This summer is a great time to experience the wonders of musical theater. There is something for everyone in the world of musicals, regardless of your experience level in singing or dancing. This summer’s schedule promises to entertain audiences with unforgettable performances and captivating stories.

Here are five musicals you wouldn’t want to miss:

RENT

Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking rock musical, RENT, continues to attract audiences with its raw emotion and energy. Set in the East Village of New York City, the story follows a group of struggling artists and activists as they navigate love, friendship, and the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. With its iconic songs like “Seasons of Love” and “La Vie Bohéme”, RENT remains as relevant and powerful as ever, making it a must-see this summer. 

The musical RENT is produced by local theater production company, 9Works Theatrical. It stars Anthony Rosaldo, Reb Atadero, Ian Pangilinan, Markki Stroem, Adrian Lindayag, Thea Astley, Molly Langley, Garret Bolden, Lance Reblando, and Guiji Lorenzana to name a few. 

You can watch RENT at the RCBC Plaza, and get your tickets through ticket2me. The musical runs from April 19, 2024 through June 1, 2024.

Miss Saigon

Based on Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon narrates the bittersweet love story between an American GI and Vietnamese girl during the close of the Vietnam War. This theatrical production will captivate you from beginning to end with its timeless musical score and breathtaking staging. 

Produced by GMG Productions, Miss Saigon stars Abigail Adriano as Kim, Nigel Huckle as Chris, Sean Miley Moore as the Engineer, Sarah Morrioson as Ellen, Lewis Francis as John, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, and Kiara Dario as Gigi. 

Miss Saigon opened last March 23 and runs until May 12. Catch the musical at the Theatre at Solaire.

One More Chance: The Musical

If you are a fan of the hit movie, One More Chance, then you would not want to miss the One More Chance: The Musical. Follow the love story of Popoy and Basha as they navigate the ups and downs of relationships, heartbreak and second chances. 

Featuring songs from Ben&Ben, experience the joy, pain and triumph of love as you journey with the Thursday barkada through the highs and lows of friendship and romance. 

One More Chance: The Musical opened last April 12, and runs until June 30. You can watch the show at the PETA Theatre Center in Quezon City. Tickets are sold through TicketWorld.

Bar Boys: A New Musical

If you want to watch a musical that combines laughter and heartfelt scenes, Bar Boys: A New Musical is the perfect choice. The Filipino musical comedy-drama follows the journey of four law students as they navigate the challenges of law school, friendship and self-discovery. 

Barefoot Theatre Collaborative brings Bar Boys: A New Musical to the stage, featuring a talented cast including Alex Diaz as Chris, Benedix Ramos as Erik, Omar Uddin as Josh, Jerome Canlas as Torran, and Sheila Francisco as Justice Hernandez.

Don’t miss your chance to catch this show, running from May 3 to May 19 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theatre at Circuit Makati. Tickets can be purchased through ticket2me.

Buruguduy-stun-stugudun-stuy

Step into the world of whimsy and wonder with Buruguduy-stun-stugudun-stuy, a playful and surreal musical experience. Brought to you by the FullHouse Theatre Company that also produced Ang Huling El Bimbo, this jukebox musical features songs from Parokya ni Edgar. 

Follow the journey of four women, who share the same birthday, as they navigate through personal challenges. Intrigued and driven by an unknown destiny, they set out to unravel secrets and discover the transformative journey that awaits them. 

This production stars Kyle Napuli, Marynor Madamesila, Natasha Cabrera, Tex De Leon, Pepe Herrera, and Nicco Manalo to name a few. You can catch this musical at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, starting April 26, 2024. 

From the timeless beauty of Miss Saigon, to the contemporary music of One More Chance: The Musical, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable musicals that are sure to make your summer one to remember. 

—By Samantha Prats