“A Chorus Line” Comes Home With a Cast of Filipino Talent

When A Chorus Line first opened on Broadway in 1975, it gave audiences a rare glimpse into the lives of dancers—the artists who fill out a stage night after night. Fifty years later, the musical remains a landmark of American theater, honored with the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and nine Tony Awards. 

Now, as the production celebrates its golden anniversary, Theatre Group Asia brings it to Manila with a significant casting choice: an ensemble composed entirely of Filipino and Filipino-American talent.

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A Broadway Classic 

Under the direction of Emmy Award-winning choreographer Karla Puno Garcia, a global search spanning New York and key cities in the Philippines led to a cast that includes Tony nominee Conrad Ricamora as Zach and Broadway veteran Lissa DeGuzman as Cassie. They are joined by performers selected through an intensive Manila bootcamp, many of whom have roots in both countries.

A Chorus Line has always been about what drives people to keep going, especially the personal stories that unfold behind the footlights. In Manila, where musical theater has grown steadily over the years and where actors have often had to prove themselves, the themes of perseverance and dedication resonate.

Garcia, who has worked extensively on Broadway, shapes the production with a creative team that reflects its international scope. Set design comes from Miguel Urbino, costumes from Kat Ibasco, lighting from Cha See, and sound from Megumi Katayama. Music direction, meanwhile, is handled by Farley Asuncion.

The show holds a unique place in theater history for the way it turns the focus on those who typically stand behind the stars. In this staging, the spotlight falls on a group of professionals who embody that same spirit—dancers and actors who have built their careers across continents and are now gathering on a stage in Makati.

Theatre Group Asia’s production of ‘A Chorus Line’ runs until March 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Center, Circuit Makati. For more details, visit theatregroupasia.com.

Photos: MIGUEL URBINO (via Instagram)