Eugene Domingo tackles Sondheim in fear — but finds her voice

MANILA, Philippines, August 3 ------ Comedienne-actress Eugene Domingo isn’t new to the stage. But stepping into a Stephen Sondheim musical? That’s a different beast entirely. Best known for her biting wit and unmatched comedic timing, Eugene will play Jack’s Mother in Theatre Group Asia’s "Into the Woods," running this August in front of sold-out crowds at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati.

The role marks her return to the theater after a seven-year absence and her first-ever full-length musical. Her last role on stage was for "Night, Mother" with the Philippine Educational Theater Association in 2018.

Domingo admitted that tackling Sondheim’s intricate score has tested her in ways she didn’t anticipate. “Hindi ko naman na-imagine na gagawin ko pala one day at napakahirap pala niya,” she told Philstar.com after a press conference on Thursday, July 31. “Masarap siya panoorin pero hindi madaling gawin.” She added that while her character doesn’t have many musical numbers, the production’s structure — where characters often sing within the same measure — poses a steep learning curve for someone trained in straight spoken plays.

That’s where she began: studying Theater Arts at the University of the Philippines and performing with Dulaang UP. “For me nakadagdag 'yun ng challenge. Nakadagdag din sa pikon ko, joke! Ang pagsisisi... ay!” she said, laughing. But the process, she admitted, taught her something new. “Parang ako ang threat ngayon!” she quipped, riffing off the term “triple threat.”

Revisiting the woods

"Into the Woods" gathers 18 fairy tale characters led by a baker, his wife, and an aging witch — into one musical whirlwind that collides wishful thinking with harsh reality. The original Broadway run earned 10 Tony nominations and won three, including Best Score for Sondheim, Best Book for a Musical, and Best Lead Actress for Joanna Gleason.

Domingo, for all her accolades on stage and screen, now finds herself navigating an entirely new rhythm, one that demands precision, emotion and vocal agility. Whether she’s weeping during rehearsals or poking fun at her own regret, Eugene Domingo isn’t just making a comeback, she’s facing the scariest part of the woods head-on.

Source: philstar.com