Yesterday I had the privilege of seeing Here Lies Love at the newly renovated (which feels like a massive understatement) Broadway Theater. I decided to snag a matinee ticket last minute and go by myself, which I often do, and boy was I glad I did!
Here Lies Love is a biographical musical based on a concept album by David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim which focuses on the life of the former first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, played exceptionally by the extraordinary Arielle Jacobs in this production. The show, which has little to no dialogue unsung, is a 90-minute disco sensation until the show takes a turn and you begin to see the turmoil and tragedies created by the Marcos’s 21-year-long reign.
In this new Broadway production director Alex Timbers partners with scenic designer David Korins to truly transforms the space to provide an immersive experience unlike I’ve ever seen. From the floor I enjoyed watching the show from different angles, literally, the floor audience moves around the space throughout the show, being guided by staff in hot pink jump suites and glow sticks. The blocking takes full advantage of every crevice of the theater, even platforms among the balcony. And a clever use of video cameras and projections not only adds dimension to the storytelling but also assists with visibility when actors might be blocked and out of sight. So no need to worry if you’re vertically challenged, you’ll have no problem catching all the action, even from the dance floor.
The all-Filipino cast is absolutely brilliant, energizing the entire nightclub space from song to song. I honestly felt tired watching all of them run up, down, and all around the theater. While Ms. Jacobs is an obvious stand-out, the ensemble really makes this show something special.
Speaking of something special. Before the show began I met a young woman standing near me. Naturally, we got to talking and I learned that she was a 21-year-old, Filipino-American from California on a short trip to New York City and Boston. She told me how this was her first Broadway show and it was an absolute must-see for her trip. She was giddy and full of excitement to see the first fully-Filipino cast on Broadway and throughout the show she was overcome by emotions.
This. This is why I love theater. And this is why diversity and representation matters.
What a joy it was to bare witness to her first Broadway show and her experience as a proud Filipino woman, seeing her people represented on the world’s biggest stage for musical theater.
While the show has faced a lot of scrutiny and criticism for misrepresenting the trauma experienced in the Philipines and the role the United States played, and by no means is this show perfect, there is no doubt that this show will bring new audiences to Broadway. And isn’t that what we are all rooting for?
Marissa Osowsky 