Lea Salonga to join ‘Into The Woods’ Philippine cast

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Theatre Group Asia's production of Stephen Sondheim's work will be the award-winning actress' first musical in the Philippines in six years

MANILA, Philippines – Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga is back on the Philippine stage! The singer is taking on the iconic role of The Witch in Theatre Group Asia’s (TGA) production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.

The musical will run at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (S-PAT) in Makati City this August.

This will be Lea’s first musical in the Philippines in six years.

Award-winning TGA founding collaborator Clint Ramos shared that he is “thrilled and honored to have Lea lead the stellar ensemble of our Into the Woods production.”

“What a triumphant return it will be! Sondheim’s work is intricate and thought-provoking, and we’re creating a version that reflects the Filipino condition. Lea’s remarkable talent will be instrumental in giving this masterpiece new meaning and depth,” Ramos added.

Ramos serves as co-producer, artistic director, and stage and costume designer for the show.

Salonga played The Witch before when she was 23, calling this second opportunity an “incredible” one.

“Life has happened in the years since, and I hope to bring all of that experience to the character. Sondheim’s music and lyrics are no joke — they’re challenging, intricate puzzles. But once you’ve unlocked them, they’re so rewarding,” Lea said.

Salonga’s last Philippine musical was Sweeney Todd in 2019, directed by the late theater legend Bobby Garcia, another founding collaborator of TGA.

“The last show I did in Manila was a Stephen Sondheim masterpiece, and now I’m stepping into Into the Woods, another one of his iconic works. If all I do for the rest of my life is Sondheim, I’ll be very happy. This one is especially for you, Bobby,” Lea said.

Into the Woods is based on James Lapine’s book about beloved fairy tale characters intertwined in a dark comedy. The material explores choices, consequences, human flaws, and what happens after “happily ever after.” The musical centers on a baker and his wife on a quest to break a witch’s curse that has left them childless.

“It’s a story that challenges our perceptions of good and evil, with the famous line, ‘nice is different than good,’ resonating every time. The final song, Children Will Listen, is a powerful reminder of the influence adults have on young, impressionable minds,” Lea said about the musical.

Into the Woods is presented through a special partnership with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, USA.

Pricing and seating plans for its Philippine run have yet to be confirmed.

TGA’s latest production was 2024’s wordless play Request sa Radyo, which starred Salonga alongside Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee Dolly de Leon. – Rappler.com

For updates and tickets, visit www.theatregroupasia.com.