Julia Abueva hopes Here Lies Love ‘opens more doors’ for Pinoys in U.S. entertainment
From KPOP to Here Lies Love, Filipina thespian Julia Abueva continues to live her Broadway dreams.
The 26-year-old is thrilled to be part of the groundbreaking Here Lies Love (HLL), the first-ever show being played at a Broadway theater that features an all-Filipino cast and is backed by a mostly Filipino producing team that includes H.E.R., Jo Koy and Apl.de.Ap of Black Eyed Peas.
Julia is already a familiar face among Manila theater-goers. Born in the Philippines to Filipino parents, she and her family relocated to Singapore where her performing talent was first discovered and nurtured.
At 18, she played Kim in the 2014 West End revival of Miss Saigon. Though mainly based in the US to actively pursue an acting career there, she welcomes opportunities to do projects here again. Julia is represented in the Philippines by veteran talent manager Girlie Rodis ([email protected]).
Meanwhile, Julia plays Dovie Beams in Here Lies Love, which serves as her follow-up production after her Broadway debut in KPOP. The musical tells about former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ “rise to power and downfall at the hands of the People Power Revolution,” as per synopsis.
Just thinking about being included in the ensemble “still makes me emotional at times,” Julia shared.
“I feel so much pride to be part of this show telling the first Filipino story on Broadway with an all-Pinoy cast,”she added.
She also expressed pride in working with the show creator, Grammy and Oscar-winning musician David Byrne, producer and Pulitzer prize-winner Jose Antonio Vargas, Tony award-winning costume designer Clint Ramos, multi-awarded writer-director Alex Timbers, and her idol, Broadway icon Lea Salonga, who is both producing and starring (as Aurora Aquino) in HLL.
“It’s definitely a very special moment for me because I’ve looked up to her since I was a kid,” Julia said of Lea.
The actress is also aware that the musical’s central subject, Imelda Marcos, has attracted both curiosity and hate. “Make sure you see it yourself before you form an opinion. There are so many assumptions about our show but you’d be surprised at how different you feel after seeing it yourself,” was her advice to the show’s “detractors.”
Below are excerpts from The STAR’s exclusive e-mail interview with Julia: What is it like to be part of HLL’s all-Filipino cast?
“It’s like living a dream and in a way it’s like being home again. The only times I’ve worked with an all-Filipino team was working in the Philippines. I’ve loved those experiences. To have that on Broadway, on a world stage, telling a Filipino story is such a proud moment.”
What are the highlights for you (so far!) in doing this show?
“So many! Sharing the stage with my idol Lea Salonga, working with the incredible creative team, performing in the legendary Broadway theater transformed into a nightclub, and watching the audience immersed and engaged in our story night after night.
“Backstage, I loved studying and learning more about the events that transpired during the People Power Revolution. It’s also just a lot of fun speaking Tagalog and teaching some of our cast mates who were born and raised in the US Tagalog slang.”
Can you share more about how you became part of HLL as Dovie Beams?
“I was in another Broadway musical KPOP when I got the invitation to audition for HLL. I went in and went through several rounds. And a couple of months before, I got confirmation that I was in.”
What were your preparations and how did you approach this character?
“I read a lot about that time in our history, including research about Marcos, Imelda and Dovie to familiarize myself with that aspect of the story.”
What’s your takeaway from doing HLL and what do you hope audiences get out of the musical experience?
“First, I feel so proud and I get emotional when I see kababayans at the stage door so happy and so proud. We just need to be given the opportunity to shine because we can and we will. And for audiences to learn more about our people and our history. Also, magaling ang mga Pinoy!”
You’re based in the US but do you welcome projects from the Philippines?
“Absolutely! I would love to come home and work in Philippine theater again — and other opportunities that hopefully would open up for me.”
What are your thoughts on Filipino representation in the US theater scene and in the entertainment industry in general? What do you hope to be HLL’s impact on that aspect?
“Not enough. There aren’t roles written uniquely for Filipinos or the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) so we need to compete extra hard for roles that have traditionally been given to or written for other races. I’m really hoping this show opens more doors and opportunities for Filipinos.”
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