The Theatre Group Asia has just announced that Lea Salonga will play the iconic role of 'The Witch' in its production of Into The Woods by Stephen Sondheim.
"We are so pleased and proud to have an actress of Lea's caliber lead the spectacular and stellar ensemble of TGA's production of Into The Woods," said Clint Ramos, a creative visionary and founding collaborator of TGA. "This is Lea's first musical in the Philippines in six years, and what a grand comeback it's sure to be! Into the Woods is a very complex and though-provoking piece. We want to create a version that considers the Filipino condition. Hopefully, our context will give more meaning to the already rich work that is this Sondheim musical. And Lea, with her remarkable talent and abilities will be very instrumental in imparting that message."
From Miss Saigon to Les Miserables, to Here Lies Love to Request Sa Radyo, Lea Salonga has proven her versatility when it comes to acting and singing. Into The Woods is set to open August this year at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre (S-PAT).
"The last show I did in Manila was a Stephen Sondheim Masterpiece (Sweeney Todd)," said Lea Salonga. "Now, I'm coming in Into The Woods, yet another Sondheim masterpiece! If all I do for the rest of my life is perform in Sondheim shows, I'll be very happy. But most of all, to my dear friends, 'This one is for you, Bobby!"
Bobby Garcia was one of the creative founder of TGA who also directed Sweeney Todd and Request sa Radyo.
"It's very exciting, as well as, exhausting. Sondheim is no joke! Learning the material before day one of rehearsals takes a few weeks because his patterns can be puzzling and challenging but so rewarding once it all comes together. It's also cool that I get to revisit a role that I played as a younger adult," added Lea Salonga. "I was about 23 years old when I previously played The Witch. Playing her again 30 years later is going to be illuminating. So much life has happened in the intervening years. I'm hoping to bring as much of that as I can to this production."
Into The Woods is based on a James Lapine book which had a Broadway run. The grand scale sees 18 main characters amidst a fantastical and elaborate backdrop that captures the public's imagination. Considered a dark comedy, the plot intertwines several fairy tale characters' exploits tied together by a childless baker and his wife who set off on a journey to break a witch's curse preventing the couple from having a child. What ensues is a magical spectacle that dramatically portrays the impact and consequences of specific choices and actions.
"What I love about this piece is the whole 'what if' premise of fairy tales," explained Lea Salonga. "Continuing past 'happily ever after' is very interesting. Through the material, we realize that a witch isn't always bad, and good people aren't always entirely good. The famous line from the musical, 'nice is different than good' is one that hits home every time. The message is so poignant. The final song, Children Will Listen is a reminder that what we do as adults impacts impressionable minds. Act One is about fairy tales, but Act Two explores darker, less defined territory. That's when things get interesting!"
Into The Woods will be produced by TGA and follows the groundbreaking success of Request Sa Radyo last 2024, the wordless play headlines by Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon.
Clint Ramos stands as co-producer and overall artistic director, and stage and costume designer of Into The Woods. Ramos is the Producing Creative Director of Encores New York City Center, the group that produced the last Broadway revival of Into The Woods. Chari Arespacochaga, with whom Garcia was set to co-direct Into The Woods, helms this project as a tribute to her creative partner, mentor and friend.
Visit www.theatregroupasia.com for more details.
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