Review: DELIA D. Misses Authenticity
by Jude Cartalaba - May 21, 2025
'Delia D,' the latest original Filipino musical presented by Newport World Resorts, had its gala night earlier this month. True to its promise, the Dexter Santos-helmed stage production delivered the daring and dazzling dream of a drag queen, Just Delia (Phi Palmos), whom TV stalwarts have renamed D...
Review: LIWANAG SA DILIM, Take It or Leave It
by Jude Cartalaba - April 29, 2025
It isn't much about deconstructing Dr. Jose Rizal’s deemed subversive novels, but how laudable 9 Works Theatrical’s bold decision to retell mainly Rizal’s 'Noli Me Tangere’s' enduring characters’ origins, probable untold stories, and everything in between....
ANINO SA LIKOD NG BUWAN: Sexy, Risky, and Timely
by Jude Cartalaba - March 06, 2025
Jun Robles Lana's 'Anino sa Likod ng Buwan,' directed by Gawad Buhay awardee Tuxqs Rutaquio, is perhaps one of the most-awaited original Filipino straight play revivals that would come as strikingly sexy and risky but timely production to open this year....
Review: NEXT TO NORMAL Breaks Your Heart Into Pieces
by Jude Cartalaba - February 22, 2025
Mental health a few years back wasn't something very alarming, but due to high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, it has become more and more a growing concern. In 2025, the staging of the 2008 American rock musical 'Next to Normal' (with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt...