Philippine Concerts

Tag: A Chorus Line

  • THEATRE GROUP ASIA OPENS THE LINE: BROADWAY’S ICONIC A CHORUS LINE PREMIERES MARCH 12!

    THEATRE GROUP ASIA OPENS THE LINE: BROADWAY’S ICONIC A CHORUS LINE PREMIERES MARCH 12!

    With opening week just days away, Theatre Group Asia (TGA) amplifies excitement for its production of A Chorus Line, running March 12–29, 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Directed and choreographed by Emmy Award-winner Karla Puno Garcia, this staging marks a defining moment for Filipino musical theatre, uniting internationally acclaimed talents with an extraordinary Filipino-American ensemble.

    Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Broadway classic, A Chorus Line brings to life the stories of performers vying for a place in a Broadway chorus; an ode to dedication, perseverance, and the artistry of the ensemble. The musical holds a rare distinction as one of the few to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama alongside multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Choreography.

    Leading the cast are Tony Award nominee and two-time Grammy Award nominee Conrad Ricamora as Zach and Filipino-American Broadway triple threat Lissa DeGuzman as Cassie.

    The full cast was selected through an extensive global search spanning New York and key Philippine cities, culminating in an intensive Manila bootcamp under Puno Garcia’s direction. The ensemble features Filipino-American seasoned dancer and performer Christina Glur as Diana Morales, Orlando-born theater performer Michaela Marfori as Bebe Benzenheimer, New York–based theater actor Angelo Soriano as Mike Costa, theater performer Jordan Andrews as Al DeLuca, performer and playwright Mikaela Regis as Sheila Bryant, Filipino-American dancer, singer, and choreographer Ken San Jose as Mark Anthony, theater performer Rapah Manalo as Richie Walters, multidisciplinary performer Lord Kristofer Logmao as Frank, theater actress and dancer Iya Villanueva as Maggie Winslow, Filipino-American theater actor and dancer Universe Ramos as Paul San Marco, Hong Kong–based theater performer Brie Chappell as Val Clark, dancer and dance teacher Julio Laforteza as Don Kerr, dancer and theater performer Sam Libao as Kristine Urich, choreographer and theater actor Stephen Viñas as Bobby Mills, two-time Gawad Buhay awardee, dancer, educator, and choreographer Richardson Yadao as Larry, New York–based Filipino-American performer Jessica Carmona as Connie Wong, performer, vocalist, and host Alyanna Wijangco as Judy Turner, and Luca Olbes, who makes his professional theater debut as Greg Gardner.

    Rounding out the cast are theater actress Anyah Therese de Guzman as the female swing and theater actor Franco Joaquin Ramos as the male swing. Also joining the lineup are Winchester Lopez as Tom, Jim Andrew Ferrer as Butch, Rofe Villarino as Victor, drag performer and dancer Vince Denzel Sarra as Roy, Paulina Luzuriaga as Tricia, and Anna Del Prado as Lois Dillettente.

    The production’s creative leadership reflects its international scope. Serving as Associate Director is Jamie Wilson, while Associate Choreographer JM Cabling has been part of the process from the very beginning, from the New York workshops through every audition city, and is an Asian Cultural Council Grantee for Dance.

    The visual world of the production is shaped by London and New York–based set designer Miguel Urbino and New York–based costume designer Kat Ibasco. Lighting design is led by Cha See, the first Filipina to head lighting design for a major Broadway production with Oh, Mary!, while sound design is by Megumi Katayama, fresh from her recent work on New York City Center’s Encores! series. Bringing Marvin Hamlisch’s iconic score to life is Music Director Farley Asuncion.

    Performances run from March 12 to 29, 2026, with shows scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available via TicketWorld, priced from ₱900 to ₱5,500.

    The production is presented by Ayala Land, BPI, and Philippine Airlines, the official carrier, with additional support from Make It Makati, Circuit Makati, and Ayala Malls.

    For more information, visit theatregroupasia.com, follow @theatregroupasia on Instagram, or like the official Theatre Group Asia Facebook page.

    * A Chorus Line is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

  • A New Chapter for Ken San Jose in the Manila Production of A Chorus Line!

    A New Chapter for Ken San Jose in the Manila Production of A Chorus Line!

    Known to many as one of today’s most visible young dance artists, whether through his viral TikTok choreography or his regular appearances on ASAP, Ken San Jose is now entering a new chapter that brings him back to where it all began, the theater stage.

    Ken will be stepping into the role of Mark Anthony in the Manila run of the beloved Broadway classic A Chorus Line, produced by Theatre Group Asia and directed by Emmy Award–winning choreographer Karla Puno Garcia, who earned her Emmy for her work on the 76th Tony Awards. Mark is the youngest member of the ensemble, an optimistic first-timer whose exceptional dance ability, quick wit, and unfiltered enthusiasm set him apart. Naive yet perceptive, the character brings levity and heart to the line, embodying the hope and eagerness of someone just beginning to navigate the realities of a professional dance career.

    While audiences often associate Ken with contemporary dance and pop culture platforms like TikTok, few know that he actually grew up doing theater alongside his dance training. Long before the spotlight of television and social media, the stage was already his home.

    That foundation began resurfacing last year when Ken appeared in Joseph the Dreamer, sharing the stage with Sam Concepcion and Gary Valenciano. The experience reignited his connection to musical theater, and when the opportunity came to audition for A Chorus Line, Ken committed fully. Understanding the demands of a true Broadway musical, he trained rigorously in jazz and ballet, sharpening both technique and stamina to meet the show’s exacting standards.

    A Chorus Line is widely regarded as one of the most important musicals in theater history. First premiering on Broadway in 1975, it transformed musical storytelling by placing dancers, their insecurities, sacrifices, and personal histories, at the center of the narrative. Minimalist yet famously demanding, the show requires performers who can sing, act, and dance at the highest level while sustaining emotional honesty throughout.

    The Manila production is especially significant, bringing together local and international theater talent under world-class creative leadership. Joining the cast is Filipino-American actor Conrad Ricamora, best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on How to Get Away with Murder. A Tony-nominated stage actor, Ricamora has appeared in major Broadway and Off-Broadway productions including Here Lies Love, The King and I, and Little Shop of Horrors, adding global theater pedigree to the ensemble.

    For Ken, portraying Mark Anthony feels both like a breakthrough and a homecoming. The role calls for a performer who can combine technical excellence with natural charm and emotional openness, qualities that align closely with Ken’s background as a dancer and his growing maturity as an artist.

    While this moment signals a possible new era, one that expands his range beyond what mainstream audiences have come to expect, his roots remain firmly grounded in dance and the community that shaped him. That connection, he shares, will always be part of who he is.

    Beyond the stage, there is more to anticipate. Ken is set to release new music under Diorama, offering audiences yet another side of his artistry. With A Chorus Line, upcoming music, and continued presence across platforms, this season marks a pivotal point in his evolution as a multi-hyphenate performer.

    In many ways, A Chorus Line is not just another role, it is a statement. And for Ken San Jose, stepping into Mark Anthony is both a return to his roots and a confident step forward.

    A CHORUS LINE BY THEATER GROUP ASIA The show runs all Thursdays to Sundays from March 12, 2026 — March 29, 2026.

  • Theatre Group Asia Unveils Star-Studded Ensemble for A Chorus Line

    Theatre Group Asia Unveils Star-Studded Ensemble for A Chorus Line

    Manila, Philippines – December 1, 2025
    Theatre Group Asia (TGA) has officially revealed the complete cast for its groundbreaking 2026 staging of the iconic musical A Chorus Line, directed and choreographed by Emmy Award-winning Broadway sensation Karla Puno Garcia.

    In a casting journey that spanned six intense months across New York, Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao, hundreds of triple-threat performers poured their hearts into auditions that felt uncannily like the show itself complete with the nerve-wracking plea of “I Hope I Get It.” The result? An electrifying, predominantly Filipino ensemble that promises to make this production one of the most culturally significant in Philippine theatre history.

    Leading the company are the previously announced Conrad Ricamora (Tony & two-time Grammy nominee, The King and I, Here Lies Love) as the exacting director Zach, and Lissa de Guzman (Broadway’s Wicked National Tour Elphaba) as the resilient Cassie.

    They will be joined by an extraordinary lineup of Filipino and Fil-Am talents:

    Renee Albulario as Diana Morales. A Fil-Am New York–based artist whose Broadway credits include assistant director for Just in Time, assistant choreographer for Here Lies Love, and performer in David Byrne’s American Utopia.

    Angelo Soriano as Mike Costa. A Manila-born performer who has shared the stage with Lea Salonga, Vina Morales, Justin Bieber, Zendaya, and Macy Gray. Broadway credits: Aladdin: The Musical and Here Lies Love.

    Michaela Marfori as Bebe Benzenheimer. The Orlando native has appeared in the Broadway National Tour of West Side Story, MJ the Musical, and Frozen. TV appearances include the 78th Tony Awards, Saturday Night Live, Disney’s Magical Christmas Day Parade, and Eurydice.

    Jordan Andrews as Al DeLuca. The Pinoy Big Brother S10 “Musical Dream Chaser” made his West End debut as Tam in Miss Saigon, followed by The King and I. Local credits: Joseph the Dreamer, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Spelling Bee, Rent, Once on This Island, Tabing Ilog: The Musical, and Shrek the Musical.

    Rapah Manalo as Richie Walters. Seen in Shrek the Musical, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Delia D., Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Snow White and the Prince, Mula Sa Buwan, Bar Boys: A New Musical, and Coriolano.

    Ken San Jose as Mark Anthony. A Fil-Am dancer, singer, and choreographer who rose to prominence on World of Dance Philippines. He has worked with Matt Steffanina and WilldaBeast Adams, is a member of Supahdance, and has performed in Joseph the Dreamer and Mark Tuan’s tour in LA, Korea, and China.

    Stephen Viñas as Bobby Mills. A Gawad Buhay Award winner with credits including Shrek the Musical, Delia D., Ang Huling El Bimbo, Carousel, Alice in Wonderland, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors, Dani Girl, Mula Sa Buwan, Lapu-Lapu, Newsies, Sandosenang Sapatos, and Tabing Ilog: The Musical.

    Mikaela Regis as Sheila Bryant. Credits include Shrek the Musical, Delia D., Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Quomodo Desolata Es?, Bar Boys: A New Musical, Mula Sa Buwan, and Dekada ’70. As a playwright, she has earned a Gawad Buhay nomination for Best Original Script.

    Iya Villanueva as Maggie Winslow. Trained in ballet and jazz from age five under the Bacolod Dance Academy and Garcia-Sanchez School of Dance. Credits: Ang Huling El Bimbo, Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Mula Sa Buwan, The Bodyguard the Musical, Liwanag Sa Dilim, Joseph the Dreamer, and Si Faust.

    Universe Ramos as Paul San Marco. A former dance captain of Glendale High’s award-winning team and EDGE Performing Arts Center scholar. Recently made his Manila debut as Oberon/Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

    Richardson Yadao as Larry. Two-time Gawad Buhay awardee, dancer, educator and choreographer. He has dance for the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Royal Caribbean Productions, Ballet Philippines, Romançon Dance Company, Filipinescas Dance Company, Vela Damian School of Ballet, Maquiling Ballet and Manila Dance Center. Theater performances include Rama Hari, Mabining Mandirigma, Manhid, The BodyGuard the Musical and A Christmas Carol.

    Julio Laforteza as Don Kerr. Began training at age 7 under Sofia Zobel Elizalde, James and Liesl Laforteza, and PJ Rebullida. A NYU Tisch scholar, he is Associate Director of Galaw Co Dance Theater and faculty at Studio Dance by Lina.

    Brie Chappell as Val Clark. Trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and The Urdang Academy. Credits include Made in Dagenham, Jane Eyre, and The Album: Skool Edition.

    Sam Libao as Kristine Urich. Trained with Steps Dance Studio, La Salle Dance Company, and G-Force. Theater credits include Joseph the Dreamer and Once on This Island.

    Alyanna Wijangco as Judy Turner. Seen in Shrek the Musical and Delia D., and Jepoy and the Magic Circle.

    Jessica Carmona as Connie Wong. A New York-based Fil-Am performer and NAAP member who has trained at Juilliard, Carnegie Mellon, and the Point Park Conservatory.

    Luca Olbes as Gregory Gardner. A high-school senior who has appeared in Footloose, The Addams Family, High School Musical, and Ballet Philippines’ The Nutcracker.

    Jim Ferrer as Butch Barton. UK credits include Here Lies Love and Matilda. Philippine credits: Saturday Night Fever, Tarzan, Legally Blonde, Newsies, Oz, Alice in Wonderland, The Quest for the Adarna, Camp Rock. Former dance captain for Joseph the Dreamer and choreographer for Legally Blonde and Si Faust.

    Winchester Lopez as Tom Tucker. Part of Miss Saigon’s UK International Tour, Danish production, and Austrian run (as dance captain). Recently Dance Supervisor for Miss Saigon Australia and Asia, and appeared in The Bodyguard The Musical.


    Rofe Villarino as Victor Vickers. Trained in dance and voice at Mandaue City School for the Arts, performing with the MCSFA Dance Company and Children’s Choir. Credits: Shrek the Musical, Delia D., Ang Huling El Bimbo, Mula Sa Buwan, and the international tour of Siddhartha the Musical.

    Lord Kristofer Logmao as Frank. A multidisciplinary performer and former UPeepz world champion, with credits in Shrek the Musical, Delia D., and major theme-park productions. Associate Choreographer for select Full House Theater Company shows.

    Paulina Luzuriaga as Tricia. Trained at Steps Dance Studio and CityDance Conservatory (Washington, D.C.). Debuted in Peter Pan the Musical and recently appeared in Ang Parokya ni Edgar: Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.

    Anna del Prado as Lois Dillettente. Performed for five years at Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mickey and the Wondrous Book. Recently starred as Kasing in Pulang Langob and has sung and danced in concerts for Gary Valenciano and SB19.

    Vince Denzel Sarra as Roy. Also known as “Bomba Ding,” he is a dancer and drag performer from the House of Ding. Theater credits include Delia D., and Walang Aray.

    Franco Ramos (Swing). A De La Salle–CSB Technical Theater scholar with over a decade of experience. Known for Gaya Sa Pelikula, he recently appeared in Shrek the Musical, Delia D., and Jepoy and the Magic Circle.

    Anyah de Guzman (Swing). A Fil-Am performer trained at Osceola County School for the Arts, earning acting nominations for Guys & Dolls and West Side Story. Philippine credits include Snow White and The Prince and Zsazsa Zaturnnah.

    A landmark of American musical theatre, A Chorus Line celebrates its 50th Anniversary by continuing to shine a spotlight on the ensemble—the unsung heroes of every show. Following 17 hopefuls vying for eight roles, it remains a timeless ode to ambition, sacrifice, and individuality.

    Tickets are available via TicketWorld, priced from ₱900 to ₱5,500. The show runs March 12–29, 2026, with performances on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.


    A Chorus Line is presented by Ayala Land, BPI and Philippine Airlines, the official carrier with additional support from Make it Makati, Circuit Makati and Ayala Malls.

    For more information, visit theatregroupasia.com, follow @theatregroupasia on Instagram, or like the official Theatre Group Asia Facebook page.

    • A Chorus Line is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com
  • Theatre Group Asia (TGA) Announces Ticket Sales Schedule for A Chorus Line

    Theatre Group Asia (TGA) Announces Ticket Sales Schedule for A Chorus Line

    September 15, 2025 – Fresh from the success of Into the Woods, Theatre Group Asia (TGA) brings another Broadway landmark to local audiences with A Chorus Line*, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Tickets sales roll out starting September 15-17 for BPI card holders, TGA early sign-ups on September 18, and to the general public September 19 via Ticket World.

    A landmark in American musical theatre and celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, A Chorus Line revolutionized Broadway by spotlighting the lives of ensemble dancers—the unsung heroes of every musical. As it follows 17 hopefuls vying for eight spots, it becomes an ode to ambition, sacrifice, and individuality. TGA is bringing this story to life with an all-Filipino cast, celebrating the global talent and cultural depth of the Philippines.

    TGA’s Overall Artistic and Creative Director, Tony Award-winner Clint Ramos, shares, “This local production of A Chorus Line will honor the iconic legacy of its original 1975 premiere while breathing new life into its message for a new generation.” The musical is notable for its stripped-down set, iconic choreography, and intensely personal monologues that explore identity, perseverance, and the often invisible cost of chasing a dream. It remains one of the few musicals to ever win the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama aside from winning the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of A Musical (James Kirkwood), Best Original Score (Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban), Best Director (Michael Bennett), and Best Choreography (Michael Bennett and Bob Avian) that same year.

    As it celebrates its golden year, this enduring production continues to inspire anyone who’s ever dared to chase a dream. Beloved songs include “One [Singular Sensation],” “What I Did For Love,” “I Can Do That,” “I Hope I Get It,” and “The Music and the Mirror.” A film adaptation was released in 1985, directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Michael Douglas.

    New York-based Emmy Award-winning Karla Puno Garcia who is set to direct and choreograph the musical shares, “This production is as much about discovering raw, beautiful talent as it is about telling a story.” The celebrated respected Fil-Am artist and dance educator expounds, “I’ve lived this story. I’ve been the dancer hoping to be seen, fighting to be chosen, giving everything to the moment. Now, I get to turn that experience into an opportunity for others.”

    Puno Garcia promises a production that remains faithful to the original material while making it resonate with a younger set of Filipino theatergoers, “I’ve been in conversation with Baayork Lee, who embodies the spirit of the original production. Once we complete the casting, we’ll breathe new life into the material while staying true to the original show’s hallmarks. I’m especially excited to explore the characters with the all-Filipino cast we’re forming. I want to hear their stories and how they connect with the roles they’re portraying. I can’t wait to be inspired by their perspectives and find a way to use our combined experiences to organically create something that translates into today.”

    Puno Garcia collaborates with TGA Executive Director and former internationally acclaimed danseur Christopher Mohnani, Associate Choreographer JM Cabling, and a host of Filipino talents driven to make this staging in the words of the musical, “One singular sensation!”

    Tickets are available through Ticket World premiere.ticketworld.com.ph. Ticket prices start from PHP900 to PHP5,500. A Chorus Line will run from March 12-29, 2026. Thursday and Friday shows are at 7:30 p.m. Two shows are staged on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

    For more information, visit TGA’s website www.theatregroupasia.com, Instagram @theatregroupasia, or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/theatregroupasia.