Here Lies Love, Starring Jose Llana and Ruthie Ann Miles, Extends at The Public through July 28, 2013

I’ll be seeing the critically acclaimed world premiere musical Here Lies Love, with concept and lyrics by David Byrne, music by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, additional music by Tom Gandey and J Pardo, and choreography by Annie-B Parson on June 9. Helmed by Alex Timbers, Here Lies Love officially opened on Tuesday, April 23 and has been extended a fourth and final time to Sunday, July 28. The award-winning musical must close to make room for another Public Theater show beginning in the fall. A new block of tickets is on sale now and can be purchased at (212) 967-7555, www.publictheater.org, or in person at The Public Theater box office at 425 Lafayette Street.

Here Lies Love. Photo by Lia Chang

Here Lies Love received the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical; an Obie Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics; Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Music, Lighting Design, and Projection Design; and Theatre World Awards for Ruthie Ann Miles (Imelda Marcos) and Conrad Ricamora (Aquino).

Renee Albulario, Kelvin Moon Loh and Joshua Dela Cruz perform “”God Draws Straight” from Here Lies Love, at the 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards at Town Hall in New York on May 19, 2013. Photo by Lia Chang

Here Lies Love is a fully immersive, 360-degree theatrical experience, all filtered through the remarkable vision of David Byrne, one of the great American artists of the last half century. Set within a dance club atmosphere, audiences will stand and move with the actors. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended since the audience stands and moves with the actors. Dancing is encouraged.

The complete cast of Here Lies Love includes Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos), Ruthie Ann Miles (Imelda Marcos), Renée Albulario (Ensemble), Melody Butiu (Ensemble), Natalie Cortez (Ensemble), Debralee Daco (Ensemble), Joshua Dela Cruz (Ensemble), Kelvin Moon Loh (Ensemble), Jeigh Madjus (Ensemble), Maria-Christina Oliveras (Ensemble), Conrad Ricamora (Aquino), Trevor Salter (Ensemble), and Janelle Velasquez (Ensemble)

Within a pulsating dance club atmosphere, David Byrne and Fatboy Slim deconstruct the astonishing journey of Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos, retracing her meteoric rise to power and subsequent descent into infamy and disgrace at the end of the People Power Revolution. Here Lies Love is neither a period piece nor a biography, neither a play nor a traditional musical but an immersive theatrical event combining songs influenced by four decades of dance music, adrenaline-fueled choreography, and a remarkable 360-degree scenic and video environment to go beyond Imelda’s near-mythic obsession with shoes and explore the tragic consequences of the abuse of power.

Special funding for Here Lies Love was made possible by The Blavatnik Family Foundation, Hans and Kate Morris and Andrea and Marc Glimcher.

Here Lies Love features set design by David Korins; costume design by Clint Ramos; lighting design by Justin Townsend; sound design by M. L. Doggand Cody Spencer; and projection design by Peter Nigrini.

Alex Timbers (Director). For The Public, Timbers wrote the book and directed the critically acclaimed musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. He will also direct The Public’s upcoming production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, A New Musical for Shakespeare in the Park in July. Timbers is the Artistic Director of Les Freres Corbusier and his additional Broadway credits include Peter and the Starcatcher, The Pee-Wee Herman Show, and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, which earned him a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical. His additional Off-Broadway directing credits include A Very Merry Unauthorized Pageant; Gutenberg! The Musical!; and Hell House. He is a Tony-nominated writer-director and is the recipient of Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as two Obie Awards.

David Byrne (Concept, Music, Lyrics). Known as the force behind Talking Heads and later as creator of the highly-regarded record-label Luaka Bop, David Byrne also works as a photographer, film director, author, and solo artist; he has published and exhibited visual art for more than a decade. Among Byrne’s works are Playing the Building, an interactive sound installation at New York’s Battery Maritime Building and London’s Roundhouse; Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, Byrne’s first collaboration with co-writer Brian Eno since 1981′s My Life in the Bush of Ghosts; a series of unique bike racks installed throughout New York City in conjunction with the New York City Department of Transportation; Bicycle Diaries, a chronicle of David’s travels on his bicycle published by Viking Press and available as an audio book featuring narration and original music by Byrne; Talking Heads: Chronology, a DVD featuring live performances spanning 1976-1983; a soundwork created while in residence at Living Architecture and Artangel’s A Room for London installation; and a collaboration with Will Oldham for the soundtrack to the new Sean Penn film This Must be the Place. Most recently Love This Giant, Byrne’s collaboration with St. Vincent was released on September 11 and his latest book How Music Works was published on September 12 by McSweeney’s.

FATBOY SLIM (Music), also known Norman Cook, is a Grammy Award-winning DJ, musician and record producer. He first rose to prominence in the 1980s as a bassist of the indie rock band The Housemartins, and went on to form the band, Beats International. In 1996, as Fatboy Slim, he released Better Living Through Chemistry, and his follow up successes include You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby, and Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars. These albums helped to popularize the “big beat” genre which achieved mainstream popularity in the 90s. In 2008, along with David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal, they released a collaboration entitled The Brighton Port Authority. His additional credits with David Byrne include the concept album, Here Lies Love.

Annie-B Parson (Choreographer) is a founder of Big Dance Theater with Molly Hickok and Paul Lazar. She has choreographed and co-created over 15 works for the company, ranging from pure dance pieces, to adaptations of plays and literature, to original works combining wildly disparate materials. Her work with Big Dance has been commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy Of Music, The National Theater of Paris/Chaillot, The Japan Society, The Walker Art Center, and has performed in scores of other venues. Her awards include a 2007 Guggenheim Fellowship in Choreography, 2002 and 2010 BESSIE awards, two Lucille Lortel nominations, and NYFA Fellowships in 2005 and 2000. BDT received an OBIE in 2000 and the first Creativity Award from Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in 2007. She has been nominated for the CalArts/Alpert Award seven times. Ms. Parson was a YCC choreographer at The American Dance Festival where she worked with composer Richard Einhorn to create City of Brides. Outside of Big Dance, Ms. Parson created choreography for David Byrne in 2008/09 for his world tour. She directed and choreographed for the string quartet ETHEL in their first foray into dance. This piece premiered, and was then remounted at the Winter Garden. She created two works for The Othershore dance company that were seen at Ringling Festival and BAC. Her dances are featured in the film Ride, Roar, Rise about David Byrne. She choreographed for Nico Muhly’s new opera Dark Sisters, Sarah Ruhl’s Orlando, Futurity at ART, and The Broken Heart at TFNA. Since 1993 Parson has been an instructor of choreography at New York University’s Experimental Theater Wing. She has also taught nationally and internationally including Tokyo and Spoleto, Italy. She was featured in BOMB magazine, and wrote a piece for Dance USA on the state of dance/theater in the U.S. As an artist curator, she has curated shows including: the Merce Cunningham memorial, Dancer Crush at NYLA and Sourcing Stravinsky at DTW. Parson tours a lecture on abstraction called “The Structure of Virtuosity” to universities and for audience development.

RENEE ALBULARIO (Ensemble) has appeared regionally in Hairspray, The King and I, Adventures from Ezra Jack Keats, Nate the Great, The Ballad of Noah’s Ark, Radiant Baby, The Sound of Plaid, and Unholy Acts, among others. Her television credits include “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light.”

Melody Butiu (Ensemble) has appeared regionally in Euripides’ Helen, A Little Night Music, Calligraphy, Nightmare Alley, Long Story Short, A View of the Harbor, and Language Rooms. Her film and television credits include Untold, Blood Ransom, “True Blood,” “Melissa and Joey,” “No Ordinary Family,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “Modern Family.”

Natalie Cortez (Ensemble) recently appeared at The Public Theater in the new musical Giant. Her Broadway credits include West Side Story and A Chorus Line. Her additional Off-Broadway credits include Fame on 42nd Street and Sid. Regionally, she has appeared in Giant, In The Heights, The Mambo Kings, and Pippin.

DEBRALEE DACO (Ensemble) has toured nationally in Miss Saigon. Her additional theater credits include Where Elephants Weep, Nawala, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Dark at the Top of the Stairs. She also appeared on film in Farm Girl in New York and When Things Get Fishy.

Joshua Dela Cruz (Ensemble) has appeared in City Center’s Encores! production of Merrily We Roll Along. His regional credits include The King and I, Suburbia, Cats, Cabaret, and Elmer Gantry.

Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos) has appeared at The Public in On the Town and Saturn Returns. His Broadway credits include Wonderland, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Flower Drum Song, Rent, Streetcorner Symphony, and The King and I. He has also appeared Off-Broadway in Falling For Eve. His film and television credits include Hitch, Unconscious, and “Sex and the City.”

Kelvin Moon Loh (Ensemble) has appeared in the first national tour of American Idiot. His additional New York theater credits include Barcode, Heading East, and Oklahoma! He has appeared regionally in Miss Saigon, The King and I, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Paint Your Wagon, and A Christmas Carol. His film credits include Clear Blue Tuesday and The Lamp Post.

Jeigh Madjus (Ensemble) has appeared in the first national tour of La Cages Aux Folles. His additional regional credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Altar Boyz, Peter Pan, Scrooge, Myths and Hymns, Berlin to Broadway, The Who’s Tommy, and Anything Goes. His film and television credits include Servitude and “Pop Stars: Boy Meets Girl.”

Ruthie Ann Miles (Imelda Marcos) has appeared Off-Broadway in Avenue Q and toured nationally in Sweeney Todd and Annie. Her additional New York credits include Roar of the Greasepaint, Smell of the Crowd and CHIX 6. Her regional credits include Band Geeks, Two By Two, On Dragonfly Wings, Miss Saigon and Cabaret.

Maria-Christina Oliveras (Ensemble) has appeared at The Public and on Broadway in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Her additional New York credits include The Really Big Once, Slavey, Night Sky, Lonnie-Jake, and The Crazy Locomotive. Her film and television credits include Vamperifica; “Ugly Betty”; “Nurse Jackie”; and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”

Conrad Ricamora (Aquino) has appeared regionally in Alexander’s Not Going to Move, Annie Get Your Gun, Kiss Me Kate, The Music Man, West Side Story, Miss Saigon, Romeo and Juliet, Richard III, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, among others. He appeared on film in Tallageda Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby with Will Ferrell.

TREVOR SALTER (Ensemble) has appeared Off-Broadway in Revolting Rhymes. His additional theater credits include Wake Up!; Marat/Sade; Political Shorts; The Last Days of Judas Iscariot; Paradise Lost; Dead Boy; Hit It and Quit It: A Love Story; Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Byte; Proprioception; and Brechtfast at Tiffany’s; among others.

JANELLE VELASQUEZ (Ensemble) has appeared in New York in Iphigenia at Aulis. Her regional credits include The King and I; South Pacific; Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular; Songs for a New World; The Corruption of Hadleyburg; and West Side Story. She has appeared on television in “CSI: Miami.”

Completed in October 2012, the revitalization of The Public Theater’s downtown home at Astor Place physically manifests the Company’s core mission of sparking new dialogues and increasing accessibility for artists and audiences by dramatically opening up its landmark building to the street and community, and transforming the lobby into a public piazza for artists, students, and audiences. Designed by Ennead Architects and constructed by Westerman Construction, the project encompasses enhancements to the building’s interior and exterior while preserving the historic structure. Key elements of the design include infrastructure updates to the 158-year old building, as well as construction of new exterior entry stair and glass canopy; installation of ramps for improved accessibility; an expanded and refurbished lobby; the addition of a mezzanine level with a new lounge, The Library, designed by the Rockwell Group; expansion and remodeling of restroom facilities; and comprehensive exterior restoration, ensuring stability of the landmark façade.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Oskar Eustis and Executive Director Patrick Willingham, The Public Theater is the only theater in New York that produces Shakespeare and the classics, musicals, contemporary and experimental pieces in equal measure. The Public continues the work of its visionary founder, Joe Papp, by acting as an advocate for the theater as an essential cultural force, and leading and framing dialogue on some of the most important issues of our day. Creating theater for one of the largest and most diverse audience bases in New York City for nearly 60 years, today the Company engages audiences in a variety of venues-including its landmark downtown home at Astor Place, which houses five theaters and Joe’s Pub; the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, home to its beloved, free Shakespeare in the Park; and the Mobile Unit, which tours Shakespearean productions for underserved audiences throughout New York City’s five boroughs. The Public’s wide range of programming includes free Shakespeare in the Park, the bedrock of the Company’s dedication to making theater accessible to all, new and experimental stagings at The Public at Astor Place, and a range of artist and audience development initiatives including its Public Forum series, which brings together theater artists and professionals from a variety of disciplines for discussions that shed light on social issues explored in Public productions. The Public Theater is located on property owned by the City of New York and receives annual support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. The LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust provides leadership support for The Public Theater’s year-round activities.

Lia Chang. Photo by Bruce Alan Johnson

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist. This summer she will appear as Carole Barbara in Lorey Hayes’ Power Play at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C., with Pauletta Pearson Washington, Roscoe Orman, Lorey Hayes, Marcus Naylor and Penwah, July 30-August 1, 2013.

Other articles by Lia Chang:
Lorey Hayes’ Power Play Set for National Black Theatre Festival 7/30-8/1
Photos: The 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards and After Party
Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Conrad Ricamora, Kelvin Moon Loh and More Set for World Premiere of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love at The Public, April 2 – May 19, 2013
Photos & Video: Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars, Manu Narayan, Deep Singh and More
Ghostlight Records Releases ‘Giant’ Original Cast Album Featuring Kate Baldwin, Brian d’Arcy James, P.J. Griffith, Raul Aranas, Katie Thompson and more
Two-Time Tony Nominee André De Shields, Nehal Joshi, Akash Chopra and More Set for Mary Zimmerman helmed The Jungle Book at The Goodman, 6/21-8/4 and The Huntington, 9/7-10/6
Jeanne Sakata’s critically-acclaimed play Hold These Truths, starring 2013 Drama Desk Award Nominee Joel de la Fuente, is set for the 10th Annual soloNOVA Arts Festival at Culture Project, 6/4, 6/10 and 6/11
Christine Toy Johnson, Thom Sesma, Ali Ewoldt, Jose Llana, Ann Harada, Telly Leung and More Set for The Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre
Photos: Working Theater’s World Premiere of Ed Cardona, Jr.’s La Ruta
Christine Toy Johnson and Raul Aranas Lead the Cast of the National Asian Artists Project’s (NAAP) Benefit Presentation of Hello Dolly!, at The Pershing Square Signature Center on April 29 and May 6
Photos: All-Access Pass to August Wilson’s Two Trains Running with John Earl Jelks, Harvy Blanks, Chuck Cooper, Anthony Chisholm, Owiso Odera, Roslyn Ruff and James A. Williams
Chuck Cooper, Austin Pendleton, Nicholas L. Ashe, Kyle Beltran, Grantham Coleman, Jeremy Pope, and Wallace Smith Set for MTC’s World Premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Choir Boy, June 18- July 21, 2013
Keith David, January LaVoy, John Douglas Thompson, Glynn Turman, Lillias White and More Set for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the CTG/Mark Taper Forum, April 24 – June 9, 2013
Ellen Burstyn, Jayne Houdyshell, Elizabeth Marvel, Kristine Nielsen and David Hyde Pierce Set for Drama Desk Panel: “The Art of Storytelling” at Sardi’s on March 22, 2013
Photos: David Henry Hwang, Jennifer Lim, Leigh Silverman, Samuel L. Jackson, Kenny Leon, David Ives, Douglas Carter Beane and More at The Drama Desk & Fordham University Theatre Program’s “Anatomy of a Breakout” Panel
Orville Mendoza is currently appearing as Sergeant Lombardi in Classic Stage Company’s Passion through April 19, 2013
Ann Harada Plays Cinderella’s Stepsister Charlotte in Broadway Premiere of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Broadway Theatre
Manu Narayan, Mark Bennett, Lea Salonga, Michael K. Lee and Stafford Arima Among 2012 Craig Noel Award Nominees
Photos: Maurice Hines, Jonathan Groff, Mercedes Ellington, Charles Randolph Wright at The Beechman for André De Shields’s I PUT A SPELL ON YOU
Signature’s Off-Broadway Revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, helmed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, runs October 30 -December 9, 2012
Raul Aranas, Kate Baldwin, Brian d’Arcy James, P.J. Griffith, Bobby Steggert and Michele Pawk Set for New York Premiere of GIANT at The Public Theater, October 26-December 2, 2012
Albee, Hwang, Enos, Taylor, Wilson, Clarke and Jacobs-Jenkins Set for Signature Theatre’s 2013-14 Season
Photos: David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad Opening Night at Signature Theatre
Photos: Partying with the Cast of David Henry Hwang’s Golden Child
Photos: Q & A with Mel Sagrado Maghuyop, The King in Harbor Lights’ Production of The King and I
Playing Lady Thiang in the Harbor Lights’ Production of The King and I is a dream come true for Christine Toy Johnson
Multimedia: Manu Narayan Dazzles as Richard Roma in La Jolla Playhouse’s Revival of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross
Tony Award Winner Tonya Pinkins Celebrates Ethel Waters at 54 Below on August 27, 2012
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
NYMF: Prison Dancer starring Jose Llana, Jeigh Madjus, Marc delaCruz, Catherine Ricafort, Moses Villarama, Cosmo Clemens, Enrico Rodriguez, Albert Guerzon, Andrew Eisenman and Nathan Ramos at Theatre at St. Clement’s, July 20-28, 2012
C.J. Wilson navigates armor and swordplay in Signature Theatre Company’s World Premiere of Kenneth Lonergan’s Medieval Play
Up Close and Personal with Darren Pettie, Star of The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore
Photos and Video: Disney’s The Lion King Las Vegas- In the Makeup Chair with Thom Sesma
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2013 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Christine Toy Johnson, Thom Sesma, Ali Ewoldt, Jose Llana, Ann Harada, Telly Leung and More Set for The Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre on May 19, 2013

In celebration of Asian Heritage month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee of Actors’ Equity Association and ReImagined World Entertainment will present the debut of “The Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project”, an evening of works created and sung by Asian American theatre artists. The free 90-minute concert will take place on Sunday, May 19 at 8 p.m. at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42 St. in New York.
Featuring original words and music by Adam Gwon, Timothy Huang, Christine Toy Johnson, Leon Ko, Felice Kuan, Robert Lee, Yan Li, and Jason Ma, the event will be directed by Alan Muraoka and emceed by Ann Harada (CINDERELLA).

Singers will include Jose Llana (HERE LIES LOVE, SPELLING BEE), Ali Ewoldt (THE FANTASTICKS, LES MISERABLES), Telly Leung (GODSPELL, RENT), Christine Toy Johnson (THE MUSIC MAN, HELLO, DOLLY!), Thom Sesma (THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’, THE LION KING), Joshua dela Cruz (HERE LIES LOVE), Ann Sanders (AVENUE Q), Daniel J. Edwards (ANYTHING GOES), Raymond J. Lee (ANYTHING GOES), Cindy Cheung, Brooke Ishibashi, Brian Jose, Karl Josef Co, Jaygee Macapugay, Marc de la Cruz, Joanne Javien, Gyu Jin Lim, Helen Park, Diane Phelan and Hansel Tan.

Tickets are free, but seating is limited. Please RSVP to EEO@actorsequity.org before Friday, May 17.

The Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project was founded by librettist/lyricist/actor Christine Toy Johnson in 2012 as an ongoing initiative to increase the visibility of Asian American theatre artists, putting to rest the misconception that we do not exist. The artists taking part in this event have collectively performed in over 40 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, have had their works produced around the world, and have been participants in The BMI Musical Theatre Writing Workshop, The Dramatists Guild Fellows Program, and the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at NYU.

This performance of the Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project is made possible in part with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

Other articles by Lia Chang:
Lorey Hayes’ Power Play Set for National Black Theatre Festival 7/29-8/3
Photos & Video: Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars, Manu Narayan, Deep Singh and More
Photos: Working Theater’s World Premiere of Ed Cardona, Jr.’s La Ruta through May 12, 2013
Christine Toy Johnson and Raul Aranas Lead the Cast of the National Asian Artists Project’s (NAAP) Benefit Presentation of Hello Dolly!, at The Pershing Square Signature Center on April 29 and May 6
Playing Lady Thiang in the Harbor Lights’ Production of The King and I is a dream come true for Christine Toy Johnson
Theater of the Stars Presents The King and I Starring Ronobir Lahiri, Victoria Mallory, Raul Aranas, Ali Ewoldt, Josh Dela Cruz, Jee Hyun Lim and Raphael Aranas, Helmed by Baayork Lee on Tour through September 11, 2012
Two-Time Grammy Nominated Hiroshima Kicks off 2013 Spring Tour at The Laguna Playhouse, with Special Guest Taiko Master Kenny Endo on April 15, 2013
Mu Performing Arts Honors Rick Shiomi at Mu Gala 2013 on April 27, 2013; Randy Reyes to Succeed Shiomi as Artistic Director
Photos: All-Access Pass to August Wilson’s Two Trains Running with John Earl Jelks, Harvy Blanks, Chuck Cooper, Anthony Chisholm, Owiso Odera, Roslyn Ruff and James A. Williams
Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Conrad Ricamora, Kelvin Moon Loh and More Set for World Premiere of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love at The Public, April 2 – May 19, 2013
Keith David, January LaVoy, John Douglas Thompson, Glynn Turman, Lillias White and More Set for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the CTG/Mark Taper Forum, April 24 – June 9, 2013
Multimedia: Manu Narayan Dazzles as Richard Roma in La Jolla Playhouse’s Revival of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross
Albee, Hwang, Enos, Taylor, Wilson, Clarke and Jacobs-Jenkins Set for Signature Theatre’s 2013-14 Season
Signature Theatre’s Revival of David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad Set for Wuzhen Theatre Festival in Wuzhen, China, May 9-12, 2013
Photos: David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad Opening Night at Signature Theatre
Photos: Partying with the Cast of David Henry Hwang’s Golden Child
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist. She is a Signature Theatre alumni who was in the cast of Sam Shepard’s Chicago, during his Signature 1996-1997 Playwright-in-Residence Season. Lia is headed for the National Black Theatre Festival this summer to reprise her role as Carole Barbara in Lorey Hayes’ Power Play with Pauletta Pearson Washington, Roscoe Orman, Lorey Hayes, Marcus Naylor and Penwah.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2013 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Conrad Ricamora, Kelvin Moon Loh and More Set for World Premiere of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love at The Public, April 2 – May 19, 2013

Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos), Ruthie Ann Miles (Imelda Marcos), Renée Albulario (Ensemble), Melody Butiu (Ensemble), Natalie Cortez (Ensemble), Debralee Daco (Ensemble), Joshua Dela Cruz (Ensemble), Kelvin Moon Loh (Ensemble), Jeigh Madjus (Ensemble), Maria-Christina Oliveras (Ensemble), Conrad Ricamora (Aquino), Trevor Salter (Ensemble), and Janelle Velasquez (Ensemble) are featured in the cast of The Public Theater’s World Premiere of Here Lies Love, with concept and lyrics by David Byrne, music by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, additional music by Tom Gandey and J Pardo, and choreography by Annie-B Parson.

Jose Llana

Within a pulsating dance club atmosphere, David Byrne and Fatboy Slim deconstruct the astonishing journey of Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos, retracing her meteoric rise to power and subsequent descent into infamy and disgrace at the end of the People Power Revolution. Here Lies Love is neither a period piece nor a biography, neither a play nor a traditional musical but an immersive theatrical event combining songs influenced by four decades of dance music, adrenaline-fueled choreography, and a remarkable 360-degree scenic and video environment to go beyond Imelda’s near-mythic obsession with shoes and explore the tragic consequences of the abuse of power.

Maria-Christina Oliveras

Directed by Alex Timbers, Here Lies Love begins performances on Tuesday, April 2 and was originally scheduled to close on Sunday, May 5. It has been extended and will now run an additional two weeks through Sunday, May 19, 2013.

Here Lies Love is described as an 85-minute theatrical experience, all filtered through the remarkable vision of David Byrne, one of the great American artists of the last half century. Set within a dance club atmosphere, audiences will stand and move with the actors. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended since the audience stands and moves with the actors. Dancing is encouraged.

Kelvin Moon Loh

With an audience capacity of only 150 people a night, theater space is limited. Single tickets for the two week extension (May 6-19) go on sale Tuesday, April 2. Tickets are on sale now for performances through May 5 at (212) 967-7555, www.publictheater.org, or in person at The Public Theater at Astor Place at 425 Lafayette Street. The Library at The Public will be open nightly for food and drink, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Special funding for Here Lies Love was made possible by The Blavatnik Family Foundation, Hans and Kate Morris and Andrea and Marc Glimcher.

Here Lies Love features set design by David Korins; costume design by Clint Ramos; lighting design by Justin Townsend; sound design by M. L. Dogg and Cody Spencer; and projection design by Peter Nigrini.

Alex Timbers (Director). For The Public, Timbers wrote the book and directed the critically acclaimed musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. He will also direct The Public’s upcoming production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, A New Musical for Shakespeare in the Park in July. Timbers is the Artistic Director of Les Freres Corbusier and his additional Broadway credits include Peter and the Starcatcher, The Pee-Wee Herman Show, and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, which earned him a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical. His additional Off-Broadway directing credits include A Very Merry Unauthorized Pageant; Gutenberg! The Musical!; and Hell House. He is a Tony-nominated writer-director and is the recipient of Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as two Obie Awards.

David Byrne (Concept, Music, Lyrics). Known as the force behind Talking Heads and later as creator of the highly-regarded record-label Luaka Bop, David Byrne also works as a photographer, film director, author, and solo artist; he has published and exhibited visual art for more than a decade. Among Byrne’s works are Playing the Building, an interactive sound installation at New York’s Battery Maritime Building and London’s Roundhouse; Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, Byrne’s first collaboration with co-writer Brian Eno since 1981′s My Life in the Bush of Ghosts; a series of unique bike racks installed throughout New York City in conjunction with the New York City Department of Transportation; Bicycle Diaries, a chronicle of David’s travels on his bicycle published by Viking Press and available as an audio book featuring narration and original music by Byrne; Talking Heads: Chronology, a DVD featuring live performances spanning 1976-1983; a soundwork created while in residence at Living Architecture and Artangel’s A Room for London installation; and a collaboration with Will Oldham for the soundtrack to the new Sean Penn film This Must be the Place. Most recently Love This Giant, Byrne’s collaboration with St. Vincent was released on September 11 and his latest book How Music Works was published on September 12 by McSweeney’s.

FATBOY SLIM (Music), also known Norman Cook, is a Grammy Award-winning DJ, musician and record producer. He first rose to prominence in the 1980s as a bassist of the indie rock band The Housemartins, and went on to form the band, Beats International. In 1996, as Fatboy Slim, he released Better Living Through Chemistry, and his follow up successes include You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby, and Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars. These albums helped to popularize the “big beat” genre which achieved mainstream popularity in the 90s. In 2008, along with David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal, they released a collaboration entitled The Brighton Port Authority. His additional credits with David Byrne include the concept album, Here Lies Love.

Annie-B Parson (Choreographer) is a founder of Big Dance Theater with Molly Hickok and Paul Lazar. She has choreographed and co-created over 15 works for the company, ranging from pure dance pieces, to adaptations of plays and literature, to original works combining wildly disparate materials. Her work with Big Dance has been commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy Of Music, The National Theater of Paris/Chaillot, The Japan Society, The Walker Art Center, and has performed in scores of other venues. Her awards include a 2007 Guggenheim Fellowship in Choreography, 2002 and 2010 BESSIE awards, two Lucille Lortel nominations, and NYFA Fellowships in 2005 and 2000. BDT received an OBIE in 2000 and the first Creativity Award from Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in 2007. She has been nominated for the CalArts/Alpert Award seven times. Ms. Parson was a YCC choreographer at The American Dance Festival where she worked with composer Richard Einhorn to create City of Brides. Outside of Big Dance, Ms. Parson created choreography for David Byrne in 2008/09 for his world tour. She directed and choreographed for the string quartet ETHEL in their first foray into dance. This piece premiered, and was then remounted at the Winter Garden. She created two works for The Othershore dance company that were seen at Ringling Festival and BAC. Her dances are featured in the film Ride, Roar, Rise about David Byrne. She choreographed for Nico Muhly’s new opera Dark Sisters, Sarah Ruhl’s Orlando, Futurity at ART, and The Broken Heart at TFNA. Since 1993 Parson has been an instructor of choreography at New York University’s Experimental Theater Wing. She has also taught nationally and internationally including Tokyo and Spoleto, Italy. She was featured in BOMB magazine, and wrote a piece for Dance USA on the state of dance/theater in the U.S. As an artist curator, she has curated shows including: the Merce Cunningham memorial, Dancer Crush at NYLA and Sourcing Stravinsky at DTW. Parson tours a lecture on abstraction called “The Structure of Virtuosity” to universities and for audience development.

RENEE ALBULARIO (Ensemble) has appeared regionally in Hairspray, The King and I, Adventures from Ezra Jack Keats, Nate the Great, The Ballad of Noah’s Ark, Radiant Baby, The Sound of Plaid, and Unholy Acts, among others. Her television credits include “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light.”

Melody Butiu (Ensemble) has appeared regionally in Euripides’ Helen, A Little Night Music, Calligraphy, Nightmare Alley, Long Story Short, A View of the Harbor, and Language Rooms. Her film and television credits include Untold, Blood Ransom, “True Blood,” “Melissa and Joey,” “No Ordinary Family,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “Modern Family.”

Natalie Cortez (Ensemble) recently appeared at The Public Theater in the new musical Giant. Her Broadway credits include West Side Story and A Chorus Line. Her additional Off-Broadway credits include Fame on 42nd Street and Sid. Regionally, she has appeared in Giant, In The Heights, The Mambo Kings, and Pippin.

DEBRALEE DACO (Ensemble) has toured nationally in Miss Saigon. Her additional theater credits include Where Elephants Weep, Nawala, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Dark at the Top of the Stairs. She also appeared on film in Farm Girl in New York and When Things Get Fishy.

Joshua Dela Cruz (Ensemble) has appeared in City Center’s Encores! production of Merrily We Roll Along. His regional credits include The King and I, Suburbia, Cats, Cabaret, and Elmer Gantry.

Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos) has appeared at The Public in On the Town and Saturn Returns. His Broadway credits include Wonderland, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Flower Drum Song, Rent, Streetcorner Symphony, and The King and I. He has also appeared Off-Broadway in Falling For Eve. His film and television credits include Hitch, Unconscious, and “Sex and the City.”

Kelvin Moon Loh (Ensemble) has appeared in the first national tour of American Idiot. His additional New York theater credits include Barcode, Heading East, and Oklahoma! He has appeared regionally in Miss Saigon, The King and I, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Paint Your Wagon, and A Christmas Carol. His film credits include Clear Blue Tuesday and The Lamp Post.

Jeigh Madjus (Ensemble) has appeared in the first national tour of La Cages Aux Folles. His additional regional credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Altar Boyz, Peter Pan, Scrooge, Myths and Hymns, Berlin to Broadway, The Who’s Tommy, and Anything Goes. His film and television credits include Servitude and “Pop Stars: Boy Meets Girl.”

Ruthie Ann Miles (Imelda Marcos) has appeared Off-Broadway in Avenue Q and toured nationally in Sweeney Todd and Annie. Her additional New York credits include Roar of the Greasepaint, Smell of the Crowd and CHIX 6. Her regional credits include Band Geeks, Two By Two, On Dragonfly Wings, Miss Saigon and Cabaret.

Maria-Christina Oliveras (Ensemble) has appeared at The Public and on Broadway in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Her additional New York credits include The Really Big Once, Slavey, Night Sky, Lonnie-Jake, and The Crazy Locomotive. Her film and television credits include Vamperifica; “Ugly Betty”; “Nurse Jackie”; and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”

Conrad Ricamora (Aquino) has appeared regionally in Alexander’s Not Going to Move, Annie Get Your Gun, Kiss Me Kate, The Music Man, West Side Story, Miss Saigon, Romeo and Juliet, Richard III, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, among others. He appeared on film in Tallageda Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby with Will Ferrell.

TREVOR SALTER (Ensemble) has appeared Off-Broadway in Revolting Rhymes. His additional theater credits include Wake Up!; Marat/Sade; Political Shorts; The Last Days of Judas Iscariot; Paradise Lost; Dead Boy; Hit It and Quit It: A Love Story; Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Byte; Proprioception; and Brechtfast at Tiffany’s; among others.

JANELLE VELASQUEZ (Ensemble) has appeared in New York in Iphigenia at Aulis. Her regional credits include The King and I; South Pacific; Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular; Songs for a New World; The Corruption of Hadleyburg; and West Side Story. She has appeared on television in “CSI: Miami.”

Other articles by Lia Chang:
NYMF: Prison Dancer starring Jose Llana, Jeigh Madjus, Marc delaCruz, Catherine Ricafort, Moses Villarama, Cosmo Clemens, Enrico Rodriguez, Albert Guerzon, Andrew Eisenman and Nathan Ramos at Theatre at St. Clement’s, July 20-28, 2012
Photos: All-Access Pass to August Wilson’s Two Trains Running with John Earl Jelks, Harvy Blanks,Chuck Cooper, Anthony Chisholm, Owiso Odera, Roslyn Ruff and James A. Williams
Signature Theatre’s 2013-14 Season Features New Works by Albee, Hwang, Enos, Taylor, Wilson, Clarke and Jacobs-Jenkins
Chuck Cooper, Austin Pendleton, Nicholas L. Ashe, Kyle Beltran, Grantham Coleman, Jeremy Pope, and Wallace Smith Set for MTC’s World Premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Choir Boy, June 18- July 21, 2013
Working Theater in Collaboration with Magnum Foundation Present World Premiere of Ed Cardona, Jr.’s La Ruta, April 10 – May 12, 2013
Keith David, January LaVoy, John Douglas Thompson, Glynn Turman, Lillias White and More Set for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the CTG/Mark Taper Forum, April 24 – June 9, 2013
Chay Yew Directs A.C.T.’s World Premiere of Stuck Elevator, April 4-28, 2013
East West Players Presents Chess at the David Henry Hwang Theater, May 9 – June 9, 2013
Signature Theatre’s Revival of David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad Set for Wuzhen Theatre Festival in Wuzhen, China, May 9-12, 2013
Paul Giamatti Leads Yale Rep’s Production of Hamlet, March 15-April 13, 2013
Photos: David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad Opening Night
Harlem Nights with Lorey Hayes, Actress, Director and Award-Winning Playwright of Power Play and Massinissa
Manu Narayan Dazzles as Richard Roma in La Jolla Playhouse’s Revival of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2013 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Broadway Stars Pay Tribute to Alan Muraoka at National Asian American Theatre Co. Gala on September 10, 2012

Alan Muraoka Photo by Lia Chang

John Tartaglia, Stephanie D’Abruzzo and Carey Anderson (all from Broadway’s AVENUE Q) along with Gwen Hollander (LITTLE WOMEN), Christine Toy Johnson (FALSETTOLAND),Francis Jue (THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, PACIFIC OVERTURES), singer/songwriter Phoebe Kreutz, Raymond J. Lee (ANYTHING GOES), Adam Levinskas, Jose Llana (THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, RENT), Orville Mendoza (PETER AND THE STARCATCHER), Olivia Oguma (MAMMA MIA) and actress Lexi Windsor will all be on hand to perform and pay tribute to director and actor Alan Muraoka (“Sesame Street”, Broadway’s MISS SAIGON, THE KING AND I) at an evening to benefit National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO) on Monday, September 10 at 416 W. 42 St. in New York.

The event will be hosted by Ann Harada (AVENUE Q), with a special guest appearance by Terrence McNally. The evening will be directed by Thom Sesma, with musical direction by Michael Lavine.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by the performance at 7 and dessert at 8:30. Tickets range in price from $125-$250-$500-$1000 and can be purchased by going online at www.naatco.org.

As a director, Alan Muraoka received critical acclaim for his all-Asian American production of the William Finn musical FALSETTOLAND for the National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO), which enjoyed a sold-out run at the Vineyard Theatre in NYC. The production was revived in June 2007 for the First National Asian American Theatre Festival held in New York City. Alan’s other NAATCO credits include having staged benefit readings of INTO THE WOODS and LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! He directed the Tony-nominated actor John Tartaglia (AVENUE Q) in his one-man show, “John Tartaglia AD-LIBerty,” which ran at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theatre, and won numerous cabaret awards. Other New York directing credits include KARAOKE STORIES (Imua Theater Company); “Christmas Eve With Christmas Eve 1-3” and “The Leading Men 1-4″ all benefit concerts for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which starred many of Broadway’s current male talent; “Empty Handed,” a benefit concert starring the puppeteers of Broadway’s AVENUE Q; and cabarets for Tony-nominated actress Stephanie D’Abruzzo and Ann Harada. On television, Alan has directed for “Sesame Street” and for the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” on NBC.

As an actor, Alan is most recognizable for his role in the Emmy Award winning series, “Sesame Street,” where he plays “Alan,” the proprietor of Hooper’s Store. He has appeared in six Broadway shows; the recent revival of PACIFIC OVERTURES, MAIL, SHOGUN: THE MUSICAL, MY FAVORITE YEAR, THE KING AND I (with Lou Diamond Phillips and Donna Murphy), and most notably MISS SAIGON, where he played the lead role of the Engineer.

NAATCO (National Asian American Theatre Company) puts into service its total commitment to Asian American theatre artists to more accurately represent onstage the multi- and intercultural dynamics of our society. NAATCO’s mission is to assert the presence and significance of Asian American theatre in the United States, demonstrating its vital contributions to the fabric of American culture, by presenting the following repertory: European and American classics as written with all Asian American casts; adaptations of these classics by Asian American Playwrights; and new plays – preferably world premieres – written by non-Asian Americans, not for or about Asian Americans, but realized by an all Asian American cast. NAATCO’s work has been acknowledged by an OBIE Award (for their productions of William Finn’s FALSETTOLAND and Brecht’s HE WHO SAYS YES/HE WHO SAYS NO), the Village Voice (for THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA), Off-Off-Broadway Review (for SCHOOL FOR WIVES) and the Rosetta LeNoire Award from Actors’ Equity Association in recognition of its contributions toward increasing diversity and non-traditional casting in American theatre.

Other Articles by Lia Chang
Photos: 4 Wedding Planners’ Illeana Douglas, Kimberly-Rose Wolter and Michael Kang at Screen Actors Guild Foundation Conversations Series in NY
André De Shields Returns to The Laurie Beechman Theatre with I Put A Spell on You, October 5 and 12
MTC’s An Enemy of The People Starring Boyd Gaines and Richard Thomas Begin Previews at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Tony Award – winning Playwright Terrence McNally to be Honored at Westport Country Playhouse Annual Gala, September 24, 2012
Signature Theatre’s World Premiere of Sam Shepard’s Heartless Starring Lois Smith, Gary Cole, Jenny Bacon, Betty Gilpin, and Julianne Nicholson Extends through September 30, 2012
Photos: Tonya Pinkins, André De Shields, S. Epatha Merkerson, Billy Porter and George C. Wolfe at 54 Below
Sean Dugan Set for West Coast Premiere of George C. Wolfe’s Tony Award-Winning Production of The Normal Heart at A.C.T., September 13 – October 7, 2012
Illeana Douglas, Kimberly-Rose Wolter and Michael Kang Set for 4 Wedding Planners Screening in Screen Actors Guild Foundation Conversations Series in NY on August 21, 2012
Multimedia: Screen Actors Guild Foundation’s Conversations with Derek Ting, Linus Roache and Michael Park of $upercapitalist
10 minutes with Sullivan & Son’s Jodi Long, Award Winning Actor and Filmmaker
Lily Mariye’s Model Minority, Jayshree Janu Kharpade’s Fire in Our Hearts, Eliaichi Kimaro’s A Lot Like You, Vincent Sandoval’s Señorita, and Liang Cheng’s My Spiritual Medicine among AAIFF’12 Award Winners
David Henry Hwang to Receive the 2012 Steinberg Distinguished Playwright Award at the 5th Annual Steinberg Playwright “Mimi” Awards on October 29, 2012
Faith Prince and Jason Graae: The Prince & the Showboy in Concert at 54 Below, August 21-25, 2012
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

NYMF: Prison Dancer starring Jose Llana, Jeigh Madjus, Marc delaCruz, Catherine Ricafort, Moses Villarama, Cosmo Clemens, Enrico Rodriguez, Albert Guerzon, Andrew Eisenman and Nathan Ramos at Theatre at St. Clement’s, July 20-28, 2012

New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) and PRISON DANCER LIVE presents Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus’Prison Dancer The Musical, helmed by Jenn Rapp, with music supervision by Alexander Rovang, at Off-Broadway’s Theatre at St. Clement’s, 423 West 46th Street in New York, Friday, July 20-Saturday, July 28, 2012.

The cast features Jose Llana (Bdwy: Wonderland, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Flower Drum Song, Martin Guerre) as Christian Bagets, Jeigh Madjus (US Tour 2011 Le Cage Aux Folles) as Lola, Marc delaCruz (1st National Tour: Disney’s High School Musical) as Hookaps, Catherine Ricafort (Bdwy:Mamma Mia) as Cherish, Moses Villarama (Romeo & Juliet, National Theatre Cons.; King Lear, Denver Theatre Co.) as Shakespeare, Cosmo Clemens (Regional: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, McLeod Summer Playhouse, Carbondale, IL; )as Oo Oo, Enrico Rodriguez (Off Bdwy: Fame on 42nd Street, Zanna, Don’t!) as Nana, Albert Guerzon (Bdwy: Ghost the Musical, Mamma Mia!) as Tondo, Andrew Eisenman (Twelfth Night, Leviathan Lab; Mother Courage, Ma-Yi Theatre Company) as Warden, and Nathan Ramos (Fever/Dream, Cleveland Public Theatre) as Swing/Prison Guard.

Jose Llana

The lives of eight Filipino maximum-security prisoners are changed forever when a video of their dance-based rehabilitation program becomes a viral Internet sensation on YouTube. As the dark prison suddenly finds itself in the worldwide spotlight, these hardcore criminals are given a second chance to find love and happiness in the most challenging circumstances. A modern inspired-by-a-true-story about how fears can hold us captive – and dreams can set us free to dance!

With scenic design by Josh Zangen, costume design by Sky Switser, lighting design by Betsy Adams, sound design by Jon Weston. Rick Sorderlet is the fight director and Travis Brendle is the production stage manager.

PRISON DANCER Schedule:
Friday, Jul 20th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, Jul 22nd, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Sunday, Jul 22nd, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Friday, Jul 27th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Saturday, Jul 28th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Saturday, Jul 28th, 2012 at 9:00 pm

Tickets are $20 and are available online at http://nymf.org/prisondancer or by calling 212-352-3101. Tickets are available for any NYMF show in person at the NYMF HUB: 330 West 42nd Street (Between 8th and 9th avenue). Starting July 9th, you can buy tickets for any NYMF show in person at Theater at St.Clement’s, an hour before the first show of the day.

Theatre at St. Clement’s
423 West 46th Street
New York

Romeo Candido (Composer, Writer, Director) is an award-winning transmedia producer and creator. Candidoʼs credits include a CBC comedy short “ROLLING LONGANIZA,” ANG PAMANA : THE INHERITANCE, the first Philippine / Canadian co- production that was released theatrically in the Philippines to critical acclaim. He produced the Philippinesʼ first mobile only series entitled “ME, MY CEL AND I,” for Globe telecom. He then went on to produce with DDBPhil the viral series ‘SIGHTINGS” which became a viral hit receiving over a million views. He has received 4 Dora Award nominations for his work as a composer / sound designer (Banana Boys, Sinkil, People Power, Lady In The Red Dress). His directorial feature film debut, LOLO’S CHILD, a ‘musical dramedy’, won the prestigious Ishmael Bernal award at the 2002 Cinemanila Film Festival.

Carmen De Jesus (Writer) has written for film, television, stage, web and mobile web content. She began her career understudying the role of Kim in the original Canadian cast of Miss Saigon and co-wrote the feature length film ANG PAMANA: THE INHERITANCE with Romeo Candido. She also has been featured in Script Magazine, Fudge Magazine and was dubbed the “Patient Zero” user of Friendster.com, by Inc. Magazine, for introducing the pioneering social networking site to Filipinos in the Philippines. Carmen has worked in Social Media Marketing, high-tech advertising (JWT), and online marketing. She also helped to develop and launch the popular online video viewing community and content portal, SoulgardenTV as Director of Community Development, where she also developed online edutainment. She is a native Californian, splitting her time between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Carmen and Romeo met when they were both cast in the original Canadian production of Miss Saigon, which premiered at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. With both the feature film ANG PAMANA: THE INHERITANCE and PRISON DANCER: THE MUSICAL, their collaborations center around creating artistic projects that elevate Filipino culture and talent, and take modern storytelling to the next level.

Jeigh Madjus (LOLA) Born and raised in Toronto, Jeigh Madjus is currently playing Jacob in the 1st National Broadway tour of La Cage aux Folles. Past theatre roles include Mark in Altar Boyz (Angelwalk-Dora nominated), Chip Tolentino in Spelling Bee (STC) and Man 3 in Myths and Hymns (TIFT). Film/TV : Servitude. Madjus has been involved with the project since it’s initial workshop in Toronto.

Jose Llana (CHRISTIAN) most recently appeared as President Ferdinand Marcos in David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim’s Here Lies Love (dir. Alex Timbers) at the Williamstown Theatre Festival prior to its World Premier at The Public Theater in Spring 2013. Broadway: El Gato in Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland (dir. Gregory Boyd), Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling (dir. James Lapine, Drama Desk Award), Wang Ta in Flower Drum Song (opposite Lea Salonga, dir. Bobby Longbottom), Angel in RENT (dir. Michael Grief), Jessie-Lee in Streetcorner Symphony and Lun Tha in the 1996 Revival of The King and I opposite Lou Diamond Phillips and Donna Murphy. Off-Broadway: Adam in Falling For Eve at The York Theatre, Gabey in On the Town (dir. George C. Wolfe, Delacorte/NYSF) and Adam Guettel’s Saturn Returns (dir. Tina Landau, Public Theater). Regional: Cameron Mackintosh’s Martin Guerre (Guillaume, Guthrie Theater), Ballad of Little Jo (dir. Tina Landau, The Steppenwolf Theater, Jefferson Nomination – Best Supporting Actor) and Candide (The Prince Theater, Barrymore Nomination – Best Actor). Workshops: Love’s Labour’s Lost (dir. Alex Timbers), Ever After (dir. Kathleen Marshall), The Kid (dir. Scott Elliott), Allegiance (dir. Stafford Arima), Tales of the City (dir. Jason Moore), Havana (dir. Nilo Cruz), The Long Season (dir. Peter duBois), Kafka’s Songs (dir. Diane Paulus), Melchior in Spring Awakening (dir. Michael Mayer), among others. TV/film appearances include HBO’s “Sex and the City” opposite Margaret Cho and Hitch opposite Will Smith. Besides numerous cast albums and benefit CD’s, Llana is a best-selling recording artist in his native Philippines releasing his self-titled solo album under the VIVA Philippines label. www.josellana.com

Catherine Ricafort (CHERISH) is currently appearing on Broadway as “Ali” in Mamma Mia!! Other favorite projects include NBC’s “The Sing-Off”, in which she appeared as a member and featured performer of “The Backbeats” who placed in the Final 3. She also enjoyed touring the country playing the principal role of Connie with the Broadway National Tour of A Chorus Line. Catherine originated the role of Cherish in Prison Dancer: The Interactive Webmusical.

Albert Guerzon (TONDO) is currently in Ghost on Broadway. Fav credits include Mamma Mia! (Broadway and 2nd National Tour), The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Twyla Tharp, The Wiz (La Jolla), Cutman (Goodspeed), David Byrne’s Here Lies Love (Public Theater), and Flower Drum Song (50th Anniversary). Guerzon choreographed for Kaci Battaglia feat. Ludacris, Emii feat. Snoop Dogg, and NY Fashion week. www.albertguerzon.com

Moses Villarama (SHAKESPEARE) Regional credits include Arabian Nights (Kansas City Rep); Elephant Man, Working, King Lear, A Christmas Carol, Amadeus, Season’s Greetings, 1001, and The Ladies of the Camellias (Denver Center); and Fornicated From The Beatles (A.R.T.’s Emerging America Festival). New York productions include One Fat Day In Babylon, Lifetime Fairytale, Romeo & Juliet and In The Zone (Columbia Stages); and Henry VI, Part 3 (Wide Eyed Productions). He received his training at the National Theatre Conservatory and is a regular performer in Shotz with aMios Theater Company. This summer you can catch a remount of Fornicated From The Beatles in New York . www.fornicatedfromthebeatles.com

Marc delaCruz (HOOKAPS) New York credits include various readings, concerts and workshops such as David Byrne’s HERE LIES LOVE (dir. Alex Timbers, The Public Theater), Jason Ma’s GOLD MOUNTAIN (Hunter College), PhilDev’s SUITES BY SONDHEIM (Lincoln Center), Timothy Huang’s AND THE EARTH MOVED (CAP21) and Will Parker in OKLAHOMA! (dir. Baayork Lee, National Asian Artists Project). Other credits include Dara in the world premier of WHERE ELEPHANTS WEEP in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the first national tour of Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and work in several regional houses such as the 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre, San Jose Repertory and North Carolina Theatre.

Cosmo Clemens (NANA) is a recent graduate of Indiana University (BFA in Musical Theatre). His regional credits include: Chip Tolentino (Spelling Bee), Gangster No. 1 (The Drowsy Chaperone), The Wiz (The Wiz). Collegiate credits include: Rent, West Side Story, Anything Goes. www.CosmoClemens.com

Enrico Rodriguez (OO OO) Broadway/Off-Broadway: BIG-THE MUSICAL (Original Bway Cast), RENT (Steve, Angel u/s), ZANNA DON’T! (Mike, original cast), FAME on 42nd St (Joe Vegas u/s), RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR; National Tours: MAMMA MIA! (Pepper), RENT (Angel u/s, Benny Tour), MISS SAIGON. Regional: MISS SAIGON (Walnut Street Theatre, Houston TUTS, Pittsburgh CLO), FOOTLOOSE (Ren, North Shore Music Theatre), CRAZY FOR YOU, BYE, BYE BIRDIE, WEST SIDE STORY (Pittsburgh CLO). Cast recordings: ZANNA DON’T, FAME, BIG. Readings/workshops: ALLEGIANCE (Young Sam), SKIPPYJON JONES (Skippyjon), Maury Yeston’s PEONY PAVILION, BRING IT ON.

Andrew Eisenman (The WARDEN) has worked with NYSF/Public Theater, Ma-Yi Theater, National Asian American Theater Company, Lark Theatre, IMUA! Theater, The New Group, Immigrants’ Theater Project, Diverse City Theater, Fluid Motion Film & Theater, Living Image Arts, American Bard Theater Company and Leviathan Lab. TV & Film credits include “The Sopranos,” Rigodon, Cardiac Arrest, Missy, The Vanished, Johnny Loves Dolores, Pagpag.

Nathan Ramos: (GUARD) spent the last two years as an Actor/Teacher at the Great Lakes Theater. NY Credits: THE AWESOME 80′s PROM Regional Credits Include: FEVER/DREAM (Cleveland Public Theatre), ANYTHING GOES, MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, DRACULA (Monomoy Theatre), BFA in Theatre Performance from Ohio University.

Ana Serrano (Producer) is a three-time Canadian New Media Award-winner, including Visionary of the Year, Serrano is best known as Founder of CFC Media Lab, the world-renowned and award-winning institute for interactive storytelling she created in 1997 at the Canadian Film Centre. To date, she directed the development of over 130 interactive media projects, mentored over 50 start ups and produced some of Canada’s seminal works in interactive media including Late Fragment the first interactive dramatic feature film to be featured at the 32nd Toronto International Film Festival. In her capacity as an independent consultant and producer, Serrano has advised and worked with clients as diverse as the public sector, Fortune 500 companies, start ups and advertising agencies.

Website:http://nymf.org/prisondancer or http://prisondancer.com

Other Articles by Lia Chang
West Coast Premiere of David Henry Hwang’s Chinglish at Berkeley Rep stars Michelle Krusiec and Alex Moggridge, August 24-October 7, 2012
Three Year Swim Club, Encounter, TEA, Christmas in Hanoi and Chess set for East West Players 47th Anniversary Season
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
Rick Shiomi helms Mu Performing Arts’ Asian American Cast of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul, July 17-August 5, 2012
Daniel Hsia’s Shanghai Calling, Simon Yin’s Supercapitalist & Michael Kang’s Knots to Screen at 35th annual Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) in New York, which runs July 25 – August 5, 2012
Dian Kobayashi, Emily Kuroda and Jeanne Sakata set for Daniel Akiyama’s A Cage of Fireflies at 2012 Sundance Institute Theatre Lab
Epic Theatre Presents Jeanne Sakata’s Hold These Truths, starring Joel de la Fuente, May 20-21, 2012
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Tony Award – winning Playwright Terrence McNally to be Honored at Westport Country Playhouse Annual Gala, September 24, 2012
Richard Thomas and Boyd Gaines to star in An Enemy of the People at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre during Manhattan Theatre Club’s 2012-2013 Season
Multimedia: Exclusive photos and video of Disney’s The Lion King Las Vegas -In the Makeup Chair with Thom Sesma
Photos: BD Wong, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Brandon Victor Dixon, Tom Viola at “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids”
Photos: Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (3pm) with Andre Bishop, Mary Beth Hurt, Jennifer Lim, Angela Lin, Philip Kan Gotanda, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Richard Thomas, Jay O. Sanders, and more
Photos: Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (8pm) with Oskar Eustis, Patti LuPone, Lisa Emery, Ann Harada, Paolo Montalban, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Henry Stram, Richard Thomas, John Weidman and more
Photos: In Rehearsal with Director Bartlett Sher and the cast of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan
David Henry Hwang Set as Signature Theatre’s Residency One Playwright for the 2012-2013 Season
Photos: In Rehearsal with BD Wong at Dixon Place for Live Concert Recording of Herringbone
Photos: David Henry Hwang, Oskar Eustis, BD Wong, Brian d’Arcy James, Francis Jue, Jennifer Lim and Leigh Silverman at WNYC’s The Greene Space
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Lia Chang. Photo by Brianne Michelle Photography

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.
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