Cover Conrad Ricamora as Zach and Lissa de Guzman as Cassie in Theatre Group Asia’s ‘A Chorus Line’ (Photos: courtesy of Theatre Group Asia)
Conrad Ricamora as Zach and Lissa de Guzman as Cassie in Theatre Group Asia’s ‘A Chorus Line’ (Photos: courtesy of Theatre Group Asia)
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Celebrating its 50th year, ‘A Chorus Line’ returns to the Philippine stage with a formidable ensemble, led by Broadway veterans Conrad Ricamora and Lissa de Guzman
The curtain is officially drawn on the full cast list for Theatre Group Asia’s (TGA) highly anticipated staging of A Chorus Line, and the revelation delivers a declaration of Filipino prowess on the global stage. This production of the Pulitzer Prize–winning work, which chronicles the intensely personal struggles of performers vying for a spot in a Broadway chorus, has assembled a group of artists whose backgrounds mirror the ambition and sacrifice depicted in the musical itself.
Leading the company are two names synonymous with world-class theatre: Tony and two-time Grammy Award nominee Conrad Ricamora as Zach, and Fil-Am Broadway star Lissa de Guzman as Cassie.
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Above Conrad Ricamora is Zach in Theatre Group Asia’s ‘A Chorus Line’
Above Lissa de Guzman is Cassie in Theatre Group Asia’s ‘A Chorus Line’
Conrad Ricamora is Zach in Theatre Group Asia’s ‘A Chorus Line’
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Ricamora, celebrated for his roles across Broadway and Hollywood, returns to the stage in his father’s homeland for the first time. The actor, whose recent credits include the Tony-nominated Oh, Mary!, steps into the demanding role of the director and choreographer, the emotional centre of the show. His presence promises the gravitas required to explore Zach’s task of pushing performers to their physical and psychological limits. TGA overall artistic and creative director Clint Ramos notes Ricamora’s ability to embody the character’s necessary authority and fragility, highlighting a brilliance that resonates far beyond Broadway.
De Guzman’s casting as Cassie is described by executive producer Christopher Mohnani as a truly remarkable choice. A Fil-Am artist best known for making history as the first Filipina to play Elphaba in the Wicked Broadway National Tour, De Guzman brings an extraordinary depth to the role of the seasoned dancer who returns to the line. Her pairing with Ricamora forms a compelling dynamic, marking a significant milestone in TGA’s mission to bring international Filipino talent back to Manila.
See also: Clint Ramos launches Theatre Group Asia to spotlight Filipino creatives worldwide
The lineup of A Chorus Line, revealed
The supporting ensemble, selected after an extensive six-month search across New York and key Philippine cities, embodies a convergence of local achievement and international experience. The audition process, which spanned from Manila to Bacolod and Davao, fittingly mirrored the show’s own emotionally charged atmosphere, perfectly captured by the opening refrain, I Hope I Get It.
Among the successful hopefuls is Renee Albulario as Diana Morales, a Fil-Am New York-based artist with Broadway credentials, including assistant director and performer roles. Angelo Soriano, a Manila-born performer with credits in Aladdin and Here Lies Love, takes on Mike Costa. Michaela Marfori, an Orlando native, assumes the role of Bebe Benzenheimer, fresh from appearances in the Broadway National Tour of West Side Story and MJ the Musical.
Jim Ferrer for Theatre Group Asia’s ‘A Chorus Line’
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The remaining cast members present an impressive collection of artists with deep roots in both local and international theatre:
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Jordan Andrews (Al DeLuca): A Pinoy Big Brother alumnus with West End experience in Miss Saigon and The King and I.
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Rapah Manalo (Richie Walters): A familiar presence in Philippine musicals, including Ang Huling El Bimbo and Mula Sa Buwan.
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Ken San Jose (Mark Anthony): A Fil-Am dancer known from World of Dance Philippines.
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Stephen Viñas (Bobby Mills): A Gawad Buhay Award winner with a substantial local theatre portfolio.
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Mikaela Regis (Sheila Bryant): An accomplished performer who is also a Gawad Buhay-nominated playwright.
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Iya Villanueva (Maggie Winslow): Trained in ballet and jazz from a young age, with major local musical appearances.
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Universe Ramos (Paul San Marco): Recently made his Manila debut in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
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Richardson Yadao (Larry): A two-time Gawad Buhay awardee, dancer, educator and choreographer.
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Julio Laforteza (Don Kerr): An NYU Tisch scholar and associate director of Galaw Co Dance Theater.
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Brie Chappell (Val Clark): Trained at prestigious UK performing arts schools.
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Sam Libao (Kristine Urich): Trained with notable Manila dance studios.
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Alyanna Wijangco (Judy Turner)
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Jessica Carmona (Connie Wong): A New York-based Fil-Am performer who trained at Juilliard.
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Luca Olbes (Gregory Gardner): A high-school senior with experience across local musicals and Ballet Philippines.
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Jim Ferrer (Butch Barton): UK credits include Here Lies Love and Matilda.
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Winchester Lopez (Tom Tucker): Dance supervisor and performer in various international runs of Miss Saigon.
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Rofe Villarino (Victor Vickers)
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Lord Kristofer Logmao (Frank): A former UPeepz world champion.
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Paulina Luzuriaga (Tricia)
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Anna del Prado (Lois Dillettente): A former Hong Kong Disneyland performer.
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Vince Denzel Sarra (Roy): Known as “Bomba Ding,” a dancer and drag performer.
Completing the cast are the swings Franco Ramos and Anyah de Guzman.
The show, directed and choreographed by Emmy Award winner and Broadway figure Karla Puno Garcia, runs from March 12–29, 2026, at the New Frontier Theater. As A Chorus Line marks its 50th year, this TGA production honours the groundbreaking legacy of the 1975 original. It presents a stripped-down, emotionally potent look at the lives of the ensemble—the frequently unseen heroes of every musical—offering a timeless story of ambition, individuality and the often hidden sacrifices made in the pursuit of a dream.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
