By Ryan Leeds
“I don’t know whether anything will come of this. We’ll just talk.”
That was Michael Bennett in January 1974, addressing a group of Broadway dancers in a New York City exercise studio. With a tape recorder running for 12 hours, those dancers bared their souls. Bennett’s words proved to be one of the greatest understatements in theater history. And those recordings became the genesis of A Chorus Line, a Pulitzer Prize-winning juggernaut that redefined the American musical.
To honor the musical’s 50th anniversary, Theatre Group Asia is staging a stellar new production in Manila. Marvin Hamlisch’s iconic score, Edward Kleban’s lyrics, and a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante reflect a time when a hiring manager (in this case, a director-choreographer) could get uncomfortably personal. Yet this production feels uniquely vital.
Fifty years and 8,500 miles later
What makes this production so remarkable is its all-Filipino company and Theatre Group Asia’s mission, co-founded by Tony winner Clint Ramos. Though A Chorus Line centers on dancers auditioning for a job, it speaks to anyone who has ever pursued their passion head-on. This cast makes that universality feel newly earned.
Under the direction and choreography of Emmy winner Karla Puno Garcia, the production offers a joyful, high-octane portrait of steely strength. By blending talent from the Philippines with members of the global Filipino diaspora, Theatre Group Asia makes a convincing case that the “singular sensation” of Filipino talent is a global force.
Conrad Ricamora, following his acclaimed Broadway run in Oh, Mary!, brings gravitas to the show as Zach, the cynical and decisive director holding the dancers’ fates in his hands. As Cassie, his former lover returning after a bruising Hollywood detour, Lissa deGuzman doesn’t ask for sympathy. She demands attention—and gets it. Each ensemble member has their moments to shine, proving that while the dance chorus requires uniformity, the individuals within it carry their own indomitable flair.
The wheel hasn’t been reinvented here, but it didn’t need to be. The production doesn’t reimagine A Chorus Line so much as expand it. What began as one late night in a New York exercise studio now belongs to the world.
Is Theatre World Asia’s ‘A Chorus Line’ worth seeing?
5 out of 5 stars
Fifty years on, A Chorus Line finds one of its most vital productions yet at Manila’s Theatre Group Asia—8,500 miles from where it started. If you’ve got the frequent flyer miles, go.
- Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati Hippodromo St, Makati City, Manila
- Notable performers: Conrad Ricamora, Lissa deGuzman, Ken San Jose, Iya Villanueva
- Running time: Two hours and 30 minutes with one intermission
- Performances through March 29, 2026
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