Rafael Jimenez’s ‘Breakup Play’ Staged Reading to Star Nikki Bengzon, Ron Balgos in October
Cheddar Productions is set to present a one-night-only staged reading of Breakup Play (or Baucis & Philemon), a new play written and directed by Rafael Jimenez, on October 16 at Sari Sari in Makati.
Starring Nikki Bengzon and Ron Balgos, the play follows two ex-lovers who reunite to stage an adaptation of a Greek myth. As they work on the production, they are forced to reexamine their past relationship, their respective careers in the Manila theater scene, and how they have changed during their time apart.
Described as a “love/hate letter to theater,” Breakup Play is written and directed by Jimenez, whose previous plays include Napapanahon, CoR, Talistis, Patintero sa Ayala Avenue, and LVNA. The latter received Second Prize for Full-Length Play in English at the 2025 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Jimenez was also named an Honorable Mention for the Emerging Talent Award in Playwriting at the 2025 MSTR Awards.
Bengzon’s previous credits include Spring Awakening (The Sandbox Collective, 2026) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Playbook Club, 2026), while Balgos has appeared in The Addams Family (Ateneo Blue Repertory, 2026) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (The Sandbox Collective, 2024).
Also featured in the cast are Monty Uy as the Director and Alex Luna as the Stage Manager.
The production is produced by Michelle Cornejo, who also serves as sound designer, with Pia Cruz as the production’s stage manager.
Breakup Play marks Cheddar Productions’ expansion into theater. Formerly known as Big House PH, the independent Manila-based production group was established in April 2024 and has primarily produced live music gigs, cover nights, and themed nightlife events. The production also marks Cornejo’s return to theater after leaving the field during the pandemic to focus on the music scene.
The staged reading will be held for one night only on October 16, 2026 at Sari Sari, 5661 Washington St., Makati. Doors open at 7 PM, with the show beginning at 8 PM.
Early bird tickets are priced at ₱500 for standing and ₱1,300 for seated admission, while regular tickets are ₱700 for standing and ₱1,500 for seated admission. Seated tickets include one classic cocktail of the guest’s choice. Tickets may be purchased through the group’s Google Form.
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