Inside the Audition Room: A Chorus Line Steps Onto the Manila Stage

A classic Broadway audition story arrives for Manila audiences

By Gilbert Kim Sancha |

March 10, 2026

A line of performers stands beneath the stage lights, each carrying years of training, sacrifice, and hope as they await the decision that could determine their place in the production.

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There are few moments in theater as electric as an audition: a bare stage, a line of dancers, and a single question hanging in the air—who gets the job? That tension—the vulnerability, ambition, and raw honesty behind every performer’s story—is exactly why A Chorus Line endures as one of musical theater’s most beloved works. In fact, many theater fans eagerly anticipate the A Chorus Line Manila musical for its unique local staging.

This March, Manila audiences will experience that magic firsthand as Theater Group Asia brings the iconic musical to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, running from March 12 to 29. Notably, the A Chorus Line Manila musical aims to bring Broadway-level production to local audiences.

Originally conceived in the 1970s from real-life interviews with Broadway dancers, A Chorus Line transformed how audiences see the people behind the glitter. Rather than focusing on a singular star, the musical shines a spotlight on the ensemble—the dancers who form the backbone of every production. Their stories of struggle, heartbreak, and hope unfold during a grueling audition for a Broadway chorus line.

The Manila staging arrives at a landmark moment: the show’s 50th anniversary. Over the decades, the production has collected nearly every major theatrical honor, including multiple Tony Awards and the rare distinction of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Moreover, the new A Chorus Line Manila musical promises to celebrate this rich history by engaging today’s audiences.

Helming this production is Emmy Award–winning director and choreographer Karla Puno Garcia, whose career spans both Broadway and international stages. For Garcia, the show is as much about authenticity as it is spectacle—a philosophy reflected in the casting. Performers were selected through an international search stretching from New York City to several Philippine provinces before gathering in Manila for an intensive rehearsal process.

The search for the “one singular sensation” was a marathon. Following a global talent scout, the final cast emerged from a high-stakes “boot camp” under Puno Garcia’s sharp direction.

The audition stage becomes a space of quiet intensity as dancers gather in formation, embodying the determination and vulnerability that define the pursuit of a life in theater.

Leading the charge is Tony and two-time Grammy nominee Conrad Ricamora as the formidable Zach. Opposite him, Filipino American Broadway triple threat Lissa DeGuzman brings the heart-wrenching role of Cassie to life. The ensemble is a master class in multidisciplinary talent, blending international experience with homegrown excellence. The “line” features seasoned theater staples Angelo Soriano (Mike Costa), Jessica Carmona (Connie Wong), and Universe Ramos, who brings nuanced depth to the role of Paul San Marco.

Performers assemble onstage for a pivotal audition, where discipline, passion, and personal stories converge in the search for a place in the chorus line.

The company is bolstered by Christina Glur as the spirited Diana Morales, Mikaela Regis as the biting Sheila Bryant, and Brie Chappell, who joins from Hong Kong to play Val Clark. Real-world choreography and dance pedagogy collide onstage with Ken San Jose (Mark Anthony), Richardson Yadao (Larry), and Stephen Viñas (Bobby Mills). Rounding out this powerhouse cast are Michaela Marfori (Bebe), Jordan Andrews (Al), Rapah Manalo (Richie), Iya Villanueva (Maggie), Julio Laforteza (Don), Sam Libao (Kristine), and Alyanna Wijangco (Judy). The production also features multidisciplinary artist Lord Kristofer Logmao as Frank and marks the professional debut of Luca Olbes as Greg Gardner. Meanwhile, every cast member of the A Chorus Line Manila musical contributes to an unforgettable stage experience.

Under the glare of the rehearsal lights, aspiring performers hold their positions, representing the dedication and resilience that sustain the world of musical theater.

Beyond the famous characters on the line, the production relies on a vital support system. Anyah Therese de Guzman and Franco Joaquin Ramos serve as the female and male swings—the ultimate chameleons of the theater world who must be ready to step into multiple roles at a moment’s notice.

The rehearsal hall captures the raw energy of an audition, where performers bring their individuality and years of preparation to a single decisive moment.

The world of the audition is further populated by Winchester Lopez (Tom), Jim Andrew Ferrer (Butch), and Rofe Villarino (Victor), alongside the electric presence of drag performer and dancer Vince Denzel Sarra (Roy). Completing the company are Paulina Luzuriaga (Tricia) and Anna Del Prado (Lois Dillettente), each contributing to the rich, lived-in atmosphere of a rehearsal hall where every face tells a story.

Behind the scenes, the creative team reflects the production’s international reach. Associate Director Jamie Wilson and Associate Choreographer JM Cabling help shape the movement, while set designer Miguel Urbino and costume designer Kat Ibasco build the visual world. Lighting designer Cha See and sound designer Megumi Katayama complete the technical landscape, while Music Director Farley Asuncion conducts Marvin Hamlisch’s unforgettable score.

Despite its accolades, the power of A Chorus Line remains remarkably simple. Strip away the sets and costumes, and what remains are human stories—performers chasing a dream that is both fragile and fiercely pursued. Five decades later, the question remains the same: who among the hopefuls will step forward and earn their place in the line? In conclusion, the excitement around the A Chorus Line Manila musical is a testament to its enduring appeal and relevance today.