Here’s everything we know about PH production of ‘Into the Woods’

Photo courtesy: Theatre Group Asia | Facebook

A NEW slate of theater musicals awaits Filipino theater fans this year, and among them is the Philippine production of the beloved fantasy musical “Into the Woods.”

Theater Group Asia (TGA) first announced the Philippine staging of “Into the Woods,” to be held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati from August 7 to 24.

The musical was originally created in 1986, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine.

The story features main characters from our beloved childhood fairy tales including “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Rapunzel,” and “Cinderella.” These characters are intertwined by the story of a baker and his wife, whom a witch cursed not to have a child.

The Philippine adaptation was originally co-directed by the late multi-awarded theater director, Bobby Garcia, and Chari Arespacochaga.

Arespacochaga will now take over the director’s seat and give tribute to her long-time collaborator.

Now, what should fans expect in the Philippine version of the musical?

PH cast

The musical is surely something to look forward to for theater fans as it will showcase stellar and internationally-acclaimed Filipino talents in its cast lineup.

First on the list is Tony Award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga, who will portray the role of The Witch. This will serve as her comeback to the Philippine musical theater stage after six years with the “Sweeney Todd” musical Philippine adaptation, although she just finished the staging of “Request sa Radyo” here last October 2024.

Salonga will be joined by veteran actress-comedienne Eugene Domingo, who will take on the role of Jack’s mother from “Jack and the Beanstalk.”

Filipino stage actor and singer Joaquin Valdes, known for his role as Light in the London production of “Death Note: The Musical,” will join the cast as Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf.

Cinderella, on the other hand, will be played by Filipina-American Broadway star Arielle Jacobs.

Meanwhile, real-life couple and theater veterans Nyoy Volante and Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante will bring to life the characters of the baker and his wife, respectively.

Salonga’s only child, Nic Chien, is also part of the cast, portraying the role of Jack. According to the Broadway star, this is their first musical together.

The star-studded lineup included Joreen Bautista and Mark Bautista as Rapunzel and her prince, respectively.

On Monday, TGA announced that theater actress Teetin Villanueva is set to don a red cape as she will play the role of Little Red Riding Hood in the musical.