Watching A Chorus Line in Manila at Samsung Theater, Circuit Makati this March 2026 felt personal in a way I didn’t expect. From the very first line—“I need this job”—I was already tearing up. This production is polished, professional, and filled with talent, yet it also leaves you wondering: what if it pushed just a little bit further?

A Chorus Line Manila Review: A Night That Hits Close to Home

There are shows you casually watch—and then there are shows that quietly reach in and pull something out of you. A Chorus Line at Samsung Theater, Circuit Makati (March 2026) is definitely the latter.

At its core, it’s about dancers auditioning. Simple, right? But spend even a few minutes with these characters, and you realize it’s really about survival, identity, and the raw, often unspoken truth of being an artist.

And honestly, it got to me almost immediately.

“I Need This Job”: A Line That Says Everything

The moment that sealed it for me came early.

When Anna del Prado (Tricia) steps forward and delivers the line “I need this job,” it doesn’t feel like a performance—it feels like a confession.

That hit hard.

As someone who’s been through auditions and lived that hungry artist life, I found myself tearing up right away. That line carries weight. It’s not dramatic—it’s real. It brought me back to those “starving artist” days, where every opportunity felt like it could change everything.

And just like that, I was all in.

A Cast That’s Polished, Professional, and Packed With Talent

Let’s talk about the cast—because wow.

This Manila production features an impressively stacked lineup, including:

• Christina Glur as Diana Morales
• Lissa DeGuzman as Cassie
• Angelo Soriano as Mike Costa
• Michaela Marfori as Bebe Benzenheimer
• Jordan Andrews as Al DeLuca
• Rapah Manalo as Richie Walters
• Ken San Jose as Mark Anthony
• Stephen Viñas as Bobby Mills
• Mikaela Regis as Sheila Bryant
• Iya Villanueva as Maggie Winslow
• Universe Ramos as Paul San Marco
• Luca Olbes as Gregory Gardner
• …and many more in a full, dynamic ensemble

Across the board, the cast is tight, disciplined, and incredibly well-rehearsed. Every number is clean. Every movement is intentional. Vocals are controlled. Timing is sharp.

It’s the kind of production where you can feel the work behind it.

But at the same time, it leans heavily into being safe and polished—almost to a fault.

Standout Performances You Can’t Miss

Even within that clean and controlled style, several performers truly stand out.

Cassie (Lissa DeGuzman): The Complete Performer

The actor playing Cassie brings everything you want in the role—dance, vocals, and emotional depth. It’s a balanced, grounded performance that holds your attention every time she’s on stage.

There’s a quiet intensity there, even if the direction keeps things somewhat restrained. Still, she shines.

Greg (Luca Olbes): Effortlessly Charismatic

Luca Olbes as Gregory Gardner delivers one of the most memorable performances of the night.

There’s a natural charm and ease in how he plays Greg—the “Jewish gay boy”—that makes his moments feel authentic and engaging. His comedic timing lands, and his presence adds color to the ensemble.

Maggie (Iya Villanueva): A Voice That Stops You in Your Tracks

Let’s talk about Iya Villanueva as Maggie Winslow.

Her voice? Stunning.

No overthinking here—she’s a superstar-level vocalist. When she sings, everything else fades into the background. It’s one of those performances where you just sit there and go, “Wow.”

Easily one of the vocal highlights of the entire show.

Richie (Rapah Manalo): A True Triple Threat

Then there’s Rapah Manalo as Richie Walters—and honestly, he steals the show.

Dance? Electric.
Singing? Strong.
Acting? Full of life.

He’s a true triple threat, and every time he’s on stage, there’s this burst of energy that lifts the entire production. His numbers are some of the most exciting moments of the night.

Stephen Viñas: From Choreographer to Standout Performer

A special mention goes to Stephen Viñas as Bobby Mills.

Known primarily as a choreographer, seeing him perform was a pleasant surprise. And he didn’t just show up—he delivered.

There’s confidence and presence in his performance that makes him blend seamlessly with the cast while still standing out in his own way.

A Young Cast With a Mature Feel

One interesting thing about this production is how young the cast appears, yet how mature and composed they perform.

Compared to the film version of A Chorus Line, where characters often feel worn down and rough around the edges, this cast feels more refined, more put-together.

That adds to the overall polish—but also reinforces that sense of emotional restraint.

Technically Strong… But Playing It Safe

Here’s where things get a bit tricky.

Everything about this production works:

• The choreography is precise
• The staging is clean
• The performances are consistent

But it rarely feels like it’s taking risks.

It’s very sanitized. Very correct. Very proper.

And while that makes it accessible and undeniably professional, it also holds back the kind of raw, messy emotion that theater can deliver at its best.

Where’s the Filipino Heart?

Filipino performers are known for something special: heart.

That ability to go all in, to feel deeply, to make the audience feel every note, every word, every movement.

This cast clearly has that capability.

But it feels… contained.

As if the direction chose control over emotional release.

And you can’t help but wonder—what if they just let it all out?

What if they leaned into that natural Filipino passion instead of holding it back?

That could’ve elevated this already strong production into something unforgettable.

Still, A Must-Watch Musical in Manila

Now don’t get it twisted—A Chorus Line in Manila is absolutely worth watching.

Despite its restraint, it delivers:

• Strong performances across the board
• Standout moments from key cast members
• A relatable, emotionally grounded story
• A polished, high-quality theater experience

And for anyone who’s ever chased a dream—especially in the performing arts—it hits differently.

Why You Should Watch A Chorus Line at Samsung Theater

If you’re thinking about catching it, here’s your sign.

You’ll get:

• A talented, well-trained cast
• Memorable performances (especially Maggie and Richie)
• A deeper appreciation for the lives of performers
• A clean, professional staging at a top-tier venue

Plus, supporting live theater in Manila? Always a good idea.

Final Thoughts: Clean, Moving, and Worth Experiencing

A Chorus Line at Samsung Theater, Circuit Makati (March 2026) is polished, professional, and filled with talent.

It may play things a little safe, but it still connects—especially in those quiet, honest moments.

And that opening line?

“I need this job.”

Yeah… that one stays with you.

FAQs

Where is A Chorus Line being performed in Manila?

At Samsung Theater, Circuit Makati, running this March 2026.

Is the show beginner-friendly?

Yes! It’s polished, easy to follow, and a great introduction to musical theater.

Is it worth watching live?

Definitely. The talent alone makes it worth the ticket.

Guest Post Credit

Guest post by Kuya Manzano for Musicals On Line