Cover Arielle Jacobs to join Lea Salonga in Cinderella: Into the Woods PH staging (Photo: Getty Images / Bruce Glikas)
Arielle Jacobs to join Lea Salonga in Cinderella: Into the Woods PH staging (Photo: Getty Images / Bruce Glikas)
1 / 1
Filipino-American Broadway star Arielle Jacobs is joining Lea Salonga in the upcoming Philippine run of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods’ this August
Theatre Group Asia (TGA) has announced that New York-based Fil-Am Broadway star Arielle Jacobs will step into the Glass Slipper for the Philippine production of Stephen Sondenheim’s Into The Woods coming this August at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
Jacobs, who was born in San Francisco to a Filipino mother and an American-Jewish father, joins Lea Salonga, who will play The Witch.
“TGA aims to foster connections and open conversations between artists of Filipino heritage from the international theatre community and local performers who do stellar work in the Philippines,” says TGA creative and founding collaborator Clint Ramos.
In case you missed it: Lea Salonga on having her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Singapore
Above Arielle Jacobs and Lea Salonga chat at a meet & greet for the Broadway musical ‘Here Lies Love’ at Rehearsal Room at The Church of St Paul the Apostle on May 9, 2023 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)
Arielle Jacobs and Lea Salonga chat at a meet & greet for the Broadway musical ‘Here Lies Love’ at Rehearsal Room at The Church of St Paul the Apostle on May 9, 2023 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
This is a role I’ve always wanted to play. To be playing it while sharing the stage with my friend and hero, Lea Salonga, on a Philippine stage is a dream come true on so many levels
“It is about learning from both ends and presenting world-class theatre by Filipinos for Filipinos,” Ramos adds.
Into The Woods will be Jacobs’ first full-length musical in the Philippines. “We are happy she can bring her experience and talent to our production—at the same time, she gets the chance to discover more about her heritage and roots.”
Jacobs’ Broadway credits include playing Nina Rosario in In the Heights, Nessarose in Wicked, Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, and Imelda in Here Lies Love. The Broadway star also took part in the Florida production of Into The Woods, playing the Baker’s Wife.
“This is a role I’ve always wanted to play. To be playing it while sharing the stage with my friend and hero, Lea Salonga, on a Philippine stage is a dream come true on so many levels,” Jacobs says about her upcoming role.
More from Tatler: On Centre Stage: Lea Salonga looks back at her iconic roles and shares why self-care matters
Above NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 11: Arielle Jacobs poses at the opening night of the new musical "Between The Lines" at The Second Stage Tony Kiser Theatre on July 11, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 11: Arielle Jacobs poses at the opening night of the new musical "Between The Lines" at The Second Stage Tony Kiser Theatre on July 11, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)
1 / 1
Jacobs reveals that it has been her dream to perform in front of a Filipino crowd. “I am filled with joy. I have long wished to perform in the Philippines. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to bring my art back to where my family came from, for the Filipino people I love so much, and in a show that is very special and dear to my heart,” she says.
“As a kid, this musical was one of the first cast albums I heard. It has been my favourite show ever since! The lyrics ask us to think deeply and differently about the world and how things are often complex and not as one-sided as they may seem at first glance,” Jacobs concludes.
NOW READ
Ballet Philippines’ ‘Peter Pan’ takes the stage this December
From Cinderella to Encanto: Have Children's Films Evolved to Empower the Youth?
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
