“Here Lies Love” will play its final Broadway performance on Nov. 26. The musical began previews on June 17 and opened on July 20 at the Broadway Theatre. By closing, the production will have played 33 previews and 149 regular performances.
Directed and developed by Alex Timbers and choreographed by Annie-B Parson, “Here Lies Love” was conceived by David Byrne. The musical features a book and lyrics by Byrne with music by Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Additional music is by Tom Gandey and J. Pardo.
“Here Lies Love” tells the story of Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos, her rise to power alongside her husband President Ferdiand Marcos and their fall to the People Power Revolution. The musical features the first-known all-Filipino cast on Broadway.
The show is presented as an immersive experience, which demanded a significant renovation to the Broadway Theatre. Prior to the beginning of the run, “Here Lies Love” was challenged by the musicians’ union, Local 802, regarding the production’s plan to use pre-recorded music. An agreement between parties was reached before the start of previews.
In recent weeks, “Here Lies Love” has hosted post-show events and launched multiple ticketing initiatives, including a unique frequent flyer-style purchase option.
The cast of “Here Lies Love” is led by Arielle Jacobs as Imelda Marcos, Jose Llana as Ferdinand Marcos and Conrad Ricamora as Ninoy Aquino.
Rounding out the current company are Aaron J. Albano, Melody Butiu, Moses Villarama, Jasmine Forsberg, Reanne Acasio, Jaygee Macapugay, Julia Abueva, Renée Albulario, Aaron Alcaraz, Carol Angeli, Nathan Angelo, Kristina Doucette, Roy Flores, Timothy Matthew Flores, Sarah Kay, Jeigh Madjus, Aaron “AJ” Mercado, Geena Quintos, Shea Renne, Angelo Soriano and Danielle Troiano.
The creative team of “Here Lies Love” includes scenic designer David Korins, costume designer Clint Ramos, lighting designer Justin Townsend, sound designers M.L. Dogg and Cody Spencer, projection designer Peter Nigrini, hair designer Craig Franklin Miller and makeup designer Suki Tsujimoto. “Here Lies Love” also employed production architect Mitchell Kurtz. Production stage management is by Gregory T. Livoti. Foresight Theatrical serves as general manager.
Regarding the show’s closing, producers of “Here Lies Love” said in a statement: “When we started this journey to bring this bold and original work to Broadway, we asked ourselves: ‘Can anyone produce on Broadway in a new way? Is there a new path forward? What does the template look like? Will audiences want something radically new? Who will those audiences be?’
“We have learned a great deal about the answers to those questions. Yes, new ways can work. Artistic excellence can be achieved. But the reality is, succeeding on Broadway means not only producing excellent work with artistic merit — it also means creating the audience for it. And how much time it takes to find and grow new audiences is out of sync with the tight timeframes for audience-building and awareness.
“Every aspect of our production brought new life and fresh ideas to Broadway, from the innovative music of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, the beautiful choreography of Annie-B Parson, the masterful staging by our visionary director Alex Timbers, and the jaw-dropping set, lighting, sound, and projection designs by David Korins, Justin Townsend, M.L. Dogg, Cody Spencer and Peter Nigrini, and among the most dazzling collection of costumes ever seen on Broadway created by Clint Ramos.
“As the first-ever fully binational producing team, we are deeply proud and honored to have brought this pioneering theatrical event to Broadway. The first all-Filipino acting company on Broadway received universal critical acclaim, celebrated by thousands of people from diverse backgrounds, including record numbers who experienced going to a Broadway show for the first time.
“As an artistic, cultural and commercial enterprise, we believe that ‘Here Lies Love’ had to be presented on Broadway. We hope anyone who hasn’t seen the production will be able to get to the show before Nov. 26.”
“Here Lies Love” is produced by Hal Luftig/Kevin Connor, Patrick Catullo, Clint Ramos, Jose Antonio Vargas and Diana DiMenna & Plate Spinner Productions.
