By John Legaspi
It was in July 2022, a few years after the pandemic struck the country, when the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (SPAT) first opened its doors. During that time, being outside was daunting for many people, let alone being part of a crowd in an enclosed area. But its unveiling marked hope for the Philippine performing arts scene—a promise that people could once again gather, reconnect, and enjoy shared experiences without fear and uncertainty.
Lissa de Guzman and Allie Trimm lead SPAT's fourth anniversary concert "After Oz" (Photos: SPAT)
Through the years, that’s what SPAT has become: a home where artists, audiences, and communities come together to share stories and create lasting memories. Its stage has been a platform for international acts and local productions to shine. And as it marks its fourth year, it continues to strengthen its mission of bringing world-class performances closer to Filipinos.
A testament to that is its recently concluded anniversary concert, dubbed “After Oz.” On July 10, the Yellow Brick Road led Filipino fans to SPAT for a night of music, dance, and gratitude despite a gloomy day. What was supposed to be a one-night-only show was extended to two performances, thanks to the overwhelming response and support from audiences eager to experience the celebration.
“‘After Oz’ invites us to imagine what happens after ‘happily ever after.’ We are reminded that every ending is also the beginning of another journey, filled with new possibilities, purpose, and stories waiting to be told,” said Christopher Mohnani, SPAT managing director and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture manager. “In many ways, that is also the story of SPAT. Four years on, we continue to look ahead to new productions, collaborations, audiences, and ways of enriching the cultural life of our city.”
As the name suggests, the event plays with the magical world created by American author L. Frank Baum. To fully bring the magic to the stage, SPAT tapped “Wicked” stars Lissa de Guzman and Allie Trimm, who played Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, on Broadway.
For Lissa, the first Filipina Elphaba on Broadway, the concert marked a homecoming to SPAT after gracing its stage as part of the cast of Theatre Group Asia’s (TGA) “A Chorus Line.” Allie, on the other hand, marked her Philippine debut, bringing her artistry and powerful vocals to the theater’s anniversary celebration.
Throughout the night, the Broadway actresses serenaded the audience with songs from iconic musicals such as “Frozen” and “Once on This Island.” Together with musical director Farley Asuncion and the UST Singers, the two powerhouse vocalists performed songs from TGA’s upcoming production “Sunday in the Park with George.” Also there to celebrate SPAT’s anniversary was singer Morissette Amon, who gave a preview of her performance for the forthcoming show “The Notebook: The Musical.”
Toward the end of the celebration, Lissa and Allie treated everyone to a medley of “Wicked” hits, giving audiences a short but sweet glimpse of what it is like to witness the mega musical on Broadway. As Allie said, “You may leave ‘Wicked,’ but ‘Wicked’ doesn’t leave you.” And based on their performance, the musical indeed left a handprint on their hearts.
Ayala Land president and CEO Meean Dy, Sofia Zobel Elizalde, and Christopher Mohnani, Samsung Performing Arts Theater managing director and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture manager
As SPAT moves forward into another year, it continues to stand as a reminder of the power of live performances to bring people together. Like the journey beyond the Yellow Brick Road, SPAT’s story is far from over—there are still countless stages to grace, stories to tell, and memories to create.
“When this theater first opened its doors four years ago, it marked an important milestone, not only for Circuit Makati, but for the Philippine performing arts community,” Christopher said. “It was the first major cultural destination to take root in this estate, bringing to life our vision of Circuit Makati as a place where creativity, culture, and community come together. That vision continues to grow.”
