May kicked off with the start of rehearsals for the groundbreaking musical “Here Lies Love.”
From the minds of Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner David Byrne (concept, music and lyrics) and Grammy Award winner Fatboy Slim (music), “Here Lies Love” is the first Broadway musical to have an all-Filipino cast.
The 23-member company, which began its rehearsals on the first of May, 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.
They join the previously announced Arielle Jacobs (“Imelda Marcos”), Jose Llana (“Ferdinand Marcos”), and Conrad Ricamora (“Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino”). Tony Award winner Lea Salonga also joins the cast in a special five-week-only guest engagement from July 11-August 13.
Director Alex Timbers said, “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 1200 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!”
David Byrne said, “A dream come true to have this incredible cast and to begin rehearsals today! Many times I pretty much gave up on this show ever making it to Broadway — but here we are. At a time when dance music is having a huge resurgence and when democracy is threatened all over the world it couldn’t be more timely.”
The producers of “Here Lies Love” said, “Today, history is being made on Broadway: an-all Filipino company, telling a revolutionary story, staged by some of the most talented artists and designers working in the theater. The biggest party on Broadway is officially underway!”
“Here Lies Love” tells the story of Imelda Marcos’ rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution. Developed and directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with choreography by Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson, “Here Lies Love” will transform the Broadway Theater (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street) into a dance club where the audience is immersed in the story on the dance floor or in traditional theater seating. The musical begins performances on June 17 ahead of an official opening night on July 20.
The creative team for “Here Lies Love” on Broadway includes three-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Tí¶ngi is the show’s Cultural and Community Liaison.
“Here Lies Love” is produced by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna and Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas, with Aaron Lustbader serving as executive producer.
They are joined by H.E.R., Lea Salonga, Bobby Garcia, Giselle “G” Tí¶ngi, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney, Girlie Rodis, and more.
