10 best theater productions of 2025
Theater is thriving in Manila, and it has been an exciting year to be in the audience. Out of the 29 productions staged in the city that I watched this year — from musicals to mainstream stagings and indie plays — these stood out the most. Here are the best theater productions of the year, with number one as the best.
Filipino-British actor Martin Sarreal (Serge), theater veteran Brian Sy (Yvan), and British actor Freddie Sawyer (Marc) / Photo: Repertory Philippines
Repertory Philippines
Para Kay B / Photo: Official Facebook
Official Facebook
10. 'Para kay B' (Fire and Ice Entertainment)
The power of Ricky Lee’s original story and Eljay Deldoc’s stage adaptation lies in how these unconventional love stories are not merely strange or tragic, but deeply psychological explorations of love. Tackling limerence, loneliness, and the inner struggle of a writer, the play is funny, smart, and often devastating.
3 Upuan / Photo: Rafael Cabrera
Photo: Rafael Cabrera
9. '3 Upuan' (Scene Change)
At first glance, Guelan Varela-Luarca’s 3 Upuan risks seeming elitist, even pretentious. Beneath its affectations, however, the play captures something raw, violent, and painfully recognizable—grief in its most unvarnished form. I saw the restaging of the 2024 play and wept as Jojit Lorenzo delivered the most exquisite performance of the cast. His portrayal of grief is unembellished and devastating in its restraint. It is hard to imagine not crying while watching this.
Anniversary, Virgin Labfest / Photo: Stephanie Mayo
Stephanie Mayo
8. 'Anniversary' (CCP’s Virgin Labfest)
Directed by Sarah Facuri, this deeply human examination of grief and loss hits hard. Whether or not one shares the same tragic experiences as the characters, anyone who has suffered unbearable loss can relate. Nelsito Gomez’s masterful handling of differing belief systems that shape how we cope with tragedy is especially moving. The contrast between faith in a benevolent God and the view that events are random adds depth. This gentle exploration of theism and atheism, without becoming preachy, enriches the text and highlights the complexity of the human condition.
