BY RIGHT, 2007 should have been a red-letter year for local theater.

Repertory Philippines and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (Peta), the two most established and consistent professional drama companies in the country, marked their 40th anniversary this year.

But they’re not the only ones to feel a sense of accomplishment this year. Gantimpala Theater also celebrated its 30th anniversary, while Tanghalang Pilipino notched its 20th birthday in the business.

Milestones all, but the theater companies by and large held back on the self-congratulations–no grand fetes or nostalgic tributes–and just went about what they did best: mount plays.

Here’s the cream of the crop of Manila theater in 2007–productions and performances worth celebrating any time.

Complete list of citations here.