Jaygee Macapugay poses with a poster of Here Lies Love in front of The Public Theater in New York, where she is starring as Imelda Marcos through August 23, 2014.
Through Saturday, August 23, 2014, Jaygee Macapugay is starring as Imelda Marcos in The Public Theater’s production of David Byrne and Alex Timbers’ smash hit musical, Here Lies Love, with Jose Llana as Ferdinand Marcos, Conrad Ricamora as Ninoy Aquino, and Melody Butiu as Estrella, at The Public Theater’s LuEsther Hall (425 Lafayette Street, New York City).
Here Lies Love features, in alphabetical order: Renee Albulario, Carol Angeli, Billy Bustamante, Melody Butiu, Natalie Cortez, Debralee Daco, Jose Llana, Kelvin Moon Loh, Jaygee Macapugay, Jeigh Madjus, Ruthie Ann Miles, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Diane Phelan, Conrad Ricamora, Enrico Rodriguez, Vincent Rodriguez III, George Salazar, and Janelle Velasquez.
Jaygee Macapugay as Imelda Marcos in Here Lies Love
Under the direction of Alex Timbers, Here Lies Love played a critically raved-about, sold-out run last year at the same space, which was extended by popular demand four times. This commercial run is produced by Joey Parnes Productions and EMURSIVE (Jonathan Hochwald, Arthur Karpati, and Randy Weiner, principals).
Here Lies Love was conceived by David Byrne, and features lyrics by Byrne, music by Byrne and Fatboy Slim, additional music by Tom Gandey and J Pardo, and choreography by Annie-B Parson.
The production received the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical; an Obie Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics; Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Music, Lighting Design and Projection Design and Theatre World Awards for Ruthie Ann Miles (Imelda Marcos) and Conrad Ricamora (Aquino). Here Lies Love received a record 11 Lucille Lortel Awards nominations, and garnered 5 Lortel Awards, including Alex Timbers for Outstanding Director, Ruthie Ann Miles for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical, Clint Ramos for Outstanding Costume Design, Justin Townsend for Outstanding Lighting Design and M.L. Dogg and Cody Spencer for Outstanding Sound Design.
Jaygee Macapugay as Imelda Marcos in Here Lies Love
Within a pulsating dance club atmosphere, David Byrne and Fatboy Slim deconstruct the astonishing journey of Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos retracing her meteoric rise to power and subsequent descent into infamy and disgrace at the end of the People Power Revolution. Here Lies Love is neither a period piece nor a biography, neither a play nor a traditional musical but an immersive theatrical event combining songs influenced by four decades of dance music, adrenaline-fueled choreography, and a remarkable 360-degree scenic and video environment to go beyond Imelda’s near-mythic obsession with shoes and explore the tragic consequences of the abuse of power. Here Lies Love is a 90-minute theatrical experience. Set within a dance club atmosphere, audiences will stand and move with the actors. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Dancing is encouraged.
Tickets for Here Lies Love range from $99-$139. For more info, visit www.herelieslove.com. A limited number of $40 day-of-performance rush tickets will be available at The Public’s Taub Box Office (425 Lafayette Street, NYC) one hour before the start of each performance.
Jaygee Macapugay as Imelda in Imelda: A New Musical. Photo courtesy of Pan Asian Repertory/East West Players
Since the commercial run of Here Lies Love started in the spring of 2014, Jaygee has played the role of Imelda Marcos about 65 times. She is no stranger to the role of Imeda, having played the title role of the Off-Broadway production of Imelda, A New Musical (collaboration with East West Players & Pan Asian Repertory). This summer, Joel Grey, Dule Hill, Rachel York, Countess Luann de Lesseps, Uzo Aduba and Marilu Henner have seen Jaygee’s turn as Imelda in Here Lies Love. Click on the links below for Broadwayworld.com and Broadway.com’s photo coverage.
Broadwayworld.com:Photo Flash: Joel Grey, Dule Hill, Rachel York & More Visit The Public’s HERE LIES LOVE
Broadwayworld.com: Photo Flash: ‘Real Housewife’ Countess Luann de Lesseps Visits HERE LIES LOVE Off-Broadway
Broadway.com: Orange Is the New Black’s Uzo Aduba & Marilu Henner Go Disco at Off-Broadway’s Here Lies Love
Jaygee has a passion for collaborating on new musicals and plays, including Tears from Heaven by Frank Wildhorn, Internal Bleeding by Christine Toy Johnson, and Honor by Pete Mills. In 2014, she performed in the 54 Below concert of Tiananmen, with music & lyrics by Drew Fornarola and directed by Stafford Arima; readings of Ms. Oriental by Marisa Marquez, and as a singer with the Asian American Librettists, Composers and Lyricists Project.
Jaygee Macapugay, Christine Toy Johnson and Jose Llana at the opening night part of NAAP’s production of Hello Dolly!, directed by Lee Roy Reams, at the Irene Diamond Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center in New York on April 30, 2013. Photo by Lia Chang
This summer, Jaygee was proud to participate as a guest artist for Prospect Theatre Company’s Musical Theatre Summer Intensive for students ages 12-17. The program provided master classes with Broadway and Off-Broadway performers, to deepen knowledge of theatre practice, strengthen vocal and acting technique, and enhance overall confidence.
Jaygee Macapugay as Kim in Miss Saigon
Jaygee has worked in numerous musicals Off-Broadway and regionally, including Miss Saigon at The MUNY, 5th Avenue, Casa Manana, North Carolina Theatre; Aida; Smokey Joe’s Café at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Riverside Theatre; and has performed with Lou Diamond Phillips in KC Starlight’s production of The King & I.
Jaygee Macapugay as Amneris in Aida
Jaygee Macapugay with her sister Liberty Belles and John Voight, performing for the USO. Photo by Rob Rich
Jaygee proudly performed for our troops as a member of the Andrews sisters inspired trio, “The Liberty Belles.” As a Liberty Belle, she performed for deployment and homecoming ceremonies for U.S. troops, and also performed for President Bush Senior and former first lady Barbara Bush, NYC Mayor Bloomberg, and live on national television for “New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly”.
As a soloist, she has performed in concert at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall (Phil Dev’s benefit concert: Suites By Sondheim starring Lea Salonga), Symphony Space, and the Hammerstein Ballroom.
Lea Salonga and Jaygee Macapugay after Phil Dev’s benefit concert at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in New York.
Jaygee started her career as a singer in Disney World in Orlando, FL, playing Pocahontas in Pocahontas & Her Forest Friends and in Tarzan Rocks.
Jaygee Macapugay as Pocahontas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Disney World.
Jaygee is an active member of the Asian American theatre community. She is a proud member of Broadway Barkada, a collective of Filipino theater artists using their talents to affect change in the lives of those in need. She is also a member of the National Asian Artists Project and last season, she played Irene Molloy in NAAP’s all Asian production of Hello, Dolly!, directed by Lee Roy Reams, in the Irene Diamond Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Theatre Center. She is a graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/The Neighborhood Playhouse.
Jaygee Macapugay as Irene Molloy at the curtain call of NAAP’s production of Hello Dolly!, directed by Lee Roy Reams, at the Irene Diamond Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center in New York on April 30, 2013. Photo by Lia Chang
Jaygee’s upcoming projects include a 29-Hour reading of Christine Toy Johnson & Jason Ma’s musical Barcelona. Also on the docket are selections from Timothy Huang’s musical Costs of Living for the 2014 NAMT Songwriter Showcase.
Other articles on Jaygee:
Photos: Christine Toy Johnson, Baayork Lee, Jose Llana, Ann Harada, Dodie Pettit and More at Charles Randolph-Wright’s “Three Voices” concert series at Stage 72
Jaygee Macapugay to appear as Imeda Marcos in Here Lies Love at The Public, July 5-7, 2013
Christine Toy Johnson, Jaygee Macapugay, Jon Norman Schneider to perform in National Asian Artists Project: Discover: New Musicals at 47th Street Theatre on May 23, 2011
Christine Toy Johnson and Raul Aranas Lead the Cast of the National Asian Artists Project’s (NAAP) Benefit Presentation of Hello Dolly!, at The Pershing Square Signature Center on April 29 and May 6
Here Lies Love articles:
Lucille Lortel Awards for Here Lies Love, Fun Home, The Open House, Good Person of Szechwan
Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Melody Butiu, Conrad Ricamora and More Open in David Byrne- Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love on May 1
Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Melody Butiu, Conrad Ricamora and More Return for Here Lies Love; Previews Begin April 14, 2014
Nov. 25: David Byrne and the Cast of The Public Theater’s HERE LIES LOVE including Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Conrad Ricamora, Melody Butiu and More to Host Benefit Concert for the Philippines at Terminal 5
Here Lies Love, Starring Jose Llana and Ruthie Ann Miles, Extends at The Public through July 28, 2013
Christine Toy Johnson, Thom Sesma, Ali Ewoldt, Jose Llana, Ann Harada, Telly Leung and More Set for The Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre
Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Conrad Ricamora, Kelvin Moon Loh and More Set for World Premiere of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love at The Public, April 2 – May 19, 2013
Other articles by Lia Chang
Sept. 30 – Nov. 2: André de Shields, Adam Chanler-Berat, Kevin Mambo, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Kyle Beltran & More Set for THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE at The Public
Sept. 13- Oct. 12: Jennifer Lim, Ruy Iskandar, Francis Jue, Jodi Long, Jo Mei and Andrew Pang Set for Goodman Theatre’s World Premiere Co-production with Manhattan Theatre Club of The World of Extreme Happiness by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig
Two-time Tony Nominee and Emmy Winner André De Shields Performs FREDERICK DOUGLASS: Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory and Speaks on The Wisdome of The Ancient Art of Storytelling at AFP 2014: Change Through Stories, Sept. 8-9, 2014
Aug. 26 – Sept. 20: Chay Yew Helms World Premiere of The Playwrights Realm’s Production of MY MAÑANA COMES by Elizabeth Irwin at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater
Christine Toy Johnson set for World Premiere of URBAN MOMFARE at 2014 New York Fringe Festival
Dinner with André De Shields at Chez Josephine
Photos & Video: The Wiz’s André De Shields Sang “So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard” in The Black Stars of The Great White Way Broadway Reunion: Live The Dream at Carnegie Hall
Joe Mantegna, Delta Burke, Gerald McRaney, President Bill Clinton and More Remember Meshach Taylor
Photos: Meshach Taylor Celebrates 67th Birthday with Arlene and Joe Mantegna, Delta Burke, Gerald McRaney, Jean Smart, Dennis Franz, Ernie Hudson, John Heard, Keith Szarabajka, Stuart Gordon, Shadoe Stevens and More
Photos: Maxine Hong Kingston, Billie Tsien, Bill T. Jones, Linda Ronstadt, John Kander, Julia Alvarez, Jeffrey Katzenberg Receive 2013 National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama
Golden Globe Winner James Shigeta, Veteran of Film and TV, Dies at 85; Excerpts of 2007 A/P/A Institute Q & A with Sukhdev Sandhu
Photos: Artist Arlan Huang, One Brush Stroke at a Time
Photos: Backstage with Michi Barall and the cast of Regina Taylor’s stop.reset. at Signature Theatre
Late Night Singing with Garth Kravits at 54 Below with The Skivvies, at Jim Caruso’s Cast Party at Birdland and Michael Raye’s Soul Gathering
Photos and Video: Ben Vereen Performs at Carnegie Hall in The Black Stars of The Great White Way Broadway Reunion: Live The Dream
Photos and Video: Obba Babatunde and cast members from the original cast of Dreamgirls perform at Carnegie Hall in The Black Stars of The Great White Way Broadway Reunion: Live The Dream
Bryan Cranston, Audra McDonald, Neil Patrick Harris, Jessie Mueller, Lena Hall, Sophie Okonedo, Kenny Leon, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, All The Way, A Raisin in the Sun, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and More Take Home 2014 Tony Awards
Branden Jacob-Jenkins’ Appropriate, Lisa Kron’s Fun Home, Sonya Tayeh, Emmanuel Brown, Mia Katigbak, K. Todd Freeman, John Earl Jelks Among 2014 OBIE Award Winners
Photos: André Braugher, Ami Brabson, Christine Toy Johnson, Antoinette LaVecchia, Richard Topol, Victor Williams, Nikkole Salter, Elizabeth Van Dyke at Oni Faida Lampley’s Tough Titty at the Paradise Factory
Photos: Backstage and Opening Night of Signature’s World Premiere of David Henry Hwang’s Kung Fu
Photos: David Henry Hwang, Annie Baker and Rajiv Joseph honored at Sixth Annual Steinberg Playwright “Mimi” Awards
Photos: The 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards and After Party
Celebrating my mom – AN ACTIVE VISION: BEVERLY UMEHARA…LABOR ACTIVIST…1945-1999
Crafting a Career
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.
Lia Chang Photo by GK
Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist. Lia made her jazz vocalist debut in Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz “LADY” at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2014 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com
