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This month is a certified playground for theater lovers. From Broadway blockbusters to raw indie experiments, the city’s stages are packed. Grab your calendar and secure your seats for these must-watch productions.
The Notebook: The Musical
Looking for a good cry? This highly anticipated international premiere turns Nicholas Sparks’ legendary romance into stage magic from September 3 to 20, 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Directed by Nicholas Polonio, a stellar multi-generational cast—including Celeste Legaspi, Rody Vera, Morissette, Laurence Mossman, Sheena Belarmino, and Benedix Ramos—weaves together three eras of Allie and Noah’s love story. Set to Ingrid Michaelson’s soulful score, it is a deeply moving look at lifelong devotion that will leave you spellbound.
The Effect
What happens when a clinical drug trial gets complicated by romance? That is the gripping question behind Lucy Prebble’s sharp psychological thriller, running from September 19 to 27, 2026, at the Doreen Blackbox Theater, Areté. Directed by Sarah Facuri, the story follows two volunteers (Sue Ramirez and Brian Sy) who feel a sudden, intense attraction. Is it true love or just the chemicals talking? This mind-bending show will make you question your heart and mind.
Ang Ibang Lady Gaga
For fans of raw, experimental theater, this unique production runs for two days only, September 17 and 18, 2026, at Tanghalang PUP. Adapted from Stefani J. Alvarez’s poignant flash fiction and directed by Emma Esguerra and Mark Rosadeño, this gritty piece chronicles the life of a queer FilipinoFilipinoThe national language of the Philippines, widely used for communication, education, media, and culture.Go to Filipino Glossary migrant worker in Saudi Arabia.
Understanding past traumas, navigating complex and intimate human relationships, sex work, and transitioning under oppressive circumstances, the show invites audiences to follow the clues and uncover “Sino nga ba ang Ibang Lady Gaga?”
Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical
Trade your smartphone for disco shoes! Opening September 18, 2026, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, this dazzling musical brings high-octane ’70s disco fever to the stage. Staged by PETA Plus, the show uses the timeless hits of the Hotdog band to connect vintage youth culture with today’s Gen Z. Starring Atasha Muhlach as Annie, a fashion house employee dreaming of the elite Coco Banana disco club, it is a spectacular, high-energy party about staying true to yourself.
The Anti-Color Division
Rounding out the month is a witty original play serving as a playful defense of creative individuality. Written and directed by Alyannah Solis, this quirky play begins its run on September 21, 2026, at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). When a new CEO tries to replace vibrant paints with neutrals, two factory employees (Kay Cabacungan and Reese Garcia) fight back to save their creativity. It’s the perfect pick to inspire your inner artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Notebook: The Musical runs September 3 to 20, 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, starring a multi-generational cast including Celeste Legaspi, Rody Vera, Morissette, and Benedix Ramos.
The Effect is a psychological thriller by Lucy Prebble about two clinical drug trial volunteers who develop an intense attraction, running September 19 to 27, 2026 at the Doreen Blackbox Theater, Areté.
It’s a two-day-only experimental piece, running September 17 and 18, 2026 at Tanghalang PUP, exploring the life of a queer Filipino migrant worker in Saudi Arabia through Stefani J. Alvarez’s flash fiction.
A high-energy ’70s disco musical set to the Hotdog band’s timeless hits, opening September 18, 2026 at Newport Performing Arts Theater and starring Atasha Muhlach as a fashion house employee dreaming big.
The Anti-Color Division is a witty original play about creative individuality, opening September 21, 2026 at UA&P, following two employees who fight to keep their factory’s creativity alive.
