Eugene Domingo, Arielle Jacobs join Lea Salonga in ‘Into the Woods’ PH staging
Eugene Domingo and Arielle Jacobs join Lea Salonga in ‘Into the Woods’ Manila staging. Images: Courtesy of Theatre Group Asia
Eugene Domingo and Filipino-American Broadway star Arielle Jacobs are joining Lea Salonga in the upcoming Manila staging of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” where they will be portraying Jack’s mother and Cinderella, respectively.
Domingo and Jacobs’ casting was announced by Theatre Group Asia in a press statement where both actresses expressed their excitement about being part of the upcoming musical.
“I am so excited to be a part of this popular and critically acclaimed musical as Jack’s mother. I love that the material is inspired by fairy tales yet reveals a realistic twist we can all relate to. I love all the surprises that come after the characters are all put together. This one entertains as much as it teaches,” Domingo said.
Meanwhile, Jacobs said performing in front of a Filipino audience and working with Salonga, whom she referred to as her “hero,” is already a special experience in itself.
“I am filled with joy. I have long wished to perform in the Philippines. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to bring my art back to where my family came from, for the Filipino people I love so much, and in a show that is very special and dear to my heart,” she said.
Salonga will portray the role of The Witch, which is based on Dame Gothel in “Rapunzel” by the Brothers Grimm, in the upcoming staging. The Witch’s name won’t be revealed throughout the musical although her character traits are based on the character of Gothel.
In a previous statement by the theater company, the late theater director and producer Bobby Garcia played a role in bringing the cast of the upcoming musical together.
“Bobby was very instrumental in bringing together these great Filipino talents. The ensemble boasts a stunning assembly of Filipino performers, musicians, choreographers, and production stalwarts. It truly is a Filipino dream team,” said Theatre Group Asia.
Based on the book by James Lapine, “Into the Woods” revolves around the characters of the fairytales of Brothers Grimm, as their respective fates intertwine after meeting a Baker and his wife who wanted to have children. The musical was first staged in 1986 until it was adapted into a movie musical in 2014.
The Philippine staging will be directed by Chari Arespacochaga while Clint Ramos will serve as the musical’s overall artistic director, stage, costume designer, and co-producer with John and Joanna Echauz, and Samsung Performing Arts Theater executive director Chris Mohanani.
Ramos was previously the co-producer, creative director, and stage and costume designer of “Request Sa Radyo,” a 2024 silent play that starred Salonga and Dolly de Leon as the alternate leads.
