Theater Group Asia’s star-studded production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods is fast approaching—and tickets have already sold out.
When Theater Group Asia (TGA) first announced its upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, the excitement was palpable. Even more so as cast announcements began trickling in over the weeks, resulting in what one can only describe as a powerhouse ensemble. With only a few days left until the production’s 24-show run from August 7 to 31, 2025, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, anticipation continues to intensify.
“We are brimming with excitement. Everyone has been working so passionately, and we can’t wait to welcome the audience into the captivating world […],” shares Tony Award-winner Clint Ramos, TGA’s Overall Artistic and Creative Director.
The show sold out in record two hours prompting the producers to lineup additional shows due to the public demand. During a special press briefing, cast and crew were sharing anecdotes of the long, snaking lines comprising viewers of all ages.
“We are amazed by the public’s reception. This only proves that theater in the Philippines is so alive!” expresses TGA Executive Director Christopher Mohnani. “We can’t wait to unleash the magic and share with everyone this impeccable theater work.”
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Into the Woods: An All-Star Filipino Cast Unlike Any Other
Helming the TGA production of Into the Woods is director Chari Arespacochaga, who’s been hard at work overseeing the show’s month-long rehearsals. “Working with some of the country’s and the world’s best performers has been such a joy,” she shares. “My role is to tap into this world-class collection of artists and give them the avenue to reveal their characters in a way that’s faithful to the narrative. It’s all about celebrating our joint love for the craft and providing the audience with a memorable theater experience.”
What makes the production stand out, among other things, is its sheer amount of exceptional Filipino talent. Think of some of the most respected people in the musical theater industry, and chances are, they’re there.
Leading this amazing ensemble is Olivier and Tony Award-winning icon Lea Salonga, who’ll be playing The Witch, marking her grand return to the Philippine musical scene. Meanwhile her son, Nic Chien, will be making his exciting Philippine theatre debut as Jack. The cast also includes a roster of Filipino-American talents who are experiencing their homeland for the very first time. These include Filipino-American Broadway star Arielle Jacobs, who plays Cinderella; and theater and television actor Josh Dela Cruz, who stars as both Prince Charming and The Wolf.
Homegrown talents include Philippine comedy legend Eugene Domingo as Jack’s mother; seasoned stage performers Nyoy and Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as The Baker and The Baker’s Wife; international performer Joreen Bautista as Rapunzel; celebrated singer and actor Mark Bautista as Rapunzel’s Prince; breakout star Teetin Villanueva as Little Red Riding Hood; acclaimed actresses Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Sarah Facuri, and Kakki Teodoro as Cinderella’s evil step mother and sisters; award-winning Carla Guevara Laforteza as Granny and The Giant; veteran thespian Jamie Wilson as Cinderella’s Father and The Steward; and theater impresario Rody Vera as The Narrator. Covers include Ima Castro, Niño Alejandro, Jillian Ita-As, and Jep Go.
Creating Magic On The Stage
A collection of renowned, multi-awarded creatives from the Philippines and beyond are bringing Sondheim’s theatrical magic to life behind the scenes. These include the show’s Music Director Gerard Salonga, Set Designer Ohm David, Costume Designer Raven Ong, Lighting Designer Cha See, and Sound Designer Megumi Takayama.
They are joined by Associate Musical Director Farley Asunción, Assistant Costume Designer Hershee Tantiado, Associate Lighting Director Meliton Roxas, Associate Sound Designer Aron Roca, Choreographer Cecile Martinez, Vocal Coach Manman Angsico, Multimedia Designer GA Fallarme, Hair and Makeup Designer Johann dela Fuente, and Puppet Designer Aina Bonifacio Ramolete (with puppet execution by National Artist Amelia Bonifacio’s Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas).
Into the Woods is the first official production of TGA, apart from last year’s theater breakout show Request sa Radyo, directed by the late theater maverick and TGA co-founder Bobby Garcia.
“We are committed to exalting Filipino artistry. TGA is a powerhouse collective of globally renowned and locally celebrated Filipino artists intent on cultivating connections and engaging with Filipino audiences,” Ramos muses. “We aim to foster more creative dialogues between global theater artists of Filipino heritage based abroad and talented local artists in the Philippines. It is about learning from both ends and presenting world-class theater by Filipinos for Filipinos. This is an earnest goal we shared with Bobby.”
Mohnani ends, “This show—together with our various theater community learning initiatives such as our mentoring sessions under The Bobby Garcia Initiative—is our way of honoring Bobby’s legacy. He was a true lover of the arts and of Philippine talent. We celebrate and honor his contributions through this and our forthcoming production of A Chorus Line, slated March 2026.”
Into the Woods is made possible by Ayala Land, BPI, Ayala Corporation, Philippine Airlines and Custom Clubmakers. With additional support from Make It Makati, SEDA Residences Makati, Ayala Malls, Circuit Makati, The City Flats Circuit, Panasonic, MQ Lighting, SoundCheck, Mac Cosmetics, SSI and The Specialist, Pitchworks Incorporated, and BYD Vehicles.
For more information about TGA, “Into The Woods”, and the upcoming “A Chorus Line,” please visit www.theatregroupasia.com, or follow Facebook and Instagram @theatregroupasia.
Photos courtesy of Theater Group Asia and Visions & Expressions.
