Here Lies Love (2023) – Theater Review and Summary

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“Here Lies Love” General Information

This section includes information about the production, cast, staff, venue, and crew.

Director(s)	Alex Timbers
Writer(s)	David Byrne, Fatboy Slim, and Alex Timbers
Organizer(s)	N/A
Language	English
Attendance Type	In-Person
Event Status	On Schedule
Venue or Network (Theatre)	Broadway Theatre
Performance Date	September 16, 2023
First Performance At This Venue	June 17, 2023
Opening Night Performance	July 20, 2023
Last Performance At This Venue	N/A
Venue URL	https://herelieslovebroadway.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwyNSoBhA9EiwA5aYlb7UTocIwxB9GWlcYvqoIMtbfpLVI7LADaQ-dkzMudsUUOBVIK_GhGRoC35QQAvD_BwE
Tickets Starting At	$60
Genre(s)	Biopic Musical
Duration
Noted Performers
Imelda	Arielle Jacobs
Marcos	Jose Llana
Ninoy Aquino	Conrad Ricamora
Crew
Scene/ Set Design	David Korins
Costume Design	Clint Ramos
Lighting Design	Justin Townsend
Sound Design	M.L. Dogg and Cody Spencer
Choreography	Annie-B Parson

Summary

This content contains pertinent spoilers. Also, images and text in this post may contain affiliate links. If a purchase is made from those sites, we may earn money or products from the company.

“Here Lies Love” is a project that’s been in the works for decades. The musical all started when creator David Byrne learned that former Philippines’ first lady, Imelda Marcos, liked disco clubs. The musical had a concept album, toured off-Broadway, and has now landed on Broadway thirteen years after the album’s release. “Here Lies Love” is funky, ambitious, and a startling disco-dance party about an oppressive Filipino regime.

The audience enters as clubbers going into Club Millennium, the theater now decked out with a disco ball and a DJ blasting instrumentals of the soundtrack. The DJ tells you to enjoy the party, dance, and watch the story of Imelda Marcos’ life unfold.

Imelda (Arielle Jacobs) was once a poor girl in the Philippines who dreamed of upward mobility, climbing the social ladder, and having all the riches in the world. Her young crush, Ninoy (Conrad Ricamora), comes from a rich Filipino family but dreams of pursuing politics and bettering the lives of his people. While Imelda and Ninoy are attracted to each other, their different dreams pull them apart and lead to vastly different lives.

After winning a beauty competition, Imelda meets politician Ferdinand Marcos (Jose Llana) in Manila. The two quickly fall in love and get married. As Marcos’ political power rises, Imelda soon starts living the life she dreamed of. But Marcos’ power became corrupt, and he ruled the Philippines as a dictator. Ninoy, a senator and Imelda’s ex-boyfriend, becomes an outspoken critic of Marcos and risks his life in the process. As Imelda lives lavishly and her husband becomes more ruthless, she loses her past and who she is.

“Here Lies Love” is a musical based on true events. It could be seen as a love story, a political drama, and a cautionary tale for democracy. At the same time, “Here Lies Love” is a dance party that could sometimes provide whiplash in its jarring shift in tone. One moment, there’s an assassination; the next, dancing. In a time where Broadway musicals are saturated with movie adaptations, “Here Lies Love” is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Content Information

“Here Lies Love” is billed as an immersive experience for all ages, yet those 18 and up will most likely enjoy it the most due to its mature thematic material, some sensual scenes, and two moments of violence.

Character Descriptions

Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.

Imelda

Imelda is a young and beautiful woman who wishes to leave her life of poverty behind. She comes from humble origins but socializes with the rich and famous until she meets Marcos, a rising politician. Imelda is willing to risk her friends, family, and even Marcos’ life to keep her personal party going.

• The actor is also known for their role in “Aladdin” on Broadway.

Marcos

As a charming politician, Marcos is used to getting what he wants. Yet as his political power grows, Marcos refuses to take no for an answer and turns his critics into enemies of the state.

• The actor is also known for their role in “The King and I” on Broadway.

Ninoy Aquino

Ninoy grew up with wealth but sees his affluence as a chance to give back to his fellow Filipinos. Ninoy dreams of also becoming president. Once he becomes a senator, he becomes more of a vocal critic of Marcos’ regime.

• The actor is also known for their role in “The King and I” on Broadway.

Review

Our Rating: Positive (See Live) – Recommended 

Highlights

An Immersive Experience with an Exciting View for All

During “Here Lies Love,” performers may stand right next to you and encourage you to get up and dance. You may be sitting right next to the DJ, under the disco ball, or standing on the actual dance floor as the stage constantly shifts around you. “Here Lies Love” turns the viewer into an active participant in the production; it doesn’t ask you to act or perform but to have a good time. No matter where you sit or stand, you will be rewarded for the experience in various ways. This change makes rewatches in different sections of the theater more exciting.

An Intriguing Collaboration of Concept and Music

Giving Americans a history lesson about fascism in the Philippines through funky dance music is a tough concept to turn into a production and an even tougher production to market. In spite of these contrasts and controversies, “Here Lies Love” is always entertaining and may even leave attendees with tears in their eyes by the end.

On The Fence

Those Who Don’t Know Filipino History May Be Confused

At about 100 minutes, “Here Lies Love” doesn’t have an intermission, and its story moves fast. The musical moves so quickly that audience members unfamiliar with the story may be lost in plot details and why certain things happen. While “Here Lies Love” has snippets of historical information on display prior to the musical starting, I also recommend reading the synopsis before attending.

Who Is This For?

Fans of Broadway will enjoy this immersive set experience. People who enjoy David Byrne’s music will find his signature flourishes throughout the musical. History buffs or those looking for more Filipino representation will also enjoy the story.

Recommendations

If you like this, we recommend:

1. American Utopia
2. Leonor Will Never Die
3. Easter Sunday

Check out our Live Performance page for our latest reviews as well as recommendations.

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