'Into the Woods' musical coming to PH in August
Theater lovers are in for a treat as the beloved fairytale musical Into the Woods will be staged in the Philippines in August later this year.
Theatre Group Asia (TGA) announced that the musical, originally created in 1986 by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, will take place at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (S-PAT) in Circuit Makati.
The play was originally co-directed by multi-awarded theater maverick Bobby Garcia and his longtime collaborator Chari Arespacochaga, but since Garcia's passing in December, Arespacochaga will now take over.
"Bobby was very particular and meticulous. Continuing the work we started is my way of honoring him and carrying on the spirit of fun and love for the craft we infused in everything he did," Arespacochaga highlighted.
According to TGA, the upcoming adaptation of Into The Woods will feature 18 main characters amid a fantastical and elaborate backdrop that captures the public’s imagination.
Considered a dark comedy, the plot weaves the stories of several well-known fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and more, all of which are tied together by a childless baker and his wife who set off on a journey to break a witch’s curse preventing the couple from having a child.
"What ensues is a magical visual and audio spectacle that dramatically portrays the impact and consequences of specific choices and actions," TGA stated.
Creative visionary Clint Ramos emphasized that the new staging will be different than past adaptations as it will "lean into the idea of creating a version of Into the Woods that considers the Filipino condition."
"Into the Woods is a very complex piece. It explores the themes of power, disenfranchisement, broken dreams, hope, resilience, and determination to move forward," he explained. "Our unique lens influences how different our version will be. Hopefully, our context will give more meaning to the already rich work that is this Sondheim musical."
The play was previously adapted for moviegoers through the 2014 film of the same name starring Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, and Johnny Depp.
Apart from Into the Woods, TGA announced that the 1975 hit musical A Chorus Line will also come to the Philippines in March 2026.
Originally conceived by Michael Bennett with music by Marvin Hamlisch, the play follows the fast-paced and grueling audition process of 17 performers valiantly pursuing one of the eight spots in the show.
"We are trying to tease out the different ways of how to be Filipino and A Chorus Line exemplifies that excellently," Ramos said. When you see a chorus, you see one unit. But upon closer inspection, we get to see individual human beings and their respective complexities."
"Internationally, we, Filipinos, are known to be great singers. S-PAT is excited to host a piece of musical theater that puts a spotlight on our dancing talent, utilizing movement as a vehicle to unravel a story.
While cast members are not yet known, co-producers John and Joanna Echauz hinted that the ensemble is a "Filipino dream team" composed of a "stunning assembly of Filipino performers, musicians, choreographers, and production stalwarts."
Ticketing details for the two musicals have yet to be announced.
