Lea Salonga Joins Broadway Cast of HERE LIES LOVE
Tony winner Lea Salonga has joined the Broadway cast of Here Lies Love, signing up for a five-week stint as a guest performer in the production, beginning July 11. She’ll play Aurora Aquino, mother of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, whose assassination ignited the People Power Revolution that ousted Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos from power.
As previously announced, Conrad Ricamora will play Benigno, while Jose Llana is Ferdinand. Both performers originated their respective characters at The Public Theater world premiere in 2013. After Salonga’s five-week run, guest stars from the Philippines will rotate through the role of Aurora; additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Salonga is returning to the Broadway Theatre after making her debut there in 1991, winning the Tony Award for her portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon. Here Lies Love marks the first time she will serve as a producer on a Broadway show and the first time she will play a Filipino role on the Main Stem.
“As an audience member that stood on the dance floor at the National Theatre in London where Here Lies Love ran in 2014, I knew I wanted to be part of it if and when it ever came to Broadway,” said Salonga.
“Lea Salonga has singularly secured a place for Filipinos on the Broadway stage,” says producer and costume designer Clint Ramos. “That she joins us as both performer and producer, where she creates a pipeline for Filipina actresses, is profoundly historic. Lea continues to be a beacon of light and source of pride for the Philippines.”
Here Lies Love was conceived by David Byrne, who wrote the music and lyrics alongside Fatboy Slim. The musical is developed and directed by Alex Timbers, with choreography by Annie-B Parson and additional music by Tom Gandey and J Pardo.
The musical will begin previews June 17 ahead of an official opening night on Thursday, July 20. For tickets and more information, click here.
