7 University-Based Productions this May 2025
Four musicals and three straight plays will be running across a total of four universities—three in Metro Manila and one in Baguio—this May.
1. Legally Blonde by Ateneo blueREP
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Ateneo blueREP is set to stage the Broadway musical Legally Blonde as its 33rd season finalé.
Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors, and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
The cast features Danielle Nicola Tan and LJ Bala as Elle Woods, MC Dela Cruz and Ron Balgos as Emmett Forrest, Norbs Portales and JV Fulgencio as Professor Callahan, Theo Gasper as Warner Huntington III, Misha Fabian and Senanda as Brooke Wyndham, Gel Basa and Raflesia Bravo as Paulette, and Matt Gador as Kyle B. O’Boyle.
The production will be helmed by Meann Espinosa. Joining her in the creative team are Matthew Chang (musical director), Jim Ferrer (choreographer), Ohm David (production designer), Hershee Tantiado (costume designer), and Jethro Nibaten (lighting designer).
Legally Blonde will run from May 3-4 and 8-11, 2025 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University. The show is currently sold-out.
2. Sierra Madre: Isang Musikal by MEDIARTRIX-UST
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MEDIARTRIX – UST will be staging an original Filipino theater production entitled Sierra Madre: Isang Musikal, written by Joshua Peter Tolentino, Hannah Karylle Espiritu, and Rio Celine Zafra, directed by Jearianna Maerizze Burgos and Lourdes Angel Gonzales, and managed by Enrico Byron Sacramento and Ana Katrina Gomez.
The musical has a duration of 2 hours, featuring 14 original songs and instrumental compositions inspired by the mythical tale of Sierra Madre and the relevant societal issues that surround the mountain range today.
The story follows the life of Sierra, a warrior with a destiny of leadership, as she faces the challenge between duty and heart to become the next hara. By her side stands Lusong, a quiet fire of bravery and compassion, whose presence contains more than meets the eye. Above them looms Bugsong Hangin, a tempestuous wind god whose restless obsession stirs storms and calamity, shaping the world with a chaotic symphony of mortals, deities, forests, and floods.
“I want to evoke empathy from the audience. As Sierra Madre continuously protects us, I hope that we protect it as well,” shares director Lourdes Angel Gonzales. This story does not only exude the vision of our creativity, but our freedom to express our clamor for Sierra Madre’s safety and equality for everyone living there.”
Gonzales emphasizes the importance of discussing the events surrounding Sierra Madre, its present-day significance, and how people can contribute to raising awareness and safeguarding this long-standing protector. “Not because you haven’t felt the weight of the burden, does not mean that you are exempted from it,” she stated.
This production opened on April 28 and will continue to run on April 30 (10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM), and on May 3 (1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM) at the UST Albertus Magnus Building, 4th Floor Auditorium. It is open to all Thomasian and non-Thomasian audiences. The tickets range from P350 for Regulars, P300 for UST Alumni, and P900 for a trio bundle.
3. Mula sa Akin by Artistang Artlets
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Artistang Artlets is set to stage the original musical, Mula sa Akin, on May 7 (1 PM and 5 PM), May 9, (1 PM and 5 PM) and May 10 (2 PM and 6 PM) at the UST Medicine Auditorium, St. Martin de Porres Building.
Paano kung nabigyan ka ng isang pagkakataon para sulatan ang iyong nakaraan para magsilbing gabay? Mababago mo ba ang mga bagay-bagay kahit ito ay nakatakda na?
Sa panahon kung saan napawi muli ang kalayaan, kailangan muli itong kamitin. Ito ang hangarin ni Januari, isang tanyag na manunulat ng mga dulang na ang hangarin ay pagbabago. Ngunit paano kung ang pagbabago na kanila’y ninanais ay ipinagkakait? Maipapalabas pa kaya nila ang kanilang sining sa maraming tao? Kahit na sa ikalawang buhay niya bilang Janus pa ito makakamit? O tuluyang mababaon sa lupa ang kanilang sining na binoboses ang pagbabago?
Tuklasin natin ang mga liham ng nakaraan at ang mga sining na sumisigaw sa katahimikan. Sa panunulat nina Romayne Humiwat at Edgar Moses Oliva, sa direkyson ni Romayne Humiwat, katuwang si Jessie Angellie Rivera, sa pamamahala ni Azrah Louise Halili, katuwang sina Juan Miguel De Mesa at Arjay Magbanua, sa paggawa ng mga orihinal na musika nina Claudette Francesca Bayabay, Anton Stefano Acosta, at Shierrah Kate Sumacot, at sa koreograpiya ni Florence Margarette Solomon, katuwang sina Sophia Buenaventura at Aliana Faye Garcia.
For ticket reservations, go to the group’s Google Form.
4. Twenty Questions by Teatro Tomasino
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UST’s Teatro Tomasino will be staging Juan Ekis’ Twenty Questions on May 28 at 1 PM, and May 29 at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 2:30 PM at Rooms 102 – 104 of the St. Raymund Peñafort Building, University of Santo Tomas.
The two-hander follows Yumi and Jigs—two friends who find themselves tangled in a game of Twenty Questions, where the rules are simple: drink, ask, and answer in full trust and sincerity. As the glasses empty, the questions deepen, turning playful banter into emotional warfare.
This will serve as the organization’s Apprentice Showcase, highlighting the talents of its apprentices as they apply what they’ve learned in their first year with the organization.
For ticket inquiries and more information, visit Teatro Tomasino – UST on Facebook and Instagram or contact Eirylle Belen (09694051157) and Vincent Espinoza (09266930176).
5. Metroman: Ang Tagawalis ng Kasamaan! by Dulaang ROC
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UA&P’s Dulaang ROC us set to stage its 35th major production with Metroman: Ang Tagawalis ng Kasamaaan! Through comedy and action, the play aims to give audiences a perspective on how idealism clashes with reality- exploring themes of social injustices, and social responsibility in the country.
The cast features Joaquin Muro as Metroman/Dante Jote, Icey Mangalindan as Tanya Jote, Rona Sayat as Samantha Coroza, Steph Almario as Zephira/Julia Velez, Inigo Gutierrez as Brownie, Iggy Arevalo as Junjun, Amar Pahanel as Lotlot, Allodia Romblon as Paula Sanchez, Manuel Casapao as Tinyente Jeffrey Tenorio, Ten Escara as Gil Pasamonte, Sean Borja as Blackie, Jazmine Roxas as Whitey, and Janos Andaya as Tonton.
The show opened on April 24 and continues to run on May 2 (7:30 PM) and May 3 (3 PM and 7:30 PM) at the Celestino Dizon Auditorium, UA&P. Tickets are P300 (UA&P Scholar), P350 (UA&P Student, Faculty & Staff ), P400 (UA&P Alumni), and P450 (Regular/Outsider).
6. Free Fall by UA&P’s ViARE
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UA&P’s ViARE ends its 31st Season with Free Fall, a play that was first staged online during the pandemic.
Set in an elevator suspended after an earthquake, Alma and Marty find themselves cloistered – not just in the air, but in time and reality itself. As fear and vulnerability intertwine, they confront the idea of what it truly means to let go.
Kyri Maramo makes her directorial debut with this adapted script from Chesie Galvez-Cariño, and features Tish Duran as Alma, and Migs De la Cruz as Marty.
Free Fall will be staged on May 5, 6, and 7, 8 PM at CAS 203, UA&P. For more information, follow ViARE’s Facebook Page and Instagram @officialviare!
For tickets, go to the group’s Google Form.
7. Ibong Adarna.. Parang Musikal by Tanghalang SLU
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Mula sa unang paglipad nito noong 2013, 2014, at 2016 sa ilalim ng direksyon nina Dan Riopay at Donna Cariaga, ang Ibong Adarna ay naging isa sa mga itinuturing na TSLU Classics.
Ngayong panahon, muling lumilipad ang Ibong Adarna.. Parang Musikal sa bagong anyo, sa direksyon ni Mrs. Katherine Mae Nobleza-Estavillo—makulay, masigla, at hitik sa damdamin para sa bagong henerasyon.
The show will run on May 3, 2 PM and 6:15 PM at Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM CCA Theater, Baguio. Tickets can be reserved through the group’s Google Form.
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