to June 30.
Jepoy and the Magic Circle
Bringing whimsical adventures through Filipino storytelling, the Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) showcases “Jepoy and the Magic Circle,” directed by Joy Virata and adapted by Rody Vera, with musical direction by Ejay Yatco.
Jepoy and the Magic Circle is a musical adaptation of renowned Philippine literary writer Gilda Cordero-Fernando’s “The Magic Circle,” which takes Jepoy and his dog Galis on a journey to the Balete world. There, they meet classic Filipino folklore characters such as kapres, aswangs, tiyanaks, and more—a spooky treat for children while sparking their curiosity.
While Jepoy and the Magic Circle narrates spooky folklore characters, it is also an adventurous path for children and children at heart to realize the power of empathy and environmental accountability.
Going Home to Christmas, A Jose Mari Chan Musical
The spirit of Christmas is with Repertory Philippines in its first-ever jukebox musical, “Going Home to Christmas,” featuring the original music of Filipino Christmas icon and OPM legend Jose Mari Chan.
Chan’s tender Christmas tunes will give life to a tale of six couples heading home for Christmas. Set in an airport, the musical unfolds where they rediscover themselves in different life stories and paths, embracing the essence of Christmas—love, sharing, and togetherness.
This Christmas story is made possible not only with Chan’s homely music and lyrics but also with the integration of REP’s storytelling forerunners Robbie Guevara, Luna Grino-Inocian, and Joel Trinidad, plus an additional storyline by Cathy Azanza-Dy. Feel the warmth in the spirit of Christmas with your loved ones in November to December of 2024 with "Going Home to Christmas, A Jose Mari Chan Musical."
In light of this sensational announcement, these four diverse stories will also grace Repertory Philippines’ new home, the Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza, after having Greenbelt OnStage Theater house their theater journeys for two decades. REP will officially bid farewell to the OnStage Theater after the first quarter of 2024.
In 2024, with a fresh lineup of productions and projects aiming to cultivate Filipino theater culture, witness Repertory Philippines unveil a new chapter for what Philippine theater has to offer and showcase ‘Theater at Its Best’ once again.
