Gerard Salonga. Image: Courtesy of Theatre Group Asia Gerard Salonga will be joining his sister Lea Salonga in the upcoming Manila staging of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” where he will serve as the music director. Gerard was confirmed as one of the creative mavericks tasked with bringing the magical world of “Into the Woods” to life in theater production company Theatre Group Asia in a press statement.
The announcement of the “Into the Woods’” creative team came after the lead characters were announced to the public. Joining Lea Salonga in the cast are Eugene Domingo, Mark Bautista, Nyoy Volante, Arielle Jacobs, Mikkie Bradshaw Volante, Joreen Bautista, Nic Chien, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Kakki Teodoro, Teetin Villanueva, Tex Ordoñez, Sarah Facuri, Rody Vera, and Jamie Wilson. The production of “Into the Woods’” Manila staging will be led by artistic and overall creative director Clint Ramos while Chari Arespacochaga was tapped to be the director.
Arespacochaga was the “long-time collaborator” of renowned theater director and producer Bobby Garcia, who was said to be “instrumental” in assembling the cast of the upcoming musical. Also part of the creative team are set designer Ohm David, costume designer Raven Ong, lighting designer Cha See, and sound designer Megumi Takayama. Mentored by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, Gerard has been alternating between Manila and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, where he is the resident conductor of.
