The Broadway stage has seen a myriad of stories brought to life over the years. Yet, for the first time, Broadway legend Lea Salonga is taking on a character close to her own roots – a Filipino. The Tony-award winning actress, best known for her lead role in ‘Miss Saigon,’ is part of the all-Filipino cast in ‘Here Lies Love,’ a musical narrating the tumultuous reign of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos and the People Power Revolution that followed.
For Salonga, this role is a significant departure from her past experiences. Despite starring in other Asian-centric productions such as ‘Flower Drum Song’ and ‘Allegiance,’ she hadn’t played a character that highlighted her Filipino heritage until now. “There’s absolutely no way that I would have seen this happening. Ever,” Salonga says, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity.
The musical, which opens on July 20, was first staged off-Broadway a decade ago. It follows the rise and fall of the Marcos dictatorship in the 1970s and ’80s, a narrative that is far from a light-hearted affair. Despite the heavy subject matter, the production remains vibrant, featuring music by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim and a nightclub-esque setup that invites audiences to feel part of the action.
However, not everyone embraces the musical’s thematic material. Some critics, especially among Filipinos, argue against transforming the Marcos regime into musical content, particularly in light of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent presidential proclamation in the Philippines.
Salonga acknowledges the sensitivity of these concerns but maintains that the musical primarily highlights the sacrifices of anti-Marcos leaders like Ninoy Aquino, portrayed by Conrad Ricamora of ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ fame. Salonga herself takes on the role of Aquino’s mother, Aurora, emphasizing the narrative’s focus on the People Power Revolution.
The anticipation and excitement around ‘Here Lies Love’ is a testament to the play’s impact, not only as a form of entertainment but also as a history lesson. For many Filipinos, both in the Philippines and abroad, the Marcos era and the subsequent revolution are still vivid memories, often fraught with emotion.
In casting and production, ‘Here Lies Love’ embraces its Filipino roots. From an all-Filipino cast to producers including singer H.E.R., comedian Jo Koy, and Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de. Ap, the production is, in many ways, a celebration of Filipino talent. Additionally, having Salonga, a revered figure in Filipino pop culture, not only as an actor but also as a producer brings a profound authenticity to the production.
‘Here Lies Love’ is part of a growing trend of Filipino representation in entertainment. From Jo Koy’s ‘Easter Sunday,’ the first all-Filipino major studio movie, to the introduction of the first Filipino Muppet on ‘Sesame Street,’ and Filipino-American chefs receiving recognition at the James Beard Awards, there is a surge in visibility for Filipino talent and stories.
Reflecting on this cultural moment, Salonga feels that this wave of representation is a crucial step forward. She states, “It’s like the universe giving us permission to just be who we always knew we were,” expressing hope that this trend will continue and grow, allowing more diverse stories to be shared on global platforms.
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