Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga joins the Broadway cast of Here lies the love by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim for a special guest engagement this summer.
The producers of the show announced the casting of the Filipino actor today. Salonga also participates in the program as a producer.
Salonga will be on the show for five weeks from Tuesday 11 July to Sunday 13 August. She will sing “Just Ask The Flowers,” sung by Aurora Aquino, the mother of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, whose assassination sparked the People Power Revolution that ousted Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos from power.
After its five-week run, guest stars from the Philippines will take over the roles and showcase what producers describe as “the wealth of talent” from Salonga’s home country.
This production marks Salonga’s first time serving as a producer on a Broadway show and her first time playing a Filipino role on the Broadway stage. Here lies the love also marks her return to Broadway theaters after making her Broadway debut there in 1991, when she won the Tony Award for her portrayal of Kim in Mrs. Saigon at the age of 20 years.
“I am so excited to be joining Here Lies Love as a recording artist and producer,” Salonga said in a statement. “As a spectator on the dance floor of the National Theater in London, where Here lies the love When it premiered in 2014, I knew I wanted to be a part of it if and when it ever made it to Broadway. Now we are here and at the theater where I made my Broadway debut.
“I’m excited to be part of this show,” she continued, “and also to be part of an entity made up of a wealth of Filipino talent, a first in Broadway history. We’re showing the world we are capable of.”
Director Alex Timbers said, “If Lea joins Here lies the love Family is a pinch moment for all of us. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room with her and the other talented artists working on this show.”
Here lies the love features concept, music and lyrics by Byrne and music by Fatboy Slim. Salonga joins previously announced cast members Jose Llana and Conrad Ricamora. An international casting call for the remaining cast of over 20 actors is underway.
The riveting musical, which will transform part of the Broadway theater into a dance club, tells the story of the rise of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos and her subsequent overthrow at the hands of the Philippines’ People Power Revolution.
The musical opens on Saturday 17 June before an official opening night on Thursday 20 July.
“Lea Salonga has done a very special job of securing a place for Filipinos on the Broadway stage,” said producer and costume designer Clint Ramos. “It is deeply historic for her to join us as both an artist and a producer and build a pipeline for Filipina actresses. Lea remains a beacon and source of pride for the Philippines. We are happy to welcome you Here lies the love.”
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
