Live theater is alive and thriving in 2026. From electric, thought-provoking plays starring standout performers to fun, high-energy musicals, a stage show remains an experience like no other. This year, theater continues to offer a compelling alternative to movies, Netflix, or endless doom-scrolling on TikTok. From nostalgic 80s throwbacks to gripping dramas, there’s no shortage of exciting productions to catch in the early months of the year.
1. Bagets The Musical – Currently running until March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater
This reimagined musical adaptation of the beloved 80s coming-of-age film promises “barkada feels, kilig, and pure good vibes” as five teenage boys navigate the messiness of growing up. Featuring hit 80s songs, including tracks from the original soundtrack, the show also marks several stage debuts, including that of rising star Andres Muhlach.
2. Spring Awakening – February 13 to March 22 at The Black Box in The Proscenium Theater
A Filipino cast takes on this acclaimed musical about rebellious adolescents confronting issues like mental health, teen pregnancy, sexuality, and the complexities of coming of age. Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Audie Gemora, Nacho Tambunting, Alex Diaz, and Nic Chien are among the notable names bringing this Tony Award–winning production to life.
3. About Us But Not About Us – February 14 to March 8 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater
Based on Jun Lana’s film of the same name, this dark psychological drama unfolds when a seemingly innocent conversation between a professor and his student exposes buried trauma and secrets. Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas reprise their roles from the 2022 film, joined by Epy Quizon in this tense and emotionally charged stage adaptation.
4. A Chorus Line – March 12 to 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater
The iconic Broadway musical A Chorus Line arrives in the Philippines this March. Produced by Theatre Group Asia, the team behind last year’s hit Into the Woods, the show follows a group of dancers risking everything during a life-changing Broadway audition. Hollywood actor Conrad Ricamora and Broadway performer Lissa deGuzman, the first Filipina Elphaba in Wicked, are among the standout cast members.
5. anthropology – March 13 to 29, 2026 at the Doreen Black Box, Areté
This Asian premiere of an American play asks a haunting question: Can AI help us grieve? anthropology is a gripping psychological thriller about an AI programmer who, unable to accept her sister’s disappearance and death, uses technology to bring her back as artificial intelligence. The production features a powerful cast led by Jenny Jamora, Maronne Cruz, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, and Jackie Lou Blanco.
Whether you’re drawn to rebellious musicals, thought-provoking dramas, or nostalgic throwbacks, there’s a stage show worth seeing this year. And this is only the beginning. More productions, including Ang Babae sa Septic Tank: The Musical, a Filipino take on The Man of La Mancha, and the international premiere of The Notebook: The Musical, are set to arrive later in 2026.