“Here Lies Love” initially announced Lea Salonga and “How To Get Away With Murder’s” Conrad Ricamora as part of its cast
This time it’s not only the popular lead stars Lea Salonga, Jose Llana, Arielle Jacobs, and Conrad Ricamora, who have Filipino roots who are taking part in the “Here Lies Love.”
Show director Alex Timbers announced that the full cast of the upcoming immersive musical are all Filipinos which is a first in Broadway history.
The 23-member company of “Here Lies Love” includes Melody Butiu, Moses Villarama, Jasmine Forsberg, Reanne Acasio, Jaygee Macapugay, Julia Abueva, Renée Albulario, Aaron Alcaraz, Carol Angeli, Nathan Angelo, Kristina Doucette, Roy Flores, Timothy Matthew Flores, Sarah Kay, Jeigh Madjus, Aaron “AJ” Mercado, Geena Quintos, Shea Renne, and Angelo Soriano.
“Our international casting search took us literally around the globe. We received submissions from actors in the US to the Philippines and more than a dozen countries in between. Overall, more than 1,200 talented actors were considered for ‘Here Lies Love’’s Broadway cast, and I can’t wait for you to meet this incredible company of actors,” says TImbers in a May 1, 2023 interview.
Making the production even special is the fact that it was created by the first-ever Filipino-led producers on Broadway namely Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna for Plate Spinner Productions, and Clint Ramos and Jose Antonio Vargas.
“Here Lies Love“ and Lea Salonga
Salonga, for her part, marked her first rehearsals for the show via an Instagram post on May 2, 2023.
She captioned their group photo with, “The first ALL-FILIPINO company on Broadway! What a way to kick off #AAPIHeritageMonth2023!!!”
In another post, the Broadway icon proudly shared that “history has been made” following the announcement of “Here Lies Love’s” all-Filiipino cast.
Based on a real story, “Here Lies Love” follows Imelda Marcos, whose husband Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was the 10th president of the Philippines and ruled as dictator for 20 years until 1986. During his regime, Philippine senator Ninoy Aquino was the Marcos family’s leading critic until being assassinated in 1983. His murder sparked the People Power Revolution, which led to the removal of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos from power.
Salonga will play Aurora Aquino in a limited guest engagement starting from July 11 to August 13, 2023. Aurora is the mother of Ninoy Aquino (played in the show by Ricamora). Following her run, guest stars from the Philippines will take over the role.
“Here Lies Love” will begin on June 17, 2023, ahead of an official opening night on July 20.
Banner Art Dani Sison
