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Published February 11, 2025 8:17am
Lea Salonga’s only child, Nic Chien, is joining his mom in the Philippine staging of “Into the Woods” as Jack.
In the musical, Jack is based on the character from the classic children’s story, “Jack and the Beanstalk.” He trades his cow for five magical beans, and has adventures and consequences following this.
Nic said in a statement that he is “very excited to play such an innocent character.”
“In the past, I’ve played characters who know what’s going on, but Jack is such a pure character. I think it will be so much fun to play,” he said.
“And I love everything about this show! The music, lyrics, the way things reference each other, how crazy and complicated it may be," he added. “Overall, it’s just beautiful! It’s beautiful music with smart, heartfelt, meaningful lyrics. You don’t always find that nowadays."
Lea, who will play The Witch, is also very excited to work with Nic.
“I’m most looking forward to working with Nic! We’ve done numerous concerts over the years, but this will be our first musical together,” the theater legend said.
Aside from appearing in his mother's concerts, Nic made his professional musical theater debut as Alice in Atlantis Productions’ “Matilda” in 2017, and has been bitten by the theater acting bug ever since.
In 2023, Nic participated in the English Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition and garnered third place.
“Into the Woods” is based on James Lapine’s book, who also directed the original Broadway run, and will have music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The story intertwines several fairy tale characters and portrays the impact of human choices and actions.
More cast members include Arielle Jacobs as Cinderella, Joaquin Valdes as Prince Charming/Wolf, Nyoy Volante as The Baker, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as The Baker’s Wife, and Eugene Domingo as Jack’s Mother.
Tony Award winner Clint Ramos will serve as the overall artistic and creative director, alongside co-producers John and Joanna Echauz, and Samsung Performing Arts Theater Executive Director Chris Mohnani.
“Into the Woods” opens at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati in August. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News
