Saw it last night, and you can really tell that everyone at the end was impacted by the dissonant nature of how the story slowly devolved. It was a party, but it highlighted the gross nature of how things were happening. I’m not Filipino, but left the theatre googling about Filipino history.
This video is EXACTLY the kind of conversation that the show is properly inspiring! The discomfort you feel at cheering on and dancing for the fascists is EXACTLY analogous to what the Filipino people may have felt when the Marcoses were swindling the country. When the fantasy of the disco disappears with Imelda, and the peaceful People Power Revolution emerges as a heartfelt acoustic chorus of pure human vocals, it’s symbolic of the humans who eventually brought the Philippines to peace for a time. That peace is precious and fleeting, and if we don’t continue fighting for it, we are doomed to repeat the horrors. #PresidentBongBong
Thank you for a great and honest critique. As a person who witnessed the People Power revolution as a 13-year old, I, too was perplexed about the show and how authentic the portrayal will be of the infamy of the Marcos’. So many people suffered under that regime. I’m planning to go to NY in a couple of months to watch it so your review came in handy!
So you were 13 during the EDSA revolution and you witnessed it. Your knowledge about the Marcos’ infamy was obviously what was fed to you by the bias media. I know because that was what I believed too that’s why I marched in EDSA as a 26 yr old doctor. Yes, I lived the entire Marcos regime. I was a teenager unable to stay in parties past 12 midnight because of the curfew for several years. Marcos was overthrown and it went downhill thenceforth. I saw how the Aquinos betrayed the Filipinos until I could not take it anymore so I left and migrated to the States right before Noynoy’s term. Life was so much better under Marcos. Public hospitals were free and were better equipped and maintained; housing projects for the squatters were beautiful (BLISS); livelihood programs were accessible by the poor; rice production was at its peak. We exported then; universities in Manila ranked high in the world. Not a single Philippine university is in the top 500 now. If Marcos was evil, the Aquinos were the demons - Satan personified including Kris. I don’t know what the musical’s message is, but Imelda did more good for the country than the Aquinos and the whole liberal party ever did.
As a non-filipino who got this musical in Broadway roulette, didn't know the history, and didn't initially vibe with with the show, I think your review contextualized a lot for me and I wish I could see it again. I will say I sat in the upper mezzanine (couldn't control the seats we got) and I think the experience was clearly much stronger closer to the stage. So, if anyone reading this is thinking of going, I'd recommend picking seats as close to the stage as you can but I agree 'the blender' isn't for everyone. Seeing Lea Salogna perform was an incredible treat of a lifetime (obvs). But aside from her performance, even though the singers were INSANELY talented, I didn't vibe with most of the music. I encourage people who are thinking of seeing it and *don't* know the history this is one I would look up the story first. The show does explain the history (be at through one perspective), but I missed soooo much nuance as I was just trying to follow the story. I've thought about this musical a lot since seeing it and I can't say that about a lot of productions. I'm glad this review and this show exists! Thank you!
This is pure gold what you shared. I appreciate that as a non-Filipino, you gave a perspective on what made sense for you and what didn’t, not having a lot of background knowledge of the history going into the show. It’s incredible that the show captured your interest in that you continue to think about it and marinate on what you liked and didn’t like. Grateful you shared these thoughts! Maraming salamat! 🙏🏽
I saw the show in previews before it was locked so I'm not sure how different the tone was in the final locked production, but when I saw it I definitely felt a heavy weight over me at the end and got much more of the sinister undertones to Imelda and did not leave the show feeling sympathetic for her despite the poppy light tone it started with. There are ways it could've gone deeper for sure, and I'm not Filipino so I'm not in a position to fully judge every facet of what this show does, but the version of the show that I saw was more nuanced and interesting than what was described here.
Interesting! This makes me wish I had also seen the previous iterations of the show before it landed on Broadway. I can only imagine how much this show has evolved with each staging. Thank you for your thoughts and perspective!
Half-filipina here. Thank you for such a nuanced review. I am curious if there was an intentionally on the up beat "get up and dance vibe" with the grotesque cost of life and money spent. Like when people are rocking out to "Born in the USA."
Nice critique. I asked my filipina fiancé about Imelda. She grew up in Mawab, and what she remembers is people loving her - the perception = she tried to keep people safe from the warlords that were so bad down there. Obviously, there are so many opinions about her. I'm taking my palangga as soon as she's living here, for sure. 😊
@@TESZMillan Imelda Marcos and her family were never protectors and helpers of Filipino families. It's unfortunate that false information has been spread. Many Filipino Americans migrated to the US to escape the horrors of a generation when Imelda Marcos and her family imposed tyranny upon the Filipino nation.
Thanks for your passionate and astute analysis of HERE LIES LOVE.I saw the show 10 years ago at The Public and from your review I gather that the creatives did not deepen the story. The original version came across as a very shallow EVITA, which does delve into Eva Perón's dark ambitions. Tim Rice's book is genius because it presents Eva as both the villain and heroin of her story. That being said, HERE LIES LOVE was thrilling and the concept and music are highly theatrical and make for a deceptively entertaining night.
Really interesting to hear your take on what the show was like 10 years ago… in a way, I wish I could have seen them as well to have a frame of reference of how the artistic vision has evolved.
Just hearing about this play made me (causian) look into the story, watch the documentary Kingmaker and find videos like yours. Even if the play doesn't tell the whole story, hopefully it continues to open the door so people can find your and other accurate and informative content.
Thanks for this video! I agree that there are so many mixed emotions watching the show. I was 8 when we immigrated to the US from the Philippines so I wasn't aware of the history. All I remember as a child is that he was president and she was the first lady--I had no idea what martial law was! Fast forward to now. I had seen the off-Broadway production and loved it so I got tix to see this show. My friend and I had floor seats this past week and also loved this version, even though it wasn't very different from the original. Oh, I have to mention that if you decide to see it again, being on the floor is such a unique experience. My friend and I are under 5ft and the pink jumpsuited ushers were always conscious that we were up front where we could see. Anyway, one of my takeaways from this show is that moment you mentioned where everybody is dancing and having a good time, and yet Ninoy is standing there not happy with what's going on. I had a good time, yes, but definitely this makes me want to do more research. Thanks again!
I will definitely see the show from the dance floor knowing the pink jumpsuit ushers are thoughtful to those who are shorter. What an incredible perspective you have having moved from the Philippines during that time in history.
I saw the production when it was at The Public Theatre. I get what you are aching that is lacking, i still support friends that are in the cast. I still pray that our creatives will come out with a Pinoy story and Music, told with all the complex flavor of being a Pinoy.
This was very informative. I hope people will still support this even after Lea left the show because there was an increase of ticket sales when Lea started to be a part of the cast. What can you say about Lea's Just ask the flowers? that's my favorite part.
Thanks for this. I so want to see this, have tried, no success as of yet, but I will make it. Pride to the Philippine community, I come from the disco era here so I will immerse myself in it all
THANK YOU so much for this. I saw the show while it was in previews (saw the first performance of their final/baked version of the show leading toward opening night). Had the very same guttural response you spoke to in your video -I started out dancing and getting hype in the beginning, then struggled as the story went along (struggled more so with reconciling what the moments they were describing in the show meant to me historically vs. how it was portrayed to the rest of the “club”…). I literally would look at the people dancing around me and say to myself “If they only knew…” until i reminded myself to fix my face in case someone noticed. 🥴I left the show feeling amazed (all-Filipino cast, Lea, Broadway theater, Filipino story holding space ON Broadway -yes please!), but also feeling so confused about how I felt. And that feeling lasted for days. With the dust now settled, and opening night behind us all, your analysis perfectly mirrors what I had been feeling all along, and I thank you for being able to eloquently speak to that feeling. I feel you 1,000%. Thanks again, and paalam!
I am so grateful for your words. You heard me. And I am thankful you reflected back your own feelings about the experience. I hear you, Kapwa. Maraming Salamat!🙇🏻♀️
Yes it's ironic that a play is based on the ugly side of our history Imelda is loved and hated and still enjoying all the comforts of life But I don't regret joining all the Makati and EdSA rallies to fight for our freedom
Thank you for this very thoughtful and informative review! There are some people that simply love or hate the show, but there is a lot of nuance to it, too. I will say - you should also try watching the show on the dance floor. I'm shorter than you (just under 4'11"!) and as long as you are right next to the "blender" (center platform), you won't really have any problem with tall people. And there are several moments where the action can be seen on video shown throughout the theater (on the main video screen and the panels on the sides of the theater). You have such an interesting perspective (how many people can say they have met and spoken with Imelda?!?!?). I saw the show once off-Broadway and three times on Broadway, and I will say that I didn't get the sense that Imelda was *simply* a victim. I feel later in the show she is making her own decisions. And Imelda might play the victim with "Why Don't You Love Me?" but that doesn't mean we are supposed to believe she really is one. I feel like the show is like a disco mirror ball - so many facets to it. Does the show glorify Imelda? In a way, it does. The clapping and cheering and dancing they make the audience do - you're getting the feel for what it was like for the Filipino people who did support Marcos. But there is also condemnation of the Marcos regime. You are right - the show is glossy. The story could be deeper and darker. But truly, the show could be 3 hours long and probably not be "true" or "real" enough to talk about Imelda and that part of Filipino history - written by a Filipino or non-Filipino. I think there are non-Filipinos who enjoy the show and learn a lot about the atrocities during the Marcos regime. I just think that most audiences talk about (and use soundbites about) how fun the show is and not about the history lesson. David Byrne is not Filipino, but he did a lot of research and has said a lot of the lyrics in the show came from direct quotes of Imelda, Ferdinand, Ninoy and the Filipino people. I think the show is a great entertainment. I think the show is a great conversation starter and jumping off point to learn more about Filipino history. I think the show is an awesome showcase for Filipino talent. (Watching 18 Filipinos on stage performing their hearts out! Hell yeah!) I really hope many people check it out. They will have a good time and they will most likely learn something about Filipino history. P.S. Lea Salonga *IS* amazing in the show, but she has a very small role. She is in the show for about 5 minutes and only has one song. Lea extended her run in the show to Aug. 19, but don't let not seeing Lea deter you from going to the show. It's still the same show!
I sympathize with your conflict. I’m going to see it next week. The probs with the show are ongoing probs in American life much less American theater. But, selfishly, I just can’t wait to hit the dance floor!
@@TESZMillan Thanks for asking… Well... The extent of my Filipino history knowledge was/is limited. I know the names of the Marcos’ and Aquino’s, and martial law, and that’s about it. For me, the show is a success, because after watching it, I found myself digging a little deeper into the history. If that was the goal of the producers, they succeeded in that regard. For the music, I’m gonna be doing more research on that. I’m wondering if the vibes are from the disco era, it’s a genre I’m not the most familiar with. Definitely a fun party nonetheless. The cast was so good! Again, I didn’t know the history, and never even listened to the album, but Estrellas character singing When she passed by… I almost cried. Lol. The experience: something different, something I haven’t seen before. I definitely recommend this show to anyone. I definitely want to see it again.
Here’s the KICKER. IF there were no prominent “BIG name white creatives” initiating this show there would be NO SHOW highlighting world-class Filipino Talents. It would be dead in the water. Showbusiness is STILL “business” and it needed some well-known, tried & tested Broadway creatives - white as they may be, to initiate the project & see it to fruition. I do NOT believe the Filipinos involved in HERE LIES LOVE would agree to be part of a show that did not have a kernel of Truth or if our people were depicted inaccurately. I do NOT believe that celebrities like LEA SALONGA, JOKOY, H.E.R. , CLINT RAMOS, etc. would agree to co-produce the show IF there were questionable elements in the show that strayed too much from History that disgraced us as a people & nation. And actually the show (though it does not showcase her “eponymous shoe inventory”) contrary to hear-say, & speculation the show does NOT glamorize or vindicate Imelda Marcos/Marcoses. In fact this show especially in the ending is more unkind to her than the way EVITA sweetened Evita Perón’s character. You cannot REALISTICALLY tell or include “everything” in a 90-minute non-stop musical. That’s waay too much to unload & demand from a Musical. The LEAST it can do is create a curiosity & a thirst for Filipinos & non-Filipinos alike to do more RESEARCH about the Marcoses, Martial Law, the US Colonialism of the Philippines its good, not so good, & damaging short & long term effects on our country. As far as I know, “HERE LIES LOVE” was NEVER intended to be the “fruit or the flower” to address our social ills & our penchant (like the Americans whom we idolize & look up to* sic!) for NOT learning from our Past. At best, it hopes to PLANT THE SEED of telling the FULL story of the Philippines & the Filipinos …& the Marcoses - especially for those who did not grow up during the Martial Law Years & were FED a revisionist sanitized version of the Marcos Regime. Hopefully it will STIMULATE meaningful research & discussion of the Real Marcos Legacy & its beneficial or deleterious effects in our Present & Future as a people & as a nation --ONLY TIME will tell. P.S. I truly understand how uncomfortable it IS to have non-Filipinos tell our story through “THEIR WORDS & MUSIC”. The same so-called White Savior Syndrome that became problematic with THE HELP movie, etc. The hope is that as WE GET OUR FEET THROUGH THE BROADWAY DOOR, we can soon take that mic from them and say, “We’ll take it from here thank you, & tell OUR STORY, OUR WAY.” The trick is to GET OUR FOOT IN FIRST ON BROADWAY & PROVE AS A DEMOGRAPHIC THAT WE HAVE PRODUCIBLE MATERIAL THAT PEOPLE WILL PAY $$$ TO HEAR OUR STORIES. *CAPS - not yelling/screaming just for emphasis since #%&! Apple would NOT add an italics feature in their keyboard.
Bravo. All very well expressed. Thank you for sharing the many layers of thoughts you have around this show. It’s really great and much appreciated. 🙏🏽
Thank you for this thought provoking review. I want to see the show and this is a perfect teaser for me. You gave some interesting facts that make me wonder the untimely release when Bong Bong is now the President. $22 million budget, I wonder who "produced" the musical.
Thank you for such an in-depth review of this musical. I have heard so many varied comments and opinions and reviews of the show and of her and they all so different depending on who is making these comments. My partner is Filipino and his mother was a child during period of marshal law. Before this musical, I knew very little about her. I learned a little in high school of what was going on. But mostly, if people (non-Filipino) know her name, its mostly because of her shoes. But after an in-depth conversation with my partner about Imelda and Ninoy, I heard many different, varied thoughts on the things that happened. One thing he mentioned to me that really hit home was the fact that it was the Marcoses who built and created the schools and hospitals and did their best to help the people of the Philippines. He also mentioned that after their exile to Hawaii, and Ninoy's assassination, Ninoy's wife took power but did nothing at all to help the people. Obviously, this is only rumour, but it is believed that it was actually Ninoy's wife who had Ninoy assassinated, because of his (still ongoing) connection to Imelda...and his wife's desire for the same power Imelda once had. One thing I mentioned to my partner was that history is written by the winner(s). So, the story is always askew favouring the side that survived to tell the story. I then tried googling to find out if Imelda (still alive at the time of this comment) had written a book of her own to tell her side of the story. I could not find anything. Lots of books about her. But none written by her or at least written for her. It is so rare in a "battle" like this for both sides to survive yet for the world not to know the actual facts of the entire story. One thing I will say personally that I found so interesting about her (still to this day) is comments she herself made especially in relation to money. Many have called her greedy. And she will openly admit to that. In her opinion, you have to be greedy to get the money before you can help the people. If this was true, why was all that money seized from their Swiss bank accounts? If you needed the money to help the people, it never needed to leave the Philippines. And one final quote of hers I saw this morning...“If you know how rich you are, you are not rich. But me, I am not aware of the extent of my wealth. That’s how rich we are.” I look forward to hopefully seeing this musical on Broadway later this year. I definitely prefer to be moved. Touched. Sure, dancing and clapping...but I know that I will be able to read between the lines when things start to go dark. Thanks again!
Wow - I have goosebumps reading your comment. Thank you for sharing all of this with me. What I love is that it's not just a recount of what you heard, but also what you thought about what you heard. That is SO IMPORTANT. Definitely come back and let me know your thoughts when you see the musical. I'd love to hear what you get from the experience and what else you learn about her along the way.
A really interesting, compelling & also complex review. The moment of catching yourself as an audience member if you should dance / clap… whoa. I look forward to seeing the show. Thank you for sharing your view, Tesz.
This is such a great review. I had no idea what to think of the show when I got out. This really helps put in perspective a lot of things I was feeling. I don't think the dance party element was dissonant ENOUGH and clear enough that it was making this eerie counterpoint. It felt like they still wanted it to be an actual fun show, there was never a turn that clearly clearly criticized the dance party and why are we dancing I felt. That concept IS interesting and compelling and theatrical. I just don't think they dug deep enough and really mined this rich intense complicated person like you said. I also think it didn't do the story favors to make it a tight 90 minute one act.
I saw the show last week. My first reaction was that the show was less substantial and more disjointed than I had hoped. But I find it has stayed with me more than other shows - I'm looking up the lyrics, even thinking of going again. I think you captured the potential controversies fairly. Yes, it makes Imelda glamorous and interesting, and yes that may overshadow the later plot points listing the Marcos's depredations. But to be fair to the show, the negativity is there - it's not a whitewash of the Marcos family. I also think Arielle Jacobs's performance as the young Imelda is stronger than her characterization of the mature Imelda, the dictator's wife and accomplice. Jacobs doesn't project the icy charm, the self-interested calculation, the intense self-control, that people with power often show. I think that skews the audience towards a more sympathetic view of Imelda than they might have with a more ferocious leading actress. For the other side of Imelda, see this music video of one of the songs in the show - with clips of the real Imelda charming, and no doubt manipulating, a gallery of world leaders... ua-cam.com/video/0Q9cW9dIoyk/v-deo.html Thanks again.
Thank YOU for sharing this music video with me and for your thoughts on the show. I, too, want to see it again and see how it lands for me the second time around. And I agree with you about Arielle’s performance. You went a step further in describing how it was portrayed and possibly interpreted and I agree with you.
When you said that no one, not even the people closest to Imelda, truly understand the inner workings of her, that really resonated with me. I have been researching Imelda for about two years now and someone once told me that I "Knew so much about her and should write a book about her." But the thing is, as much as I have read about her, as many interviews as I have watched with her, and everything else, I feel like I still am in the dark about her really, and I think that for me to write a book about her wouldn't bring anything new to the table and would be somewhat disingenuous. I still don't really know what to make of her. She's just so perplexing in a way that's kind of frustrating. I own a book she wrote called "The Circles of Life." I don't think it was ever really published, so it's very difficult to find it. I think that she gave them out to people who visited her or something. The book is signed by her to a woman named "Evelyn." It is really odd to read because she has all these diagrams that to her represent the true meaning of life. She has a circle that represents "The Whole Man." But if you take part of the whole man out, it is a "Pacman." I think that the book is prefaced with her saying something like (I'm quoting from memory here, so it might be quite accurate): "There have been many things written about me and my life, but they have only barely scratched the surface. In this book, I intend to show the world the real Imelda." But what's crazy is that after reading it, all I got out of it was that she holds some at least unorthodox beliefs about spirituality, and philosophy. I think that even if I met her like you did, I still wouldn't come close to truly understanding her.
Amazing review. I went in totally blind, and as much fun as I had, I walked away with a heavy heart, going down wikapedia rabbit holes about Ninoy and the Marcoses. I feel like "God Draws a Straight Line" at the end really snapped me back, and helped to ground everything at the end, but I definitely walked away not knowing if we should love or hate Imelda. I personally feel like as much of a whirlwind as the show was, it really would've benefited from some dramatic dialogue. I think the character of Imelda in the show suffered from not having real perspective in the show. I also agree with your opinions about Arielle.... I walked out the most impacted by Ninoy and Ricamora's performance because, you walk out of there knowing EXACTLY who that man was. Oh man. I feel like I have to go back to see it again lol
Yes! He was the character that I felt had the most depth and showed the most complexity. And yes, I would have liked to have seen that more, especially with Imelda. I feel like Ferdinand was also a shadow character of what he could have / should have been. And YES, I feel like I have to go back and see it again. And from the dance floor next time.
Great analysis, T⭐. History is nuanced. Memories are not video-playbacks of what happened but a collective recall of specific experiences, with details lost and enhanced. This is also one telling, that is filtered through a specific (entertainment-oriented) lens, as you pointed out. I'm sure folks who experienced Eva Perrone and Evita would have similar, conflicting feelings.
@@TESZMillan I'm proud of you and glad you covered this. And you made all really good points. I think you should continue to cover more nuanced, gray areas in the arena you've chosen to dive into. There is no wrong answer, and I think it's great that you can share what you're thinking and feeling about it. I'm sure others can relate!
Most welcome! I was on the side, front row, above the dance floor. If you’re looking at the stage, I was on the right, pretty much in the middle of that side section.
To be fair, the book and the lyrics are by David Byrne, who is not Filipino. We still need to wait for an all-Filipino made musical/play about the Marcoses.
Saw show yesterday as a non Filipino. I didn't read it as a realistic portrayal of the period. There were a few moments when I thought the storyline was heavy and some of the Filipino people were laughing. Glad I went to see it. I did find the lead actress to be more delicate then the historical Imelda. I then realized that its a Broadway Musical and not a strict historical portrayal.
I had the original Here Lies Love CD. Gave it away. The tracks was confusing; Imelda's were about 3 artists singing; Natalie Merchant, Cyndi Lauper & Tori Amos.
This is amazingly generous and insightful. I saw it at the Public, twice, with Jaygee Macapugay as Imelda. She is still the stand-by and she was incredible, but yes, i would have loved to have seen Ruthie Ann Miles (who, IMHO, walked away with the show in King and I). For the reasons you lay out so well, I don't think there's really a precedent or analog for this show--okay, a little bit, Evita. Eva is long dead as a person, but very much alive as a cultural force (and Peronism as a force in Argentine politics). You could talk about the Verdi's historic operas. Or, how Sweeny Todd evokes enormous emotion--about cannibalism. Anyway, David Byrne leveraged his considerable clout to make this show happen and he is, first and foremost--like you--a creative. A creator. Also: if you look at the bios--in any show--of actors from Southeast Asia, you will see them bounce back and forth between Miss Saigon, King and I, to a lesser degree Flower Drum Song and Pacific Overtures. These people are working actors, and this is a big piece of work for them, a true Broadway credit on their resume. A friend of mine sat in on auditions for NY City Opera's "Porgy and Bess," and it was exhausting: there were HUNDREDS of African-American classical singers who could NAIL the show. The supply: demand ratio is brutal, particularly for BIPOC performers, but even for standard-issue Caucasians, it waxes and wanes, depending on the type needed for current shows (see, for example, Book of Mormon). Anyway GREAT work here!
Wow! You really know your Broadway. Thank you for connecting this piece to the many pieces in Broadway’s history that have bearing on this show’s relevance, in particular, for the inclusion (or lack thereof) of BIPOC performers. This is very important information you share and a really good perspective, as well. Salamat! 🤎🙏🏽
So, tell MORE Filipino stories! This is just one - one point of view. And this is a very insightful critique. Nothing wrong with this show, even though it just scratches the surface. Just make more Filipino stories.
I saw the show last night and did not think that it portrayed Imelda Marcos in a positive light but it definitely did not really clue you into how powerful she actually was. It gives hints of this and does make you a bit uncomfortable but not very explicitly
I saw this with most of the audience, that they didn’t pick up on the layers of complexity in the show. So, in that sense, you can walk away from the show with your own interpretation of what you saw.
Great commentary Tesz. Interesting and highly informative. Perhaps the word you were at a loss for in describing Imelda was, “Gravitas”? 🤷🏻♂️ Don’t know if it’s true, But I heard that Imelda rallied against the show,”Evita” coming to the Philippines because the story was too close to her own. Anyway, I enjoyed your piece. Keep up the great work!
Yes , the movie Evita starring Faye Dunaway was banned from being shown in the Philippines. Imelda didn't like being compared to Evita Peron. She reportedly said to the comparison , " I was never a prostitute". But despite the ban my whole family was able to watch a bootleg betamax copy of the movie.
excellent summary of your experience seeing this show. This show is not at the top of my list for must see because I yearn to see other shows having not enough income to attend very popular broadways shows of interest to me
I think a non-Filipino writing about Philippine history provides a objective viewpoint of how to see the “facts” of Philippine history. It would be difficult for someone who experienced the regime to exclude his unconscious bias (pro or con) in interpreting the “facts”.
That’s a really compelling perspective. While I agree with you that it’s difficult to separate bias having a personal connection to a moment I history, I think there is also a bias that exists for those who have no connection.
I think this show in several years is gonna be looked back at like those dated old Hollywood portrayals of real people films. Fun and entertaining and interesting but ultimately they didn't find it and lock into something lasting.
Thank you for posting this. I am actually going to see the show this Sunday and taking my cousin. I am Filipino, born in the US and remember seeing the downfall on the news in the 80s, so I am aware of Imelda Marcos. My cousin is younger, was not alive when the regime came down, and only read about the negative stuff about Imelda when we were texting the other day. I am a big fan of David Byrne (and also Fatboy Slim) so I am familiar with the original concept album. I really found it fascinating that they would collaborate on an album with Imelda as the focus. I have followed the development of the music from the off-broadway production in 2013 to the London and Seattle productions. When I found about the show would be produced on Broadway and would have an all Filipino cast, I knew I had to see it. I saw David Byrne's American Utopia twice - I am a fan so I am sure the production will be wonderful. But knowing about some of the history of Imelda (the negative stuff) - I also had reservations. But I felt it was important to support this show and the Filipino artists bringing this to life. I really appreciate what you have to say about the show and look forward to seeing it this Sunday. I hope this is just the beginning of more Filipino stories to be told.
Did see the show and enjoyed it! Wish you would have talked about the song and monologue over the people power revolution. This show is PRO DEMOCRACY. Yes it was a lil Rosie in Imelda’s depiction, but wouldn’t say it glorifies facism. The dancing comment was interesting too, I ended dancing as well. Then questioned why I was, felt intentional in a way. We get wrapped up in things before we have time to question what’s going on, like the common folked did.
Great perspective - thank you for sharing your thoughts and reactions. I didn’t think much of the music, so these parts escaped me, but I did love Aquino’s (Conrad’s) voice. He was my favorite of the show.
My view is that the beginning is showing Imelda as a little Bambi eyed baby just to show the juxtaposition of the terrible things she does later. And her last song is there just to show that she truly does not see what she’s doing is wrong even though she was a literal dictator that had gotten so many people killed. (But not as an excuse, more as a “can you believe this?!”) And that’s the whole point of the show. It’s trying to propagandize you into having fun just so they can pull the rug out from underneath you in the third act. Thank you for your review. It leaves me with a lot to think about.
It’s a Broadway show; it is a point of view; it is a small part of a complex story. Hopefully , it will awaken the mind and stir the heart of those who see it. Thanks for sharing your valuable, delicately delivered opinion.
Imelda Marcos and her family were never protectors and helpers of Filipino families. It's unfortunate that false information has been spread."Here Lies Love" is one of the various propaganda narratives that the family and their steadfast supporters continue to disseminate even today. To portray her as remarkable or label her as a powerhouse, using positive descriptions, undermines the Filipino nation, particularly those who suffered and perished during their reign of power.
I hear you… the thing is, though, my descriptions are not necessarily positively meant. She does have a lot of power over politics, her followers, public opinion - making her a powerhouse. Remarkable is also not necessarily positively meant - many terrible, horrible people in history are remarkable. They are notable. They have their place in history. But the way we view them is up to us alone. I see your opinion, and I honor it as such.
Just a thought...is it possible that the portrayal is purposefully told from Imelda's POV, hence why she it's told as if she's a victim? In the end, though, the audience seems to understand that she's more than a victim. It's a very, very controversial and subtle story to tell, but I think it actually has room for all these facets to co-exist. I saw the show twice in Seattle, by the way, and after the show both groups of people I went with had substantial discussions after the show. In the end, I think you can have a good time, dance, and still have deep thoughts.
Is Imelda really that clueless? In the 2003 Imelda documentary by Ramona Diaz, (which i believe the writer of the musical must have seen), she is shown still obssessed with Love, Beauty and Truth. She is handing out 1K bills to the masses, as if in her belief, it would alleviate the massive socio-economic inequalities of the country.
I’m not sure I’d call it clueless… the feeling I got when I met her is she was hyper focused on her mission. What exactly that mission is, I’m not sure we’ll ever know.
I appreciate your perspective, especially because I’ve heard numerous people say this about her as well. I think because there are many who feel the opposite way, makes her complex. Whether she is complex or not, we, as spectators, make her more complex in our many opinions of her.
@@hjon9119 If you’re asking me (I don’t know who relyn is), I’ve spent time with Imelda on a brief and casual level, but I also know of the many terrible things she is accused of.
@@hjon9119 This is such a typical Filipino response, fail to acknowledge facts let alone engage in any substantial discussion and strawman the age of someone. My age, your age nor the age of anyone else has no bearing in this discussion. Imelda is the epitome of a narcissist.
@@TESZMillan I'm sorry but your argument is incredibly flawed. White supremacists claim that Nazi Germany was the victim in WWII. Trump supporters claim that MLK would have agreed with Trump. There are people that dispute climate change. Opposition does not make something or someone complex. Spectators who fail to acknowledge or minimize the damage that Imedla and the entire Marcos family has done are simply obfuscating the truth.
I saw the show. It was ok. Not great…i felt the broadway theatre was too big of a venue for this disco musical. It serves better as an off broadway show. Just wondering if the show will last long after Lea Salonga leaves.
It feels like the musical is a Broadway version a Marcos apologist. I really do hope Filipinos stop making this Marcos family relevant. Until now, they still think they’re not accountable for Philippines’ trillion dollar debt and deaths during Martial Law period.
I understand how focusing on the Marcos family makes them more important in ways that are not helpful to the Filipino people. But I’m glad there is conversations around what they did in the hopes of not repeating the dark sides of history.
Great review! Thank you! I didn't know how to feel abt this broadway show as well. I wanted to celebrate an all Filipino cast telling a Filipino story in Broadway but at the same time... uhm, with THIS story? This is how we'll tell the world who we are? I hope all the showgoers are as discerning and insightful as you. I hope they ask for more, dig deeper, don't glorify the family, glorify the woman who SHOULD be in jail for goodness sake. And as you said... is this what we are clapping for? Haaaay. So complex.
Thank you! I think it’s great that this piece got you thinking and questioning. That’s key to not forgetting that terrible things happen all over the world and to not be aware or to not question is how they get repeated. 💫
I think it's unfair to pin the whole Filipino story on a Broadway musical. I haven't seen the musical, but I have lived far long enough to see how Filipinos themselves have forgotten how evil the Marcoses are. I don't think the Marcos story has ended. We haven't put them on jail yet.
You’re right, it wouldn’t be fair to pin the whole Filipino story on a musical. That is too much responsibility to one single piece, but what is important about this piece is how this particular story is getting so much attention because of it. Because it’s featuring Filipinos and it’s the first time many people are encountering our story, the question to ask re: this musical is whether this story about the Marcoses is the story we want to be telling and the manner in which it is being told. I also agree, I think the Marcos’ story has continued, especially with Bong Bong in office.
I don't think it was meant to portray her as a victim of circumstance at all, but as a liar whose pleas for sympathy were hollow. Like the "too tall" story about Ninoy is clearly an invention; a lie about her own life that she may or may not have convinced herself was true, but which the audience knows is false. We see when they break up and he never says that, they just have different values. She changes her whole backstory. She's just a sociopath.
Hmmm, very interesting take on Imelda. So you see her as the mastermind all along, who is so convincing that she begins to play into her own story. A lot of people would agree with you.
@@TESZMillan I think the play leaves it a little open as to whether she's delusional or calculating (probably a bit of both), but it makes it clear she's an unreliable narrator in either event. I don't think it asks for much sympathy, Aquino is the heart and hero of the story.
@@GotNextVideo Interesting! That’s right, she has proven to be an unreliable source, especially if one is familiar with the way she has been portrayed in past media. And there are interesting theories as to why Aquino’s character is integral to this telling.
Their family stole billions of dollars from the Philippines. This musical is distasteful if it whitewashes this sad segwment of our history. But apparently, it doesn’t - so it’s all good.
One vlogger questions the musical writen by "two white dudes who has no connection whatsoever to the Philippines ". I don't get it why Filipinos are celebrating this musical writen by foreigners. It just show that colonial mentality is alive and kicking.
I've seen this show on Broadway, just as I've seen every single musical that comes to Broadway. Here Lies Love is just oversold. I would not recommended it to anyone. No live orchestra or band. Disco music is pre-recorded & played by a DJ. Choreography was basic. The stage & scenes did not have broadway-level props. Other than, "Here Lies Love," every song was easily forgettable. The script was shallow. It failed to portray just how powerful & influential the Marcoses really were, so much so that when their "downfall" was played on stage, it lacked the grandiose impact. The way it was presented appeared like mere "shit talking" about the Marcoses. FYI Imelda's iconic shoe collection did not make a debut in that musical, as opposed to what most theater-goers expected to see. I also think the immersive dancing parts only made the musical incohesive. The plot saddens & thickens, but then the DJ asks you to get up & dance, totally ruining the climax of the scenes. The only thing I actually loved were their main characters' vocals. Great great great singers singing unmelodious songs. The show did not do these artists any justice. Overall disappointing for me. Show opened on 7/20/23 & will have it's last performance on 11/26/23. Just 4 months.
@@TESZMillan I just graduated in 1986, which means, I experienced the good, the bad and the ugly of the Marcos dictatorship. My wife, a pianist and a graduate from PWU where Imelda graduated is all praise for her commitment to art and culture. Unfortunately, her father also lost his job when Marcos took over the Lopez properties. I am a Marcos scholar in college but became aware of the atrocities against Marcos opponents after the assasination of Ninoy. As Filipinos, we have mixed feelings with the Marcoses. However, the fact that we are bombarded with the propaganda machine during the dictatorship, we are all praises until we know the truth and condition of the Philippines compared to its neighboring countries. We are what we are now because of Marcos. He ruled from 1965-1986. Lee Kuan Yew made Singapore a first world country. Marcos made a very promising young democratic country corrupt to its core and killed or forced to exile the nation builders that could made this country great. He has complete control like Lee Kuan Yew but he was an exception than the rule. Marcos is just another corrupt dictator with an equally corrupt and megalomaniac Imelda on his side. Its just appropriate that they have Talking Heads as the producer, singers of Psycho Killer and Burning down the house and once in a lifetime... They portrayed in their songs a dream world of schizophrenia.
It would be very difficult for someone to portray the infamous Imedific just because she is not the typical Filipina - yes, she has a dark side to her and from my grandparent's stories about her she is in real life very cruel, arrogant and entitled.
I think a conversation about the different sides of a very charged story and figure in history is always worthy of its place. Because the outcome of an election doesn’t necessarily mean everyone agrees.
i like to sit and watch the show unfold....see the sets, costumes, actors, etc. not be a participant in the show.... i prefer the front mezzanine....@@TESZMillan
@@0530evan I agree that immersive shows, at times, can feel overwhelming and that details can get lost when the audience is made to look in different directions and participate in more ways than just observing.
I love David Byrne and saw his show American Utopia and loved it. I saw Here Lies Love and my honest review it was a horrible show. It was boring and the songs and dancing etc was very underwhelming. The show will most likely close early. I do not recommend the show.
From what I understand “Here Lies Love” was written by two white dudes, who have no connection to the Philippines. So, it is not surprising how shallow and offensive this musical is. As someone who is Jewish, I actually feel it is offensive towards Filipinos for this musical to be on Broadway. Imelda Marcos was not a victim of circumstance, but a hardened and narcissistic dictator. Do not glorify her propaganda and love of disco music. “Here Lies Love” perfectly demonstrates why “The Producers” had to be created by Jews. Since, “Springtime for Hitler” would not have been blatant satire mocking Nazi Germany, had Mel Brookes not been Jewish. Shows like “Here Lies Love” explain why there is so little diversity in musical theater. It is due to focusing on the wrong stories, and usually cheap gimmicks to gain a audience. Rather than truly championing minority communities and their stories. Filipinos deserve more than an Imelda Marcos disco musical, written by two old white dudes.
Filipinos aren't dumb. If these artists feel that the story isn't being told right then they will not accept the roles or being part of the producer team. We have our own agency so please stop patronizing us.
There are many people who would agree with your point of view, Chiena - that’s why there’s so much Charger energy surrounding this production. That’s also a very interesting connection you made between HLL and The Producers… it’s so important for us to tell our own stories from our perspective.
@scorpioninpink - I applaud you for defending Filipinos, but I don’t see anywhere in the comment above where Chiena calls us dumb. This is what is so complicated about the telling of this story (and how it is told) because this is the first time we’re getting a major spotlight on us as a community. Sometimes, in light of being featured, artists (especially in musical theater where it is only recently becoming more diverse) will take advantage of an opportunity even if the topic is controversial and the way it’s told is not fair to all sides of the story. All in all, it’s complicated, and your reaction shows just how complicated something like this can get… even if it’s just a musical theater production.
If you had taken the time to dig deeper, you would see exactly what I mean by “amazing woman.” And sometimes I am AMAZED at how negative people can be on this platform.
Saw it last night, and you can really tell that everyone at the end was impacted by the dissonant nature of how the story slowly devolved. It was a party, but it highlighted the gross nature of how things were happening. I’m not Filipino, but left the theatre googling about Filipino history.
That’s great that it inspired you to learn more about Filipino history. I appreciate your perspective on the show. 🙏🏽
This video is EXACTLY the kind of conversation that the show is properly inspiring! The discomfort you feel at cheering on and dancing for the fascists is EXACTLY analogous to what the Filipino people may have felt when the Marcoses were swindling the country. When the fantasy of the disco disappears with Imelda, and the peaceful People Power Revolution emerges as a heartfelt acoustic chorus of pure human vocals, it’s symbolic of the humans who eventually brought the Philippines to peace for a time. That peace is precious and fleeting, and if we don’t continue fighting for it, we are doomed to repeat the horrors. #PresidentBongBong
Then it seems the show is fulfilling its purpose! The conversations so far have been really eye opening. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for a great and honest critique. As a person who witnessed the People Power revolution as a 13-year old, I, too was perplexed about the show and how authentic the portrayal will be of the infamy of the Marcos’. So many people suffered under that regime. I’m planning to go to NY in a couple of months to watch it so your review came in handy!
Wow - I’d love to learn more about that time in history from the People’s perspective. Let me know what you think about the show when you go.🤗
So you were 13 during the EDSA revolution and you witnessed it. Your knowledge about the Marcos’ infamy was obviously what was fed to you by the bias media. I know because that was what I believed too that’s why I marched in EDSA as a 26 yr old doctor. Yes, I lived the entire Marcos regime. I was a teenager unable to stay in parties past 12 midnight because of the curfew for several years. Marcos was overthrown and it went downhill thenceforth. I saw how the Aquinos betrayed the Filipinos until I could not take it anymore so I left and migrated to the States right before Noynoy’s term. Life was so much better under Marcos. Public hospitals were free and were better equipped and maintained; housing projects for the squatters were beautiful (BLISS); livelihood programs were accessible by the poor; rice production was at its peak. We exported then; universities in Manila ranked high in the world. Not a single Philippine university is in the top 500 now. If Marcos was evil, the Aquinos were the demons - Satan personified including Kris. I don’t know what the musical’s message is, but Imelda did more good for the country than the Aquinos and the whole liberal party ever did.
Now you have me intrigued. I have tickets for November and now I can’t wait to see it!
Please let me know what you think about it! 🙏🏽 And enjoy the experience.
As a non-filipino who got this musical in Broadway roulette, didn't know the history, and didn't initially vibe with with the show, I think your review contextualized a lot for me and I wish I could see it again. I will say I sat in the upper mezzanine (couldn't control the seats we got) and I think the experience was clearly much stronger closer to the stage. So, if anyone reading this is thinking of going, I'd recommend picking seats as close to the stage as you can but I agree 'the blender' isn't for everyone. Seeing Lea Salogna perform was an incredible treat of a lifetime (obvs). But aside from her performance, even though the singers were INSANELY talented, I didn't vibe with most of the music. I encourage people who are thinking of seeing it and *don't* know the history this is one I would look up the story first. The show does explain the history (be at through one perspective), but I missed soooo much nuance as I was just trying to follow the story. I've thought about this musical a lot since seeing it and I can't say that about a lot of productions. I'm glad this review and this show exists! Thank you!
This is pure gold what you shared. I appreciate that as a non-Filipino, you gave a perspective on what made sense for you and what didn’t, not having a lot of background knowledge of the history going into the show. It’s incredible that the show captured your interest in that you continue to think about it and marinate on what you liked and didn’t like. Grateful you shared these thoughts! Maraming salamat! 🙏🏽
I love how you sliced and diced your theatre experience. It is fair and decent. Good job, you girl. Nice content. Thank you!
Lol - that’s a new way of hearing how I talk about my experiences. I like it! Appreciate you sharing this moment with me.
I saw the show in previews before it was locked so I'm not sure how different the tone was in the final locked production, but when I saw it I definitely felt a heavy weight over me at the end and got much more of the sinister undertones to Imelda and did not leave the show feeling sympathetic for her despite the poppy light tone it started with. There are ways it could've gone deeper for sure, and I'm not Filipino so I'm not in a position to fully judge every facet of what this show does, but the version of the show that I saw was more nuanced and interesting than what was described here.
Interesting! This makes me wish I had also seen the previous iterations of the show before it landed on Broadway. I can only imagine how much this show has evolved with each staging. Thank you for your thoughts and perspective!
Definitely my experience (twice) @ the Public.
I plan to go see it. Thank you for your review of the show. ❤
Most welcome! Let me know what you think when you see it.
Half-filipina here. Thank you for such a nuanced review. I am curious if there was an intentionally on the up beat "get up and dance vibe" with the grotesque cost of life and money spent. Like when people are rocking out to "Born in the USA."
Exactly! I wonder the same… it appears so. But would ultimately need to ask the creative team to know for sure.
Wow. You are super excited about this Broadway production... 😊😊😊
Congratulations to Philippine people for making it to Broadway...🎉❤🎉❤🎉
Agreed! Congratulations 🎉 🏆
Nice critique. I asked my filipina fiancé about Imelda. She grew up in Mawab, and what she remembers is people loving her - the perception = she tried to keep people safe from the warlords that were so bad down there. Obviously, there are so many opinions about her. I'm taking my palangga as soon as she's living here, for sure. 😊
I’ve heard the same about Imelda - that she was a protector and helper of the people. There are so many opinions about her - it’s truly fascinating.
@@TESZMillan Imelda Marcos and her family were never protectors and helpers of Filipino families. It's unfortunate that false information has been spread. Many Filipino Americans migrated to the US to escape the horrors of a generation when Imelda Marcos and her family imposed tyranny upon the Filipino nation.
TesZ, your dissection is phenomenal.. I am seeing this tomorrw.
Thank you! Let me know what you think.🙋🏻♀️
i can barely keep myself together here in my house, what more there... i will let you know...Thanks again...
@@meliorainsights Looking forward and enjoy the show!
Thanks for your passionate and astute analysis of HERE LIES LOVE.I saw the show 10 years ago at The Public and from your review I gather that the creatives did not deepen the story. The original version came across as a very shallow EVITA, which does delve into Eva Perón's dark ambitions. Tim Rice's book is genius because it presents Eva as both the villain and heroin of her story. That being said, HERE LIES LOVE was thrilling and the concept and music are highly theatrical and make for a deceptively entertaining night.
Really interesting to hear your take on what the show was like 10 years ago… in a way, I wish I could have seen them as well to have a frame of reference of how the artistic vision has evolved.
Just hearing about this play made me (causian) look into the story, watch the documentary Kingmaker and find videos like yours. Even if the play doesn't tell the whole story, hopefully it continues to open the door so people can find your and other accurate and informative content.
Agreed. Kingmaker is such a different portrayal of Imelda. And each story telling has it’s select perspective, for sure.
Excellent review....had me pushing the thumbs up and subscriber tabs immediately. Looking forward to more reviews!
Thank you! Please let me know what else you’d like me to review.
Thanks for this video! I agree that there are so many mixed emotions watching the show. I was 8 when we immigrated to the US from the Philippines so I wasn't aware of the history. All I remember as a child is that he was president and she was the first lady--I had no idea what martial law was! Fast forward to now. I had seen the off-Broadway production and loved it so I got tix to see this show. My friend and I had floor seats this past week and also loved this version, even though it wasn't very different from the original. Oh, I have to mention that if you decide to see it again, being on the floor is such a unique experience. My friend and I are under 5ft and the pink jumpsuited ushers were always conscious that we were up front where we could see. Anyway, one of my takeaways from this show is that moment you mentioned where everybody is dancing and having a good time, and yet Ninoy is standing there not happy with what's going on. I had a good time, yes, but definitely this makes me want to do more research. Thanks again!
I will definitely see the show from the dance floor knowing the pink jumpsuit ushers are thoughtful to those who are shorter. What an incredible perspective you have having moved from the Philippines during that time in history.
I saw the production when it was at The Public Theatre. I get what you are aching that is lacking, i still support friends that are in the cast. I still pray that our creatives will come out with a Pinoy story and Music, told with all the complex flavor of being a Pinoy.
Agreed all around! 🙆🏻♀️
This was very informative. I hope people will still support this even after Lea left the show because there was an increase of ticket sales when Lea started to be a part of the cast. What can you say about Lea's Just ask the flowers? that's my favorite part.
It was VERY powerful and moving. Her voice is incredible. And with so much experience on stage, you feel the intensity of her performance.
Hopefully Lea comes back after her Sondheim stint in London which will end in January
@@minsankapamilya464 That would make for another great comeback.😉
@@TESZMillan She was indelible in the "Once on This Island" revival. She is all that.
Thanks for this. I so want to see this, have tried, no success as of yet, but I will make it. Pride to the Philippine community, I come from the disco era here so I will immerse myself in it all
Definitely immerse yourself in ALL of it. And let me know what you think when you do. Thank you for sharing this moment with me.
I was hoping you would go see it and give us your perspective!!!! ❤ I would LOVE to see it!
When you see it, please let me know what you think.
THANK YOU so much for this. I saw the show while it was in previews (saw the first performance of their final/baked version of the show leading toward opening night). Had the very same guttural response you spoke to in your video -I started out dancing and getting hype in the beginning, then struggled as the story went along (struggled more so with reconciling what the moments they were describing in the show meant to me historically vs. how it was portrayed to the rest of the “club”…). I literally would look at the people dancing around me and say to myself “If they only knew…” until i reminded myself to fix my face in case someone noticed. 🥴I left the show feeling amazed (all-Filipino cast, Lea, Broadway theater, Filipino story holding space ON Broadway -yes please!), but also feeling so confused about how I felt. And that feeling lasted for days. With the dust now settled, and opening night behind us all, your analysis perfectly mirrors what I had been feeling all along, and I thank you for being able to eloquently speak to that feeling. I feel you 1,000%. Thanks again, and paalam!
I am so grateful for your words. You heard me. And I am thankful you reflected back your own feelings about the experience. I hear you, Kapwa. Maraming Salamat!🙇🏻♀️
Yes it's ironic that a play is based on the ugly side of our history Imelda is loved and hated and still enjoying all the comforts of life But I don't regret joining all the Makati and EdSA rallies to fight for our freedom
Thank you for this very thoughtful and informative review! There are some people that simply love or hate the show, but there is a lot of nuance to it, too. I will say - you should also try watching the show on the dance floor. I'm shorter than you (just under 4'11"!) and as long as you are right next to the "blender" (center platform), you won't really have any problem with tall people. And there are several moments where the action can be seen on video shown throughout the theater (on the main video screen and the panels on the sides of the theater).
You have such an interesting perspective (how many people can say they have met and spoken with Imelda?!?!?). I saw the show once off-Broadway and three times on Broadway, and I will say that I didn't get the sense that Imelda was *simply* a victim. I feel later in the show she is making her own decisions. And Imelda might play the victim with "Why Don't You Love Me?" but that doesn't mean we are supposed to believe she really is one.
I feel like the show is like a disco mirror ball - so many facets to it. Does the show glorify Imelda? In a way, it does. The clapping and cheering and dancing they make the audience do - you're getting the feel for what it was like for the Filipino people who did support Marcos. But there is also condemnation of the Marcos regime. You are right - the show is glossy. The story could be deeper and darker. But truly, the show could be 3 hours long and probably not be "true" or "real" enough to talk about Imelda and that part of Filipino history - written by a Filipino or non-Filipino. I think there are non-Filipinos who enjoy the show and learn a lot about the atrocities during the Marcos regime. I just think that most audiences talk about (and use soundbites about) how fun the show is and not about the history lesson. David Byrne is not Filipino, but he did a lot of research and has said a lot of the lyrics in the show came from direct quotes of Imelda, Ferdinand, Ninoy and the Filipino people.
I think the show is a great entertainment. I think the show is a great conversation starter and jumping off point to learn more about Filipino history. I think the show is an awesome showcase for Filipino talent. (Watching 18 Filipinos on stage performing their hearts out! Hell yeah!) I really hope many people check it out. They will have a good time and they will most likely learn something about Filipino history.
P.S. Lea Salonga *IS* amazing in the show, but she has a very small role. She is in the show for about 5 minutes and only has one song. Lea extended her run in the show to Aug. 19, but don't let not seeing Lea deter you from going to the show. It's still the same show!
So insightful! I really appreciate all of your thoughts - “the show is like a disco mirror ball” - TOTALLY! 💯
I sympathize with your conflict. I’m going to see it next week. The probs with the show are ongoing probs in American life much less American theater. But, selfishly, I just can’t wait to hit the dance floor!
Haha! Totally enjoy yourself. And let me know what you think of the show after you see it.
Just got my tickets!! Can’t wait
Yeah! Let me know what you think about it.
Great review. I just saw the show on 8/8.
Salamat po! What did you think?
@@TESZMillan Thanks for asking…
Well...
The extent of my Filipino history knowledge was/is limited. I know the names of the Marcos’ and Aquino’s, and martial law, and that’s about it.
For me, the show is a success, because after watching it, I found myself digging a little deeper into the history. If that was the goal of the producers, they succeeded in that regard.
For the music, I’m gonna be doing more research on that. I’m wondering if the vibes are from the disco era, it’s a genre I’m not the most familiar with. Definitely a fun party nonetheless.
The cast was so good! Again, I didn’t know the history, and never even listened to the album, but Estrellas character singing When she passed by… I almost cried. Lol.
The experience: something different, something I haven’t seen before.
I definitely recommend this show to anyone. I definitely want to see it again.
Such a great review. This video is so good, Tesz! 👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you, Tito! Would love to see the show again with you.
Here’s the KICKER. IF there were no prominent “BIG name white creatives” initiating this show there would be NO SHOW highlighting world-class Filipino Talents. It would be dead in the water.
Showbusiness is STILL “business” and it needed some well-known, tried & tested Broadway creatives - white as they may be, to initiate the project & see it to fruition.
I do NOT believe the Filipinos involved in HERE LIES LOVE would agree to be part of a show that did not have a kernel of Truth or if our people were depicted inaccurately. I do NOT believe that celebrities like LEA SALONGA, JOKOY, H.E.R. , CLINT RAMOS, etc. would agree to co-produce the show IF there were questionable elements in the show that strayed too much from History that disgraced us as a people & nation.
And actually the show (though it does not showcase her “eponymous shoe inventory”) contrary to hear-say, & speculation the show does NOT glamorize or vindicate Imelda Marcos/Marcoses.
In fact this show especially in the ending is more unkind to her than the way EVITA sweetened Evita Perón’s character.
You cannot REALISTICALLY tell or include “everything” in a 90-minute non-stop musical. That’s waay too much to unload & demand from a Musical.
The LEAST it can do is create a curiosity & a thirst for Filipinos & non-Filipinos alike to do more RESEARCH about the Marcoses, Martial Law, the US Colonialism of the Philippines its good, not so good, & damaging short & long term effects on our country.
As far as I know, “HERE LIES LOVE” was NEVER intended to be the “fruit or the flower” to address our social ills & our penchant (like the Americans whom we idolize & look up to* sic!) for NOT learning from our Past.
At best, it hopes to PLANT THE SEED of telling the FULL story of the Philippines & the Filipinos …& the Marcoses - especially for those who did not grow up during the Martial Law Years & were FED a revisionist sanitized version of the Marcos Regime.
Hopefully it will STIMULATE meaningful research & discussion of the Real Marcos Legacy & its beneficial or deleterious effects in our Present & Future as a people & as a nation --ONLY TIME will tell.
P.S.
I truly understand how uncomfortable it IS to have non-Filipinos tell our story through “THEIR WORDS & MUSIC”. The same so-called White Savior Syndrome that became problematic with THE HELP movie, etc.
The hope is that as WE GET OUR FEET THROUGH THE BROADWAY DOOR, we can soon take that mic from them and say, “We’ll take it from here thank you, & tell OUR STORY, OUR WAY.”
The trick is to GET OUR FOOT IN FIRST ON BROADWAY & PROVE AS A DEMOGRAPHIC THAT WE HAVE PRODUCIBLE MATERIAL THAT PEOPLE WILL PAY $$$ TO HEAR OUR STORIES.
*CAPS - not yelling/screaming just for emphasis since #%&! Apple would NOT add an italics feature in their keyboard.
Bravo. All very well expressed. Thank you for sharing the many layers of thoughts you have around this show. It’s really great and much appreciated. 🙏🏽
Thank you for this thought provoking review. I want to see the show and this is a perfect teaser for me. You gave some interesting facts that make me wonder the untimely release when Bong Bong is now the President. $22 million budget, I wonder who "produced" the musical.
A lot to think about! Please let me know what you think of the show when you see it.
Love the input... Very well said... Thank you...♥️
Walang anuman! 🥰 Thank you for sharing this moment with me.
Amazing review! I love this production! Hope you get to dance on the Club Millenium dance floor
Thank you! Me too… I may go back this fall.
I will definitely check it out!
Excited to hear about your experience.
I luv your review! Having the son now as my president is ..PAINFUL! 🥹
Thank you. And I’m sorry you feel that way. 🥺
Thank you for such an in-depth review of this musical. I have heard so many varied comments and opinions and reviews of the show and of her and they all so different depending on who is making these comments. My partner is Filipino and his mother was a child during period of marshal law. Before this musical, I knew very little about her. I learned a little in high school of what was going on. But mostly, if people (non-Filipino) know her name, its mostly because of her shoes. But after an in-depth conversation with my partner about Imelda and Ninoy, I heard many different, varied thoughts on the things that happened.
One thing he mentioned to me that really hit home was the fact that it was the Marcoses who built and created the schools and hospitals and did their best to help the people of the Philippines. He also mentioned that after their exile to Hawaii, and Ninoy's assassination, Ninoy's wife took power but did nothing at all to help the people. Obviously, this is only rumour, but it is believed that it was actually Ninoy's wife who had Ninoy assassinated, because of his (still ongoing) connection to Imelda...and his wife's desire for the same power Imelda once had.
One thing I mentioned to my partner was that history is written by the winner(s). So, the story is always askew favouring the side that survived to tell the story. I then tried googling to find out if Imelda (still alive at the time of this comment) had written a book of her own to tell her side of the story. I could not find anything. Lots of books about her. But none written by her or at least written for her. It is so rare in a "battle" like this for both sides to survive yet for the world not to know the actual facts of the entire story.
One thing I will say personally that I found so interesting about her (still to this day) is comments she herself made especially in relation to money. Many have called her greedy. And she will openly admit to that. In her opinion, you have to be greedy to get the money before you can help the people. If this was true, why was all that money seized from their Swiss bank accounts? If you needed the money to help the people, it never needed to leave the Philippines. And one final quote of hers I saw this morning...“If you know how rich you are, you are not rich. But me, I am not aware of the extent of my wealth. That’s how rich we are.”
I look forward to hopefully seeing this musical on Broadway later this year. I definitely prefer to be moved. Touched. Sure, dancing and clapping...but I know that I will be able to read between the lines when things start to go dark. Thanks again!
Wow - I have goosebumps reading your comment. Thank you for sharing all of this with me. What I love is that it's not just a recount of what you heard, but also what you thought about what you heard. That is SO IMPORTANT. Definitely come back and let me know your thoughts when you see the musical. I'd love to hear what you get from the experience and what else you learn about her along the way.
A really interesting, compelling & also complex review. The moment of catching yourself as an audience member if you should dance / clap… whoa. I look forward to seeing the show. Thank you for sharing your view, Tesz.
It was a really eye opening moment… I look forward to hearing about your experience.
This is such a great review. I had no idea what to think of the show when I got out. This really helps put in perspective a lot of things I was feeling. I don't think the dance party element was dissonant ENOUGH and clear enough that it was making this eerie counterpoint. It felt like they still wanted it to be an actual fun show, there was never a turn that clearly clearly criticized the dance party and why are we dancing I felt. That concept IS interesting and compelling and theatrical. I just don't think they dug deep enough and really mined this rich intense complicated person like you said. I also think it didn't do the story favors to make it a tight 90 minute one act.
Thank you! And it helps me to know that this review put into perspective feelings you walked away with that left you uncertain.
I saw the show last week.
My first reaction was that the show was less substantial and more disjointed than I had hoped. But I find it has stayed with me more than other shows - I'm looking up the lyrics, even thinking of going again.
I think you captured the potential controversies fairly. Yes, it makes Imelda glamorous and interesting, and yes that may overshadow the later plot points listing the Marcos's depredations. But to be fair to the show, the negativity is there - it's not a whitewash of the Marcos family.
I also think Arielle Jacobs's performance as the young Imelda is stronger than her characterization of the mature Imelda, the dictator's wife and accomplice. Jacobs doesn't project the icy charm, the self-interested calculation, the intense self-control, that people with power often show. I think that skews the audience towards a more sympathetic view of Imelda than they might have with a more ferocious leading actress.
For the other side of Imelda, see this music video of one of the songs in the show - with clips of the real Imelda charming, and no doubt manipulating, a gallery of world leaders...
ua-cam.com/video/0Q9cW9dIoyk/v-deo.html
Thanks again.
Thank YOU for sharing this music video with me and for your thoughts on the show. I, too, want to see it again and see how it lands for me the second time around. And I agree with you about Arielle’s performance. You went a step further in describing how it was portrayed and possibly interpreted and I agree with you.
When you said that no one, not even the people closest to Imelda, truly understand the inner workings of her, that really resonated with me. I have been researching Imelda for about two years now and someone once told me that I "Knew so much about her and should write a book about her." But the thing is, as much as I have read about her, as many interviews as I have watched with her, and everything else, I feel like I still am in the dark about her really, and I think that for me to write a book about her wouldn't bring anything new to the table and would be somewhat disingenuous. I still don't really know what to make of her. She's just so perplexing in a way that's kind of frustrating.
I own a book she wrote called "The Circles of Life." I don't think it was ever really published, so it's very difficult to find it. I think that she gave them out to people who visited her or something. The book is signed by her to a woman named "Evelyn." It is really odd to read because she has all these diagrams that to her represent the true meaning of life. She has a circle that represents "The Whole Man." But if you take part of the whole man out, it is a "Pacman." I think that the book is prefaced with her saying something like (I'm quoting from memory here, so it might be quite accurate): "There have been many things written about me and my life, but they have only barely scratched the surface. In this book, I intend to show the world the real Imelda." But what's crazy is that after reading it, all I got out of it was that she holds some at least unorthodox beliefs about spirituality, and philosophy. I think that even if I met her like you did, I still wouldn't come close to truly understanding her.
Oh wow! What you share is amazing. Will you please email me? Hoy@TeszMillan.com
Amazing review. I went in totally blind, and as much fun as I had, I walked away with a heavy heart, going down wikapedia rabbit holes about Ninoy and the Marcoses. I feel like "God Draws a Straight Line" at the end really snapped me back, and helped to ground everything at the end, but I definitely walked away not knowing if we should love or hate Imelda.
I personally feel like as much of a whirlwind as the show was, it really would've benefited from some dramatic dialogue. I think the character of Imelda in the show suffered from not having real perspective in the show. I also agree with your opinions about Arielle....
I walked out the most impacted by Ninoy and Ricamora's performance because, you walk out of there knowing EXACTLY who that man was.
Oh man. I feel like I have to go back to see it again lol
Yes! He was the character that I felt had the most depth and showed the most complexity. And yes, I would have liked to have seen that more, especially with Imelda. I feel like Ferdinand was also a shadow character of what he could have / should have been. And YES, I feel like I have to go back and see it again. And from the dance floor next time.
I’m surprised you were confused about whether we were meant to love or hate her. The entire third act is about how terrible she was.
Great analysis, T⭐. History is nuanced. Memories are not video-playbacks of what happened but a collective recall of specific experiences, with details lost and enhanced. This is also one telling, that is filtered through a specific (entertainment-oriented) lens, as you pointed out. I'm sure folks who experienced Eva Perrone and Evita would have similar, conflicting feelings.
Thank you, C🌟- I appreciate your encouragement and perspective.
@@TESZMillan I'm proud of you and glad you covered this. And you made all really good points. I think you should continue to cover more nuanced, gray areas in the arena you've chosen to dive into. There is no wrong answer, and I think it's great that you can share what you're thinking and feeling about it. I'm sure others can relate!
@@FaeFrauWe’re on the same page🌟🌟
Thamks so much for the review! Can you say which section you were in?
Most welcome! I was on the side, front row, above the dance floor. If you’re looking at the stage, I was on the right, pretty much in the middle of that side section.
To be fair, the book and the lyrics are by David Byrne, who is not Filipino. We still need to wait for an all-Filipino made musical/play about the Marcoses.
That would be amazing to see.
Saw show yesterday as a non Filipino. I didn't read it as a realistic portrayal of the period. There were a few moments when I thought the storyline was heavy and some of the Filipino people were laughing. Glad I went to see it. I did find the lead actress to be more delicate then the historical Imelda. I then realized that its a Broadway Musical and not a strict historical portrayal.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and observations about seeing the show. 🙏🏽
I had the original Here Lies Love CD. Gave it away. The tracks was confusing; Imelda's were about 3 artists singing; Natalie Merchant, Cyndi Lauper & Tori Amos.
YES! That’s exactly how I felt. It was disjointed and just meh.
This is amazingly generous and insightful. I saw it at the Public, twice, with Jaygee Macapugay as Imelda. She is still the stand-by and she was incredible, but yes, i would have loved to have seen Ruthie Ann Miles (who, IMHO, walked away with the show in King and I). For the reasons you lay out so well, I don't think there's really a precedent or analog for this show--okay, a little bit, Evita. Eva is long dead as a person, but very much alive as a cultural force (and Peronism as a force in Argentine politics). You could talk about the Verdi's historic operas. Or, how Sweeny Todd evokes enormous emotion--about cannibalism. Anyway, David Byrne leveraged his considerable clout to make this show happen and he is, first and foremost--like you--a creative. A creator. Also: if you look at the bios--in any show--of actors from Southeast Asia, you will see them bounce back and forth between Miss Saigon, King and I, to a lesser degree Flower Drum Song and Pacific Overtures. These people are working actors, and this is a big piece of work for them, a true Broadway credit on their resume. A friend of mine sat in on auditions for NY City Opera's "Porgy and Bess," and it was exhausting: there were HUNDREDS of African-American classical singers who could NAIL the show. The supply: demand ratio is brutal, particularly for BIPOC performers, but even for standard-issue Caucasians, it waxes and wanes, depending on the type needed for current shows (see, for example, Book of Mormon). Anyway GREAT work here!
Wow! You really know your Broadway. Thank you for connecting this piece to the many pieces in Broadway’s history that have bearing on this show’s relevance, in particular, for the inclusion (or lack thereof) of BIPOC performers. This is very important information you share and a really good perspective, as well. Salamat! 🤎🙏🏽
Eloquent review ... but one thing that catches our first impression is the title itself "Here LIES love" very Imelda ... period.
Fascinating perspective. Thank you for sharing this moment with me.
You did an amazing job of critiquing the show!!!!
Thank you - your words mean a lot to me. I always try to be honest and fair. There’s always multiple sides to every story, including my review.😉
So, tell MORE Filipino stories! This is just one - one point of view. And this is a very insightful critique. Nothing wrong with this show, even though it just scratches the surface. Just make more Filipino stories.
Agreed! 💯 They’re coming.
I saw the show last night and did not think that it portrayed Imelda Marcos in a positive light but it definitely did not really clue you into how powerful she actually was. It gives hints of this and does make you a bit uncomfortable but not very explicitly
I saw this with most of the audience, that they didn’t pick up on the layers of complexity in the show. So, in that sense, you can walk away from the show with your own interpretation of what you saw.
Great commentary Tesz. Interesting and highly informative. Perhaps the word you were at a loss for in describing Imelda was, “Gravitas”? 🤷🏻♂️ Don’t know if it’s true, But I heard that Imelda rallied against the show,”Evita” coming to the Philippines because the story was too close to her own. Anyway, I enjoyed your piece. Keep up the great work!
I recall hearing that, too, about Imelda and Evita! I wonder what she thinks about this “direct” portrayal of her.
Yes , the movie Evita starring Faye Dunaway was banned from being shown in the Philippines. Imelda didn't like being compared to Evita Peron. She reportedly said to the comparison , " I was never a prostitute". But despite the ban my whole family was able to watch a bootleg betamax copy of the movie.
@@JAM-fd5kuAmazing! Thank you for sharing this.
excellent summary of your experience seeing this show. This show is not at the top of my list for must see because I yearn to see other shows having not enough income to attend very popular broadways shows of interest to me
What other shows are on your list?
I think a non-Filipino writing about Philippine history provides a objective viewpoint of how to see the “facts” of Philippine history. It would be difficult for someone who experienced the regime to exclude his unconscious bias (pro or con) in interpreting the “facts”.
That’s a really compelling perspective. While I agree with you that it’s difficult to separate bias having a personal connection to a moment I history, I think there is also a bias that exists for those who have no connection.
I think this show in several years is gonna be looked back at like those dated old Hollywood portrayals of real people films. Fun and entertaining and interesting but ultimately they didn't find it and lock into something lasting.
Good projection. It’ll be interesting to see what Filipino stories come about from this production.
This was a VERY FAIR review of Here Lies Love. Well done.
🥰 Thank you. That was my intention all along.
Thank you for posting this. I am actually going to see the show this Sunday and taking my cousin. I am Filipino, born in the US and remember seeing the downfall on the news in the 80s, so I am aware of Imelda Marcos. My cousin is younger, was not alive when the regime came down, and only read about the negative stuff about Imelda when we were texting the other day. I am a big fan of David Byrne (and also Fatboy Slim) so I am familiar with the original concept album. I really found it fascinating that they would collaborate on an album with Imelda as the focus. I have followed the development of the music from the off-broadway production in 2013 to the London and Seattle productions. When I found about the show would be produced on Broadway and would have an all Filipino cast, I knew I had to see it. I saw David Byrne's American Utopia twice - I am a fan so I am sure the production will be wonderful. But knowing about some of the history of Imelda (the negative stuff) - I also had reservations. But I felt it was important to support this show and the Filipino artists bringing this to life. I really appreciate what you have to say about the show and look forward to seeing it this Sunday. I hope this is just the beginning of more Filipino stories to be told.
I would LOVE to hear what you think when you see the show. Please let me know.🙏🏽
Did see the show and enjoyed it! Wish you would have talked about the song and monologue over the people power revolution. This show is PRO DEMOCRACY. Yes it was a lil Rosie in Imelda’s depiction, but wouldn’t say it glorifies facism. The dancing comment was interesting too, I ended dancing as well. Then questioned why I was, felt intentional in a way. We get wrapped up in things before we have time to question what’s going on, like the common folked did.
Great perspective - thank you for sharing your thoughts and reactions. I didn’t think much of the music, so these parts escaped me, but I did love Aquino’s (Conrad’s) voice. He was my favorite of the show.
It’s never fair to judge this musical from too many angles. It would have taken it days to present a story fully completed.
It would take an eternity to show all the many facets, that is true.
My view is that the beginning is showing Imelda as a little Bambi eyed baby just to show the juxtaposition of the terrible things she does later. And her last song is there just to show that she truly does not see what she’s doing is wrong even though she was a literal dictator that had gotten so many people killed. (But not as an excuse, more as a “can you believe this?!”) And that’s the whole point of the show. It’s trying to propagandize you into having fun just so they can pull the rug out from underneath you in the third act. Thank you for your review. It leaves me with a lot to think about.
Wow - thank YOU for your comments. Great perspective and makes me think about the arc of the show in a different way.
It’s a Broadway show; it is a point of view; it is a small part of a complex story. Hopefully , it will awaken the mind and stir the heart of those who see it. Thanks for sharing your valuable, delicately delivered opinion.
Agreed, all around. Thank you, Tita.🥰
Imelda Marcos and her family were never protectors and helpers of Filipino families. It's unfortunate that false information has been spread."Here Lies Love" is one of the various propaganda narratives that the family and their steadfast supporters continue to disseminate even today. To portray her as remarkable or label her as a powerhouse, using positive descriptions, undermines the Filipino nation, particularly those who suffered and perished during their reign of power.
I hear you… the thing is, though, my descriptions are not necessarily positively meant. She does have a lot of power over politics, her followers, public opinion - making her a powerhouse. Remarkable is also not necessarily positively meant - many terrible, horrible people in history are remarkable. They are notable. They have their place in history. But the way we view them is up to us alone. I see your opinion, and I honor it as such.
Just a thought...is it possible that the portrayal is purposefully told from Imelda's POV, hence why she it's told as if she's a victim? In the end, though, the audience seems to understand that she's more than a victim. It's a very, very controversial and subtle story to tell, but I think it actually has room for all these facets to co-exist. I saw the show twice in Seattle, by the way, and after the show both groups of people I went with had substantial discussions after the show. In the end, I think you can have a good time, dance, and still have deep thoughts.
Yes! I agree 💯 and love that it inspired thoughtful conversation.
THE TITLE OF THAT MUSICAL SHOULD BE "HERE LIES LIES"'
I know there are others who share your sentiment.
it is just a show........meant to draw an audience........
Is Imelda really that clueless? In the 2003 Imelda documentary by Ramona Diaz, (which i believe the writer of the musical must have seen), she is shown still obssessed with Love, Beauty and Truth. She is handing out 1K bills to the masses, as if in her belief, it would alleviate the massive socio-economic inequalities of the country.
I’m not sure I’d call it clueless… the feeling I got when I met her is she was hyper focused on her mission. What exactly that mission is, I’m not sure we’ll ever know.
Yes, she is delusional.
You're overestimating Imelda. There's nothing complex or glamorous about her. She's just a narcissist that gained access to wealth and power.
I appreciate your perspective, especially because I’ve heard numerous people say this about her as well. I think because there are many who feel the opposite way, makes her complex. Whether she is complex or not, we, as spectators, make her more complex in our many opinions of her.
@relyn what do you know about imelda. how old are you?
@@hjon9119 If you’re asking me (I don’t know who relyn is), I’ve spent time with Imelda on a brief and casual level, but I also know of the many terrible things she is accused of.
@@hjon9119 This is such a typical Filipino response, fail to acknowledge facts let alone engage in any substantial discussion and strawman the age of someone. My age, your age nor the age of anyone else has no bearing in this discussion. Imelda is the epitome of a narcissist.
@@TESZMillan I'm sorry but your argument is incredibly flawed.
White supremacists claim that Nazi Germany was the victim in WWII. Trump supporters claim that MLK would have agreed with Trump. There are people that dispute climate change. Opposition does not make something or someone complex.
Spectators who fail to acknowledge or minimize the damage that Imedla and the entire Marcos family has done are simply obfuscating the truth.
I saw the show. It was ok. Not great…i felt the broadway theatre was too big of a venue for this disco musical. It serves better as an off broadway show. Just wondering if the show will last long after Lea Salonga leaves.
Very good points. Many are hoping to see this show succeed, and many are skeptical. Let’s see what happens. 🤞🏼 💫
It feels like the musical is a Broadway version a Marcos apologist. I really do hope Filipinos stop making this Marcos family relevant. Until now, they still think they’re not accountable for Philippines’ trillion dollar debt and deaths during Martial Law period.
I understand how focusing on the Marcos family makes them more important in ways that are not helpful to the Filipino people. But I’m glad there is conversations around what they did in the hopes of not repeating the dark sides of history.
Great review! Thank you! I didn't know how to feel abt this broadway show as well. I wanted to celebrate an all Filipino cast telling a Filipino story in Broadway but at the same time... uhm, with THIS story? This is how we'll tell the world who we are? I hope all the showgoers are as discerning and insightful as you. I hope they ask for more, dig deeper, don't glorify the family, glorify the woman who SHOULD be in jail for goodness sake. And as you said... is this what we are clapping for? Haaaay. So complex.
Thank you! I think it’s great that this piece got you thinking and questioning. That’s key to not forgetting that terrible things happen all over the world and to not be aware or to not question is how they get repeated. 💫
I think it's unfair to pin the whole Filipino story on a Broadway musical. I haven't seen the musical, but I have lived far long enough to see how Filipinos themselves have forgotten how evil the Marcoses are. I don't think the Marcos story has ended. We haven't put them on jail yet.
You’re right, it wouldn’t be fair to pin the whole Filipino story on a musical. That is too much responsibility to one single piece, but what is important about this piece is how this particular story is getting so much attention because of it. Because it’s featuring Filipinos and it’s the first time many people are encountering our story, the question to ask re: this musical is whether this story about the Marcoses is the story we want to be telling and the manner in which it is being told. I also agree, I think the Marcos’ story has continued, especially with Bong Bong in office.
I don't think it was meant to portray her as a victim of circumstance at all, but as a liar whose pleas for sympathy were hollow. Like the "too tall" story about Ninoy is clearly an invention; a lie about her own life that she may or may not have convinced herself was true, but which the audience knows is false. We see when they break up and he never says that, they just have different values. She changes her whole backstory. She's just a sociopath.
Hmmm, very interesting take on Imelda. So you see her as the mastermind all along, who is so convincing that she begins to play into her own story. A lot of people would agree with you.
@@TESZMillan I think the play leaves it a little open as to whether she's delusional or calculating (probably a bit of both), but it makes it clear she's an unreliable narrator in either event. I don't think it asks for much sympathy, Aquino is the heart and hero of the story.
@@GotNextVideo Interesting! That’s right, she has proven to be an unreliable source, especially if one is familiar with the way she has been portrayed in past media.
And there are interesting theories as to why Aquino’s character is integral to this telling.
If you watch the documentary about Imelda, demonic is quite accurate
Which documentary are you referring to?
Their family stole billions of dollars from the Philippines. This musical is distasteful if it whitewashes this sad segwment of our history. But apparently, it doesn’t - so it’s all good.
It’s a delicate balance… 🏋🏻♀️
One vlogger questions the musical writen by "two white dudes who has no connection whatsoever to the Philippines ". I don't get it why Filipinos are celebrating this musical writen by foreigners. It just show that colonial mentality is alive and kicking.
I share your confusion.😳🤷🏻♀️🥺
I've seen this show on Broadway, just as I've seen every single musical that comes to Broadway. Here Lies Love is just oversold. I would not recommended it to anyone. No live orchestra or band. Disco music is pre-recorded & played by a DJ. Choreography was basic. The stage & scenes did not have broadway-level props. Other than, "Here Lies Love," every song was easily forgettable. The script was shallow. It failed to portray just how powerful & influential the Marcoses really were, so much so that when their "downfall" was played on stage, it lacked the grandiose impact. The way it was presented appeared like mere "shit talking" about the Marcoses. FYI Imelda's iconic shoe collection did not make a debut in that musical, as opposed to what most theater-goers expected to see. I also think the immersive dancing parts only made the musical incohesive. The plot saddens & thickens, but then the DJ asks you to get up & dance, totally ruining the climax of the scenes. The only thing I actually loved were their main characters' vocals. Great great great singers singing unmelodious songs. The show did not do these artists any justice. Overall disappointing for me. Show opened on 7/20/23 & will have it's last performance on 11/26/23. Just 4 months.
Wow - incredible assessment of the show.
Evita, Imelda...
I’m amazed at how many people draw this comparison. Even Imelda, i’m told, has a reaction to this.
@@TESZMillan I just graduated in 1986, which means, I experienced the good, the bad and the ugly of the Marcos dictatorship. My wife, a pianist and a graduate from PWU where Imelda graduated is all praise for her commitment to art and culture. Unfortunately, her father also lost his job when Marcos took over the Lopez properties. I am a Marcos scholar in college but became aware of the atrocities against Marcos opponents after the assasination of Ninoy. As Filipinos, we have mixed feelings with the Marcoses. However, the fact that we are bombarded with the propaganda machine during the dictatorship, we are all praises until we know the truth and condition of the Philippines compared to its neighboring countries. We are what we are now because of Marcos. He ruled from 1965-1986. Lee Kuan Yew made Singapore a first world country. Marcos made a very promising young democratic country corrupt to its core and killed or forced to exile the nation builders that could made this country great. He has complete control like Lee Kuan Yew but he was an exception than the rule. Marcos is just another corrupt dictator with an equally corrupt and megalomaniac Imelda on his side. Its just appropriate that they have Talking Heads as the producer, singers of Psycho Killer and Burning down the house and once in a lifetime... They portrayed in their songs a dream world of schizophrenia.
It would be very difficult for someone to portray the infamous Imedific just because she is not the typical Filipina - yes, she has a dark side to her and from my grandparent's stories about her she is in real life very cruel, arrogant and entitled.
Oh wow… your grandparents knew her?
We should stop arguing whether the Marcoses are good or evil. The Filipinos have decided last year.
I think a conversation about the different sides of a very charged story and figure in history is always worthy of its place. Because the outcome of an election doesn’t necessarily mean everyone agrees.
No way I will see those lies.
Understandable.
really not into immersive shows
I get it… they’re not for everyone. What don’t you like about them?
i like to sit and watch the show unfold....see the sets, costumes, actors, etc.
not be a participant in the show....
i prefer the front mezzanine....@@TESZMillan
@@0530evan I agree that immersive shows, at times, can feel overwhelming and that details can get lost when the audience is made to look in different directions and participate in more ways than just observing.
I love David Byrne and saw his show American Utopia and loved it. I saw Here Lies Love and my honest review it was a horrible show. It was boring and the songs and dancing etc was very underwhelming. The show will most likely close early. I do not recommend the show.
Oh no!!! I’m sorry it wasn’t to your liking… what did you enjoy about American Utopia? I almost saw it and didn’t catch it in time.
From what I understand “Here Lies Love” was written by two white dudes, who have no connection to the Philippines. So, it is not surprising how shallow and offensive this musical is. As someone who is Jewish, I actually feel it is offensive towards Filipinos for this musical to be on Broadway. Imelda Marcos was not a victim of circumstance, but a hardened and narcissistic dictator. Do not glorify her propaganda and love of disco music. “Here Lies Love” perfectly demonstrates why “The Producers” had to be created by Jews. Since, “Springtime for Hitler” would not have been blatant satire mocking Nazi Germany, had Mel Brookes not been Jewish. Shows like “Here Lies Love” explain why there is so little diversity in musical theater. It is due to focusing on the wrong stories, and usually cheap gimmicks to gain a audience. Rather than truly championing minority communities and their stories. Filipinos deserve more than an Imelda Marcos disco musical, written by two old white dudes.
Filipinos aren't dumb. If these artists feel that the story isn't being told right then they will not accept the roles or being part of the producer team. We have our own agency so please stop patronizing us.
There are many people who would agree with your point of view, Chiena - that’s why there’s so much Charger energy surrounding this production. That’s also a very interesting connection you made between HLL and The Producers… it’s so important for us to tell our own stories from our perspective.
@scorpioninpink - I applaud you for defending Filipinos, but I don’t see anywhere in the comment above where Chiena calls us dumb. This is what is so complicated about the telling of this story (and how it is told) because this is the first time we’re getting a major spotlight on us as a community. Sometimes, in light of being featured, artists (especially in musical theater where it is only recently becoming more diverse) will take advantage of an opportunity even if the topic is controversial and the way it’s told is not fair to all sides of the story. All in all, it’s complicated, and your reaction shows just how complicated something like this can get… even if it’s just a musical theater production.
AMAZING WOMAN?? GONNA STOP WATCHING THIS BS REVIEW.
If you had taken the time to dig deeper, you would see exactly what I mean by “amazing woman.” And sometimes I am AMAZED at how negative people can be on this platform.
No ONES can PORTRAY IMELDA better because they do not have the AURA and they dont have a Pure HEART like HER.
I know a lot of people would agree with you. She is one of a kind.