More than a sensation, Theatre Group Asia’s A Chorus Line is also a showcase of Filipino talent performing at the absolute height of their craft.
Under the sharp direction of Emmy winner Karla Garcia Puno, this production breathes fresh, vibrant life into a Broadway classic, delivering a theatrical experience that is as funny as it is heartbreaking.
At its core, A Chorus Line strips away the usual glitz of musical theater to reveal the raw, human cost of the spotlight.
The plot follows 17 dancers auditioning for a spot in a new Broadway musical.
To claim the spot, they have to impress the director, Zach, not just with dance, but with their personal stories.
What follows is a series of poignant vignettes exploring identity, trauma, and the relentless passion required to survive in the performing arts.
It is this raw, psychological depth that cemented the show's place in history, earning it the rare distinction of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
And when this acclaimed musical is placed in the hands of Filipino performers, the impact becomes exponentially more profound.
Filipinos are a global force in the performing arts, often populating the very chorus lines of the West End and Broadway.
Seeing local talents portray these characters adds a meta-textual layer of soul to the production.
The struggle for a spot on the line isn't just a scripted drama here.
It also feels like a tribute to the resilience and world-class caliber of Filipino artists worldwide.
A CHORUS LINE'S CAST
U.S.-based Conrad Ricamora leads the cast as Zach.
His commanding presence drives the show forward as he moves around the theater, his voice booming with authority.
Zach’s central relationship with Lissa de Guzman’s Cassie, a failed actress who wants to return to ensemble roles, gives the show its necessary structure.
Lissa is excellent, capturing both the technical precision and the desperate hunger of a seasoned pro trying to start over.
Many more performers bring the heat.
Rapah Manalo, as Richie Walters, is an absolute firecracker whose infectious energy carries across the entire room.
Universe Ramos, as Paul San Marco, delivers a truly heartbreaking moment that may move the audience to tears.
The cast is also stacked with comedic talents.
There’s Mikaela Regis, as the sensual but secretive Sheila, whose quips always make the audience giggle.
Stephen Viñas shines as the weird but lovable Bobby Mills.
Then Luca Olbes makes his mark as the sophisticated and sarcastic Greg Gardner.
But it’s the duo of Jordan Andrews and Sam Libao that elicits the loudest laughter from the audience.
Portraying newlyweds Al Deluca and Kristine Urich-Deluca, their comedic timing shines during a musical number centered on the struggles of singing.
This performance—enhanced by a surprise one-liner tailored for a Filipino audience—deserves significant applause.
Thanks to Director Karla Garcia Puno, whose expert direction and masterful staging bring out the very best in these performers, their talents shine brilliantly.
Eschewing elaborate sets for a configuration of just mirrors and lights, the sparse production forces the audience to focus on the performers.
Every bead of sweat, every precision-perfect kick, and every flicker of doubt in a dancer's eyes becomes the focal point.
If there’s anything to comment on, it’s the few times when the audio sounded garbled or muffled.
These issues appeared to be a result of the theater’s acoustics, a technical flaw that will hopefully be addressed as the run continues.
Despite the minor audio hiccups, A Chorus Line is a must-see show.
It stands as a brilliant reminder of why this story remains timeless, especially when placed in the hands of such a capable local cast.
A Chorus Line will run until March 29, 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati.
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