John Lapus celebrates ‘blooming’ theater scene, cites Gen Z support

His play ‘Taksyapo!’ is set for rerun in August.

Veteran comedian and director John Lapus shared his excitement over his ongoing theater projects and the current state of the local stage, which he described as “blooming.”

In an interview with radar Entertainment, Lapus revealed that his Virgin Labfest (VLF) 2026 one-act play “Taksyapo!,” starring Christian Bables and Mosang, has been picked up by Pioneer Insurance for a special rerun scheduled in early August.

Continuing its three-year support for the arts, the company also selected other VLF plays for reruns, including “Lualhati,” starring Jackie Lou Blanco, Angel Aquino, and Iana Bernardez, and “She’s Electric,” led by Glaiza de Castro.

Lapus said he is encouraged by the diversity of productions in local theater today, from jukebox musicals to experimental plays, and by the strong audience turnout across venues.

“Theater remains my first love,” the “Bongga Ka, ’Day!” actor said, adding that he is grateful to still be offered roles amid the industry’s growth.

He also noted a shift in theater audiences, with younger viewers playing a significant role in sustaining live productions.

While longtime theatergoers continue to show steady support, Lapus observed that Gen Z audiences are increasingly attending shows, even saving up to buy tickets priced as high as ₱1,200 for events like the Virgin Labfest.

Lapus believes this surge in interest may be tied to how younger audiences, shaped by digital screens and pandemic lockdowns, are seeking a different kind of experience.

According to Lapus, live theater offers a unique “high” that cannot be replicated by gadgets, engaging audiences in a more immersive and immediate way.

He also pointed out that local theater production values have improved since the pandemic, contributing to a more compelling stage experience.

After staging “Delia D” in 2025 and wrapping up his VLF play in June, Lapus is set to return to the stage as Tarurit in “Bongga Ka, ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” which will run this September.

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