In a significant moment for both Filipino-American artistry and the Philippine theater scene, Conrad Ricamora, the celebrated Broadway star and Tony Award nominee, is set to make his Manila stage debut. Ricamora will lead the cast of the iconic musical “A Chorus Line,” a production that promises to be a deeply personal “homecoming” for the acclaimed actor. This groundbreaking Manila run is being spearheaded by Theatre Group Asia and will feature an all-Filipino heritage ensemble, reinforcing a commitment to showcasing the depth of Filipino talent across the global stage.
A Star’s Homecoming: Ricamora as Zach
Ricamora, a figure widely recognized for his stellar performances on Broadway and compelling roles on screen, is taking on the pivotal role of Zach, the demanding director and choreographer holding the high-stakes auditions at the heart of the musical. This casting choice is particularly resonant for the production’s mission to celebrate its Filipino roots.
For Ricamora, the significance of this debut is profound, tying his professional career directly to his heritage. “Performing in the Philippines for the first time is incredibly meaningful for me because it’s my father’s homeland,” he shared. “To bring my work here feels like a kind of homecoming — a chance to connect with a part of my heritage that I’ve always carried in my heart.”
His participation initiates Theatre Group Asia’s highly anticipated commitment to featuring artists of Filipino descent across the entire “A Chorus Line” ensemble, a deliberate and meaningful artistic choice for the production. Ricamora also noted the historical timing of his role, as the beloved musical nears its 50th anniversary, creating a “full-circle moment” in his own career. He commended the production for its enduring celebration of the “raw, vulnerable truth of being a performer,” a narrative that speaks directly to the enduring struggle, hunger, and heartbreak of artists striving to be seen and validated.
A Powerhouse Creative Team: Karla Puno Garcia Directs and Choreographs
Further solidifying the production’s Filipino-American backbone is its director and choreographer, the multi-talented Karla Puno Garcia. Her involvement brings a wealth of international experience and a history of shattering glass ceilings in the highly competitive world of Broadway.
Garcia is an industry veteran, known for being the first Filipino cast member and dance captain for the megahit musical “Hamilton.” Her impressive résumé also includes performing three different characters in “West Side Story” on Broadway and touring the United States with major productions like “Wicked” and “The Addams Family.”
In 2023, Garcia achieved another career milestone by becoming the first woman of color to choreograph the opening number of the prestigious Tony Awards, a feat that earned her a well-deserved Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming. Her pedigree and cultural background ensure that the Manila staging of A Chorus Line will be helmed by a visionary with a deep understanding of the global Filipino experience in theater.
The Enduring Heart of ‘A Chorus Line’
The selection of “A Chorus Line”—a Pulitzer Prize and nine-time Tony Award winner—for this landmark staging is fitting. The musical is a tribute to the unsung heroes of Broadway, the chorus dancers whose anonymity belies their dedication. The plot follows 17 hopeful performers as they endure a grueling audition for just eight coveted spots in a Broadway show’s chorus line.
It is a story less about the final outcome and more about the deeply personal journeys revealed during the audition process. The narrative highlights the raw emotions and universal themes of ambition, disappointment, sacrifice, and perseverance—the very human costs behind the glittering facade of show business. As Ricamora noted, the musical’s core message still resonates profoundly with the needs of artists to be acknowledged.
The production aims to harness this universal theme while adding a distinct cultural layer by exclusively featuring artists with Filipino heritage, turning the story of generic “Broadway babies” into a celebration of a specific, globally dispersed talent pool.
Ricamora’s Acclaimed Career: From Stage to Screen
Ricamora’s stature as a leading figure in the arts makes his Philippine debut a cultural event. His stage credentials are extraordinary:
He received a Tony nomination for his compelling performance as Abraham Lincoln in “Oh, Mary!”
He starred as Ninoy Aquino in the innovative pop-rock musical “Here Lies Love” on Broadway, following successful runs in other venues, a role that brought a major Filipino historical figure to a mainstream New York audience.
He has also received Grammy nominations for his cast album performances in “The King and I” and “Soft Power.”
Beyond the stage, Ricamora has cultivated a strong profile in television, notably for his long-running role as Oliver Hampton in the hit legal thriller “How to Get Away With Murder.” He has also been a regular on “The Resident” as Dr. Jake Wong, starred in the series “How to Die Alone” with Natasha Rothwell, and is slated for an upcoming role in “The Devil Wears Prada” sequel, further cementing his cross-medium appeal.
The Manila run of “A Chorus Line” is scheduled to play throughout March 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, promising a stellar showcase of Filipino and Filipino-American talent, technical excellence, and the powerful, enduring spirit of musical theater.
Do you think this production’s decision to cast an all-Filipino heritage ensemble adds a meaningful new layer of interpretation to the classic story of A Chorus Line?