Everything we know about 'Here Lies Love'—a musical about Imelda Marcos with an all-Filipino cast
Here Lies Love, an upcoming musical about Imelda Marcos, is set to kick off its previews on June 17 at the Broadway Theater in New York.
The show narrates the former First Lady's rise and fall from power after the EDSA People Power Revolution by transforming the theater "into a dance club where the audience is immersed in the story." The New York Times defined the play as "ingenious," while Time Out New York called it "an ecstatic and dynamic party."
Here's everything we know about the disco-pop musical that's coming to Broadway soon.
Brilliant minds
Here Lies Love was written by award-winning songwriter David Byrne and musically charted by Grammy winner Fatboy Slim.
Directed by Tony and Golden Globe awards recipient Alex Timbers, the groundbreaking show is choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson.
It's produced by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna (Plate Spinner Productions), Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas.
In April, Filipino-American singer H.E.R. was announced as part of the musical's producing team, giving her a chance to win a Tony and achieve "EGOT" distinction having previously won an Emmy, Oscar, and five Grammy Awards.
Pinoy artist Garth Garcia, who is based in Los Angeles, has also been revealed as a community investor of the play.
All-Filipino Broadway cast
The Here Lies Love recently announced the members of its all-Filipino cast, a first in Broadway history.
It's led by Arielle Jacobs (In the Heights, Aladdin) as Imelda Marcos and Jose Llana (Rent, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as Ferdinand Marcos.
Conrad Ricamora (How to Get Away with Murder, The King and I) will play the role of assassinated opposition senator Ninoy Aquino. Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, meanwhile, will portray Aurora Aquino, the latter's mother, in a special five-week-only guest engagement from July 11 to Aug. 13.
Other cast members include 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.
Theater experience in four different ways
The audience can experience the groundbreaking production in four different ways as their points of view would vary based on their chosen seats: floor standing and floor side seats, front mezzanine (elevated seating alongside the dance floor), rear mezzanine (seated in a traditional theater seat), and exclusive VIP Lounge (within a closed lounge space with a private bar).
The musical's opening night is slated for July 20. You may visit its official website to know more about Here Lies Love.