This month’s events are a treat for the young and the young-at-heart
Japanese Film Festival | July 6
The 20th year of EIGASAI opens with the screening of Her Love Boils Bathwater at Shang Cineplex with special guest director Ryota Nakano. Screening of 20 films to be held in key cities all over the Philippines until 29 August.
China Crisis and Peter Coyle Live in Manila | July 7
Initially scheduled for earlier this year, the English pop rock band and vocalist of the Lotus Eaters hold their anticipated concert this month. At KIA Theatre, Quezon City.
Newsies | July 7 to 30
The smash hit 2011 Broadway musical Newsies lands on our shores this month. With 23 major theatrical nominations and winning the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for score and choreography, it features the music of Alan Menken, lyrics of Jack Feldman, and book of Harvey Fierstein. Newsies is inspired by the “Newsboy Strike of 1899” where a large group of newsboys, with Kid Blink at the helm, started a two-week-long strike against publishing giants Joseph Pulitzer of New York World and William Randolph Hearst of Journal. The two raised the distribution prices of the newspapers, affecting the working conditions of the newsboys. This historical event was also previously adapted into a 1992 Disney film.
Co-presented by 9 Works Theatrical and Globe Live, the Filipino cast is led by Gian Magdangal as Jack Kelly, the leader of the newboys loosely based on the character of Kid Blink. Newsies runs from 7 to 30 July at the Globe Iconic Store Bonifacio High Street Ampitheatre in Taguig City.
4 of a kind: The Ungettable Concert | July 8
Young artists Sue Ramirez, Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, and Kristel Fulgar serenade the crowd in this concert. At Music Museum, San Juan City.
Ramon Valera and the Modern | July 13
College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts presents the works of the first National Artist for Fashion Design, set against Modernism, as well as the garments designed by the students and inspired by his creations. Until 2 September at SDA 12/F Gallery, City of Manila.
Dina Gadia | July 13
Explore more of her artistic collages that speak of various social commentaries executed in an eccentric manner, in her fi fth solo exhibition in Silverlens. Until 12 August at Silverlens Gallery, Makati City.
Oh Wonder | July 13
London-based alt-pop duo Oh Wonder returns to Manila for a solo show. Join Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West as they perform bops from their 2015 debut album and 2017 releases. Oh Wonder Live in Manila happens on 21 July at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier.
Pow Martinez | July 13
With a signature style of “bad painting” where he knowingly goes “against the classical canons of good taste,” he mounts his first solo show with the gallery. Until 12 August at Silverlens Gallery, Makati City.
Song in the Keys of X | July 15
Actor and singer Xian Lim holds another round of concerts following his successful “A Date with Xian” show last year. At The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City.
The '90s Live! | July 22
Top OPM artists Wency Cornejo, Naldy Padilla, Dong Abay, Cooky Chua, Paco Arespacochaga, Jett Pangan, Medwin Marfi l, Lei Bautista, and Perf De Castro come together for a trip down memory lane to the ‘90s in this concert. At The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City.
Eisa Jocson | July 25
Choreographer and dancer Eisa Jocson’s new work premieres in Manila prior to being showcased at eight major European dance festivals in August and September. Until 28 July at CCP Main Theatre, Pasay City.
Galing NAMCYA | July 28
Expect powerful performances from the laureates of 2014-2016 editions National Music Competitions for Young Artists competition. At CCP Little Theatre, Pasay City.
Monty Python's Spamalot | July 28 to August 12
Monty Python’s Spamalot, the Tony Award-winning parody of the legend of King Arthur, opens this month. This musical is based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and is hailed as one of the funniest comedies of all time. The local production stars Lorenz Martinez, Rachel Alejandro, and Carla Guevara-Laforteza, among others. Direction is by Joel Trinidad and Nicky Triviño, while the musical direction is by Onyl Torres. Presented by Upstart Productions, Monty Python’s Spamalot runs from 28 July until 12 August at the Carlos P Romulo Auditorium, Makati City.