Making history on Broadway, here are the men gracing the spotlight in the all-Filipino ensemble of Here Lies Love
The Broadway musical Here Lies Love is based on a concept album by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, and it tells the story of Imelda Marcos’ time as first lady of the Philippines during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. It opened off-Broadway at the Public Theater in 2013, then returned to London in 2015 for another run before gaining popularity once more in Seattle in 2017.
This year, 2023, marks its return to the stage, which features an all-Filipino cast. From the actors to the producers, here are the notable men who are participating in this musical:
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Jose Llana
Born in Manila and raised in Washington, DC, Jose Llana is already considered a luminary of the Broadway stage. With an impressive repertoire of performances under his belt, this Broadway virtuoso has graced the stage in a multitude of big productions. One of his most incredible musical victories took place at the Marquis Theater on Broadway, where he played the role of El Gato in Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland. At the age of 19, Jose made his unforgettable debut on the grand stage. And now, he is embarking on a new theatrical journey as he steps into the shoes of Ferdinand Marcos himself.
Conrad Ricamora
Although Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver on the critically acclaimed ABC series, How to Get Away with Murder, he is also a seasoned performer on Broadway. He was even nominated for a Grammy for his performance on the Lincoln Center Theater’s original cast recording of The King and I. Ricamora was born in Santa Maria, California, but when he was 10 years old, he took a trip to the Philippines. The actor admitted in an interview that his father kept his time in the Philippines and his childhood largely under wraps, but he finally started talking about it when they went back. Conrad added that this is one of the reasons he thinks highly of this project because it represents a piece of both their father’s history and his own.
Moses Villarama
Another impressive performer on this star-studded line-up is none other than Moses Villarama. This Filipino-American actor has already won several awards and has been on some of America’s largest stages. In his career, Moses has collaborated with Broadway greats like Mary Zimmerman, Lileana Blain-Cruz, and Chay Yew. Moses is also a proud member of both the Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.
Aaron Alcaraz
The stage has always been a home for Aaron Alcaraz. The actor wrote on his website that his parents always supported his dreams because they recognized his early interest in acting and storytelling. Aaron’s theater credits include roles in Mean Girls (Broadway), Trevor (Off-Broadway), and Rent (National Tour). This Filipino artist says that, as a performer, he feels like he has a moral obligation to provide authenticity, excitement, and life to every role he plays so that viewers may identify with his characters and get insight into the world from his point of view.
Nathan Angelo
Considering that this is his Broadway debut, Nathan Angelo has been more than ready to showcase his artistry on stage as part of Here Lies Love‘s ensemble. Nathan was born and raised in San Jose, California, and is currently finishing up his final semester at Montclair State University, where he will get a BFA in musical theater.
Roy Flores
Another powerhouse name on this impressive line-up is Roy Flores. This performer has been a part of many legendary musicals, such as the national touring production of Anything Goes and the regional productions of Godspell, West Side Story, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Producers. When he’s not captivating audiences with his performances, Roy immerses himself in the field of technology as a skilled software engineer.
Timothy Matthew Flores
Here Lies Love also features Timothy Matthew Flores, another young artist making his Broadway debut. Timothy began vocal training at the age of 13 and has since been in regional productions of The Prom, Newsies, and Beauty and the Beast, in addition to the national tour of the LCT revival of The King and I. On the show’s official website, the performer expressed gratitude to all who had a hand in making his lifetime dream a reality.
Jeigh Madjus
Filipino-Canadian performer Jeigh Madjus has been preparing to surprise yet another audience with his talent and charisma. He is most recognized for his performance as “Baby Doll” in the Original Broadway Cast of Moulin Rouge!, which won a Tony Award for Best Musical. This artist has a long history in theater, but he has also appeared in films like Prison Dancer and Servitude and in the TV comedy show, Sloppy Jones.
AJ Mercado
AJ Mercado started his professional dance career with Ballet Philippines before moving to the United States. Over the past few years, he has toured the world as a singer and dancer with Celebrity Cruises and the Royal Caribbean Group, performing anywhere from Hong Kong to London’s West End. With his strong desire to communicate with a wide variety of people around the globe, AJ is excited to serve as the swing/assistant dance captain for Here Lies Love.
Angelo Soriano
Angelo Soriano began his dancing lessons at a young age in Central California with the guidance of David Rosales and J.P. Christensen, whom he deems to be the people who encouraged his artistic interests. His most recent performance was in the Broadway production of Disney’s Aladdin. With an unwavering sense of pride in his Filipino roots, he states on the musical’s official website, “Mabuhay ang sining Pilipino!”
Jo Koy
Finally, a name that requires no introduction, Filipino-American Jo Koy proudly takes on the role of co-producer for this show’s production. In his interview with Whoopi Goldberg, this comedian delved into the reasons why this Broadway musical holds a special place in his heart. Jo Koy mentioned that this is not merely a source of entertainment; Here Lies Love transcends the realm of fun and goes into the profound depths of history.
Photos: HERE LIES LOVE (via Instagram)
