After his success in Hollywood and Broadway, Filipino-American actor Conrad Ricamora is set to make his Philippine theater debut in the Manila run of Michael Bennett’s ‘A Chorus Line.’
Theatre Group Asia announced Ricamora’s Philippine theater debut in a press statement where he will take on the role of Zach. In the musical, Zach is the director and choreographer of an upcoming Broadway production, with 17 spots hoping to get a spot on the musical’s chorus line.
Ricamora expressed his excitement about performing in the Philippines for the first time, describing it as a form of homecoming.
‘Performing in the Philippines for the first time is incredibly meaningful for me because it’s my father’s homeland. 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,’ he said.
The actor added that he has long admired the ‘passion, talent, and heart’ of the theater community in the Philippines.
‘The Philippine theater community is known for its passion, talent, and heart. I’ve been so inspired watching artists from here make their mark globally, and I can’t wait to share the stage with them and learn from their artistry. There’s warmth and joy in Filipino storytelling that I’ve always felt connected to, and I’m honored to finally be part of it,’ he said. Ricamora shared that portraying the character of Zach is a ‘full-circle moment,’ especially that its staging in Manila will take place at the height of its golden year.
‘I’ve always loved ‘A Chorus Line’ because it celebrates the raw, vulnerable truth of being a performer. To step into Zach’s shoes, especially in its golden year, feels like a full-circle moment,’ he said.
‘I’m excited to explore how this show – written nearly fifty years ago – still speaks directly to artists today: the hunger, the heartbreak, the need to be seen. And as someone who started in musical theater before moving into television and film, it’s thrilling to return to that sense of community and truth that only the stage can offer’ he added.
Apart from the upcoming musical, Ricamora was confirmed to join the cast of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2.’ He is best known for playing the role of Oliver Hampton in the hit series ‘How To Get Away with Murder’ and Ninoy Aquino in several runs of ‘Here Lies Love.’
The Manila run of ‘A Chorus Line’ is led by Theatre Group Asia’s overall artistic and creative director Clint Ramos, while Emmy award-winning Karla Puno-Garcia was tapped to be the director and choreographer.
It will be staged at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater from March 12 to 29.