Vlad Bunoan

Sue Ramirez returns to theater in CAST PH’s ‘The Effect’

Article (news)

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786960397243774905314_1401657065454200_2289529462732662266_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>MANILA — After wowing audiences with <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/6/5/sue-ramirez-enters-her-theater-era-with-little-shop-of-horrors-1908">her acclaimed stage debut in “Little Shop of Horrors,” </a>Kapamilya actress Sue Ramirez is returning to theater, this time taking on a more psychologically demanding role in Lucy Prebble’s “The Effect.”Ramirez will play Connie Hall in CAST PH’s fully staged production of “The Effect,” directed by Sarah Facuri, which runs September 19-27 at the Doreen Blackbox Theater at Areté in Quezon City.She will star opposite Brian Sy as Tristan Frey, with Dean Daniel Rosen as Dr. Toby Sealey and Cathy Azanza-Dy as Dr. Lorna James. Chaye Mogg serves as the understudy for Connie.The production marks a return to the stage for Ramirez after she made her theater debut in The Sandbox Collective’s 2024 production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Despite acting primarily in film and television, Ramirez drew praise for holding her own among experienced musical theater performers, with reviewers particularly noting her strong stage presence.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/4/22/sue-ramirez-to-make-theater-debut-on-little-shop-of-horrors-935">Sue Ramirez to make theater debut on &#x27;Little Shop of Horrors&#x27;</a></div>Now, Ramirez moves from the campy world of a bloodthirsty musical plant to Prebble’s cerebral drama about love, neuroscience and the limits of medicine. First staged at London’s National Theatre in 2012, “The Effect” follows Connie and Tristan, two volunteers who enter a clinical trial for a new antidepressant. The story asks a deceptively simple question: If a drug can change the way you feel, how do you know whether what you feel is real?The play also examines the nature of depression and the debate over whether mental illness can be explained — and treated — purely through chemistry.The play was revived at the National Theatre in 2023 in a production directed by Jamie Lloyd. CAST PH first presented “The Effect” as part of its “Theoria Omnium” staged reading series in 2025. The September production marks its return as a fully staged production in partnership with Areté.“The Effect” opens September 19 at 8 p.m. Other performances are scheduled for September 20 at 3 and 8 p.m.; September 24 and 25 at 8 p.m.; and September 26 and 27 at 3 and 8 p.m.Tickets are available through Areté’s ticketing platform. The production is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

After wowing audiences with her acclaimed stage debut in “Little Shop of Horrors,” Sue Ramirez is returning to theater, this time taking on a more psychologically demanding role in Lucy Prebble’s “The Effect.”

After wowing audiences with her acclaimed stage debut in “Little Shop of Horrors,” Sue Ramirez is returning to theater, this time taking on a more psychologically demanding role in Lucy Prebble’s “The Effect.”