Matilda
Closing date: Dec. 10
Meralco Theater, Ortigas Ave., Ortigas Center
The inspiring story of a little girl with big dreams, Matilda is a show not just for kids, but equally, if not more enjoyable for adults. The Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Groups musical was adapted from Roald Dahl’s novel, with book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin. Matilda has won 47 international awards, and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. Matilda (played alternately by Telesa Marie “Esang” de Torres, Uma Naomi Martin, and Felicity Kyle Napuli) is a smart little girl who takes refuge in books. While her cruel parents do not love her (Joaquin Valdes and Carla Guevara-Laforteza), her school teacher Miss Honey (Cris Villonco) recognizes and appreciates Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s life in school isn’t smooth sailing, though, since the headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Jamie Wilson) hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. Tickets range in price from P1,500 to P4,000 and are available at TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999). For more information, visit http://atlantistheatrical.com/faq.
Hair
Closing date: Dec. 17
Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City
Hair, a musical high on spirits, energy, and drugs, is a 50-year-old musical which aptly ends Repertory Philippines’ 50th anniversary season. Inspired by encounters with protesters and draft-dodgers at the height of the Vietnam war, when the Western civil rights movement was gaining momentum, creators James Rado and Gerome Ragni collaborated with composer Galt MacDermot to develop what was touted to be the first rock musical. While Hair is a product of its time in the 1960s, its story and themes continue to be relevant to this day. Directed by Chris Millado and with choreography by PJ Rebullada and music direction by Ejay Yatco, it stars George Schulze, Markki Stroem, Caisa Borromeo, and Maronne Cruz. Tickets range in price from P836 to P1,567 and are available at TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999).
A Christmas Carol
Closing date: Dec. 27
Globe Iconic Store at Bonifacio High Street Ampitheater, BGC, Taguig City
Based on Charles Dicken’s classic story, the musical A Christmas Carol by Globe Live and 9 Works Theatrical will remind the audience about the transformative value of kindness and empathy. It tells the story of the old miser Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Miguel Faustmann) who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner and the ghosts of the Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Directed by Robbie Guevara together with Onyl Torres as the assistant director, A Christmas Carol is on view on Dec. 7-9, 14-16, 21-22, and 22-27 at 8 p.m. and on Dec. 10, 17, and 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost P2,090 and are available at TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999).
Lukot-Lukot, Bilog Bilog
Closing date: Dec. 17
Little Theater, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Tanghalang Pilipino stages Eljay Deldoc’s Lukot-Lukot, Bilog-Bilog, a Christmas comedy about saving money and saving relationships. Directed by Abner Delina, Jr., there are performances on Dec. 8-10 and 15-17. Tickets range in price from P824 to P1,030 (prices depend on the performance date), and are available at TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999).
#Elie
Closing date: Dec. 10
Teatro Marikina, Shoe Ave., San Roque, Marikina City
With a very limited run — there are performances on Dec. 9, 7 p.m., and Dec. 10, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. — #Elie is a production of Teatro ni Juan (TNJ), done in cooperation with the Marikina City Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office (Turismo Marikina). #ELIE is a coming-of-age original musical on cyber-bullying and gender discrimination. Set in a parallel universe filled with smartphone-using citizens and where homosexuality is applauded, the quest for genuine social interaction and relationship is challenged by the pressures of social media and society. Two teenagers, Eman and Girlie, struggle to live out their truth while trying to harmonize and challenge the status quo. For tickets, which cost P150, contact Jennelle Andre Javier (0905-155-3620) or Camille Doctolero (0926-881-5358).
