Photo via Lea Salonga (@msleasalonga) / Instagram
Nic Chien, the son of Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga, will take the stage in the Philippine production of Into the Woods. The 18-year-old actor will portray Jack, a key character in the Stephen Sondheim musical.
Theater Group Asia (TGA) revealed Nic’s casting on February 10. “When the fun is done, he steals what he can and runs! [Nic Chien] is JACK!” the announcement declared.
A Return to the Stage
Nic began his professional career in 2017, playing Alice in Atlantis Theatrical’s Matilda. Since then, he competed in the English-Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition and developed his craft in theater.
Now, he steps back into the spotlight, joining an impressive ensemble cast. Lea Salonga, his mother, will portray the Witch, a role she performed in the 1990s.
Eugene Domingo will play Jack’s mother, while Arielle Jacobs takes on the role of Cinderella. Joaquin Pedro Valdes assumes the roles of Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf, and Nyoy Volante and Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante will bring to life the Baker and the Baker’s Wife.
A Timeless Musical
Premiering in 1986, Into the Woods blends classic fairy tales, including Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Cinderella. It follows a baker and his wife on a quest to break a witch’s curse, leading to encounters with beloved fairy tale characters.
Disney adapted the musical into a film in 2014, featuring Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, and Chris Pine.
Limited Run in Manila
The production features an 18-show engagement from August 7 to 24 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati. Organizers will release ticket details in the coming weeks.
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