Vina Morales

Filipino actress Vina Morales debuts on Broadway as she replaces multi-awarded Filipino Broadway star Lea Salonga in the first all-Filipino production of "Here Lies Love."

Morales enters the role following Salonga’s final performance as “Aurora Aquino” this Saturday, Aug. 19, at 3:30 p.m. Salonga remains a vital member of the show’s co-producing team. Cast member Reanne Acasio steps back in as the full-time “Aurora Aquino” in the interim.

“To be able to perform on Broadway is a dream come true for any artist! I am grateful to “Coach Lea” Salonga for guiding me. You’re the best, Lea! =) I am excited to be part of the Here Lies Love family and can’t wait to perform for all of you!” said Morales.

Salonga replied: “I am so excited to share the news that my friend Vina Morales will join our fabulous all-Filipino company in Here Lies Love! So talented and lovely, but most of all, so kind. She will be a wonderful addition to our cast!”

Morales will join the show performing as “Aurora Aquino” for a limited guest engagement from Friday, Sept. 22 – Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53^rd Street).

“David Byrne and I were introduced to Vina's extraordinary talents ten years ago in Manila when we were casting Here Lies Love's National Theatre production. It's an exciting, full-circle moment to have her join us now on Broadway and an honor to introduce her, in this show-stopping role, to our incredible audiences," said Alex Timbers, director of the play.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/20/vina-morales-talks-about-marriage-daughter-ceana-and-broadway

As previously announced, "Here Lies Love" is committed to featuring guest stars from the Philippines as “Aurora Aquino,” showcasing the country’s talent. This production marked the first time Salonga played a Filipino role on the Broadway stage.

Here Lies Love began previews Saturday, June 17, and opened to rave reviews on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

From David Byrne Academy Award®, Grammy® Award, and Tony Award® winner) and Fatboy Slim (Grammy Award winner), Here Lies Love is “a truly fabulous piece of visual theater with a soundscape more beautiful, more exciting and more surprising than any score on Broadway” (Chicago Tribune). This revolutionary new musical about former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos’ astonishing rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution, has been hailed as “a political chiller that’s also a red-hot adrenaline rush” (Ben Brantley) “that makes you believe you could dance all night” (The Washington Post).

Developed and directed by Alex Timbers (Tony Award winner) and choreographed by Annie-B Parson (Olivier Award nominee), Here Lies Love is a “roof-raising, disco-infused extravaganza that turns the theatre into a dance floor with thrilling results” (The Guardian). Following sold-out, critically acclaimed runs at The Public Theater, London’s National Theatre, and Seattle Rep, “Here Lies love is the most entertaining new show on Broadway right now” (ABC7). Ticket buyers can experience this “undeniably enjoyable show” (New York Post) in two ways: seated or standing immersed within the action.

The show features the first all-Filipino cast to perform on Broadway: Arielle Jacobs (In The Heights, Aladdin, Between The Lines) as “Imelda Marcos,” Jose Llana (The King and I, The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee) as “Ferdinand Marcos,” Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder,” The King and I, Soft Power – Grammy nominations) as “Ninoy Aquino,” 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 for Here Lies Love on Broadway includes three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s Cultural and Community Liaison.

Here Lies Love is produced by Hal Luftig/Kevin Connor, Patrick Catullo, Clint Ramos, Jose Antonio Vargas, and Diana DiMenna and Plate Spinner Productions, with Aaron Lustbader serving as Executive Producer.