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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider Magic, music, and Filipino identity illuminate 'Into the Woods' opening night

Magic, music, and Filipino identity illuminate 'Into the Woods' opening night

Theatre Group Asia brings whimsy on and off stage at the gala night of the local reimagining of the Sondheim classic

Published Aug 12, 2025 03:47 pm
Lea Salonga as The Witch, Mikkie Volante as the Baker's Wife, and Nyoy Volante as the Baker in Theatre Group Asia's "Into the Woods." (Photo by Mark Alvarez)
Lea Salonga as The Witch, Mikkie Volante as the Baker's Wife, and Nyoy Volante as the Baker in Theatre Group Asia's "Into the Woods." (Photo by Mark Alvarez)
Ever since the announcement of its stellar cast, Theatre Group Asia’s (TGA) production of “Into The Wood” has had Filipinos spellbound—to the point that there are barely any tickets left to purchase. This reimagining of the beloved Stephen Sondheim musical features a cast of global Filipino artists, led by Eugene Domingo, Nyoy Volante, and internationally acclaimed thespians Arielle Jacobs, Josh Dela Cruz, and Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga, among others.
Sarah Facuri, Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, and Kakki Teodoro
Sarah Facuri, Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, and Kakki Teodoro
Josh Dela Cruz
Josh Dela Cruz
Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga
Nyoy and Mikkie Volante
Nyoy and Mikkie Volante
Clint Ramos and Chari Arespacochaga
Clint Ramos and Chari Arespacochaga
Eugene Domingo
Eugene Domingo
Teetin Villanueva
Teetin Villanueva
Rody Vera
Rody Vera
On Aug. 7, 2025, the curtains rose at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City. Leading the celebration were TGA’s overall artistic and creative director, Clint Ramos, and the musical’s director, Chari Arespacochaga. They welcomed Filipino fans eager to witness the crossroads of beloved fairy tales—infused with a distinct Filipino soul.
Through theater, TGA honors the depth and richness of Philippine history and culture, creating a space where Filipinos resonate within a global context. Its vision includes bridging gaps and fostering connections among Filipinos in the international theater community to present world-class productions by Filipinos, for Filipinos.
Christopher Mohnani and Arielle Jacobs
Christopher Mohnani and Arielle Jacobs
Mariana Zobel de Ayala and son
Mariana Zobel de Ayala and son
Nic Chien and Joyce Oreña
Nic Chien and Joyce Oreña
Fernando and Kit Zobel de Ayala with their son Alvaro and daughter Sylvia
Fernando and Kit Zobel de Ayala with their son Alvaro and daughter Sylvia
Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos
Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos
Carol Garcia, Alice Eduardo, and Pops Fernandez
Carol Garcia, Alice Eduardo, and Pops Fernandez
Adelbert Abrigonda, Iza Calzado, and Ricky Lee
Adelbert Abrigonda, Iza Calzado, and Ricky Lee
Morissette Amon and Joreen Bautista
Morissette Amon and Joreen Bautista
Martina Campos and Abby Binay
Martina Campos and Abby Binay
Cristina and Bea Elizalde
Cristina and Bea Elizalde
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and Keri Zamora
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and Keri Zamora
Crickette and Donnie Tantoco
Crickette and Donnie Tantoco
As “Into The Woods” continues its run, audiences can look forward to a production that not only entertains but also uplifts the collective Filipino voice—boldly weaving tradition, innovation, and identity into every note, step, and scene.

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