Summer Stages: BWW's Top Picks for the Philippines Third Quarter

Co-written with Lee Cundangan, Nina Saldana

There are only two seasons in the Philippines: the dry season and the wet season. Technically, it is the wet season in the country from June to August; nevertheless, the local theater scene remains bustling with activities during these "bring your umbrella" months.

Below are our top-five picks for the Philippine Theater scene's third quarter:

Top 1: Velvet Channel Airs the Tony Awards

For the third time, Velvet Channel on cable TV brings to the Philippines the exclusive live broadcast of the Tony Awards. The Tony Awards, Broadway's equivalent to London's West End's Laurence Olivier Awards, are once again hosted by the witty and irrepressible Neil Patrick Harris.

The Tony Awards' Telecast Schedule:

June 10, Monday, 8 a.m. - Live Telecast

June 10, Monday, 8 p.m.

June 15, Saturday, 6 p.m.

June 16, Sunday, 12 noon

June 21, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

June 22, Saturday, 1:00 p.m.

June 26, Wednesday, 3:30 a.m.

June 26, Wednesday, 2:30 p.m.

Top 2: Viva Atlantis Theatricals Presents Disney's TARZAN

Broadway's Dan Domenech ("Rock of Ages," "Glee") visits Manila for the first time to play the role of Tarzan in the Asian premiere of "Disney's Tarzan," which features music and lyrics by Phil Collins and book by David Henry Hwang. Domenech co-stars with pop star Rachelle Ann Go ("Disney's The Little Mermaid").

Expect flying scenes, swinging on ropes, incredible costumes, and a heart-warming score.

"Disney's Tarzan" plays Meralco Theater from Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 29.

For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Top 3: Atlantis Productions Restages ROCK OF AGES

Currently playing the Bohemian rebel Galileo in the World Arena Tour of "We Will Rock You," rock star MiG Ayesa ("Burn the Floor," "Rent") reprises his take on the delicious role of Stacee Jaxx in the return engagement of Broadway's Best 1980s Party "Rock of Ages" in Manila.

"Rock of Ages" plays Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 28.

For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Top 4: Spotlight Artists Centre Restages KATY

Spotlight Artists Centre's revival production of the Filipino landmark musical "Katy," based on illustrious career and life of Katy de la Cruz, hailed as the Queen of Filipino Jazz, moves to a bigger venue: from CCP Little Theater to Meralco Theater.

Isay Alvarez ("Miss Saigon," "Himala") revisits her role as the revered songstress.

In a recent interview with Interaksyon.com, Alvarez promised "a bigger and better restaging" of the beloved musical, whose earlier performances at the CCP were marred with excessive blackouts.

"Katy" plays Meralco Theater from Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, August 4.

For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Top 5: CCP Presents VIRGIN LABFEST 9

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) presents "Virgin Labfest 9," an annual festival of unpublished and unstaged original Filipino plays.

The Virgin Labfest's notable works for the stage include Layeta Bucoy's "Doc Resureccion: Gagamutin ang Bayan," Carlo Pacolor Garcia's "Bakit Wala Nang Nagtatagpo sa Philcoa Oberpas," Reuel Molina Aguila's "Maliw," and Nick Pichay's "Isang Araw sa Karnabal."

"Virgin Labfest 9" plays CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute (Studio Theater) from Wednesday, June 26 to Sunday, July 7.

For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.

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