The groundbreaking disco-pop musical Here Lies Love, featuring an all-Filipino cast, has made history by earning four Tony Award nominations.
The dynamic production showcased at New York’s Broadway Theater, despite its brief run on Broadway, has earned recognition for its artistic and technical excellence in major categories. Including Best Original Score, Best Sound Design, Best Scenic Design, and Best Choreography.
Boasting an all-Filipino cast, with the talented Arielle Jacobs on the lead. The pop-dusted, dance-packed musical Here Lies Love offers more than just entertainment. It also served as a riveting mini-history lesson on the Marcos administration.
Vividly exploring the dramatic rise and fall of Imelda Marcos. It starts with Ferdinand Marcos election in 1965 and covers the People Power Revolution in 1986.
Everything You Need to Know About the Marcos-Inspired Broadway Musical Which Earned Four Tony Nominations
Here Lies Love, one of the top theatrical productions of 2023, has received nominations from the Drama League Awards. This includes Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Musical, and Distinguished Performance Award. The show captivated audiences and earned critical acclaim.
Furthermore, it earned nominations at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, securing accolades for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Scenic Design, and Outstanding Lighting Design.
This unconventional disco musical wrapped up its successful run on November 26 after delivering 33 previews and 149 regular performances.
Creative Talent Behind the Show
The creative forces behind the show, David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, have received a nomination for Best Original Score at the Tony Awards. They face stiff competition from Stereophonic, which leads with 13 nominations, and The Outsiders, which has received 12 nominations.
David Korins, who has a distinguished background in scenic design, has been nominated for Best Scenic Design of a Musical. When it comes to Here Lies Love, he has reimagined the traditional theater seating.
Transforming the space into an immersive disco-style dance floor, Korins has created a unique and engaging atmosphere. This design encourages audience engagement, inviting the audience to stand and move with the actors. With the use of various moving platforms, the audience experience becomes more active and memorable.
The disco-pop musical was brought to life by Jose Llana as Ferdinand Marcos and Arielle Jacobs in the role of Imelda Marcos. Conrad Ricamora portrayed the assassinated senator Ninoy Aquino, while Lea Salonga played his mother, Aurora Aquino.
Adding to their roles on stage, Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga also contributed as the show’s co-producer, joined by Filipino-blooded personalities H.E.R and Jo Koy, lending even more depth and authenticity to this vibrant production.
The 77th Tony Awards is scheduled to be broadcast live from Lincoln Center in New York City on June 16. You can catch all the action on CBS Television or stream it on Paramount+.
With its all-Filipino cast, the Broadway musical Here Lies Love is among the hopefuls. Will this unique disco-pop show capture the coveted Tony trophies? Keep an eye on updates and tune in to see if they bring home the awards.
Cover image credit: The Wrap
