Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Darren Criss has consistently celebrated his Filipino roots with pride.
On November 11, 2024, the Filipino-American actor donned a custom-made Barong Tagalog at the special gala performance of the Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, held at the Belasco Theatre in New York City.
Darren posted a photo from the event's red carpet, proudly showcasing his Barong as he posed alongside his co-stars Marcus Choi, Helen J. Shen, and Dez Duron.
Crafted by renowned Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran, the Barong featured intricate embroidery of the sun on its collars and the mythical Sarimanok, a symbol of good fortune, incorporating the colors of the Philippine flag.
In a press statement sent to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Francis revealed that the inspiration came from the themes of the musical itself.
The designer highlighted how the Barong, an emblem of cultural identity and heritage, parallels the journey of Oliver and Claire in Maybe Happy Ending, as they navigate the complexities of maintaining their identities in a world that might see them as obsolete or "outdated."
Francis said, "His Barong is a nod to his Filipino heritage, symbolizing cultural pride and identity within the context of a high-tech, yet emotionally grounded story.
"Through this ensemble, Criss connects his roots with the narrative’s exploration of finding self-worth and belonging, making it a meaningful statement."
DARREN CRISS IN MAYBE HAPPY ENDING
Darren stars alongside Helen J Shen, taking on the lead roles in this Korean musical by Will Aronson and Hue Park.
Directed by Tony Award winner Michael Arden, the new musical is set in a near-future Seoul and follows the story of Oliver, played by Darren, and Claire, portrayed by Helen J Shen, who is making her Broadway debut.
They are two human-like robot "HelperBots" who have been 'retired' and now face planned obsolescence—akin to an outdated iPhone—after being abandoned by their previous owners.
They find themselves in the "HelperBot Yards," a robot purgatory, where they meet when Claire borrows a charger due to her faulty cable and low battery life. An unexpected connection soon forms between them.
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