Fil-Am Broadway choreographer tapped to direct ‘A Chorus Line’ in PH

MANILA, July 6 ------ Emmy Award-winning choreographer and Broadway performer Karla Puno Garcia is set to direct and choreograph "A Chorus Line" for Theatre Group Asia (TGA), which opens in March 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

A celebrated Filipino-American artist based in New York, Puno Garcia brings an impressive résumé to the Philippine stage. She holds the distinction of being the first Filipina cast member and dance captain in "Hamilton" on Broadway, and has performed in "West Side Story," 'Gigi," and "Hot Feet," and toured the U.S. in "Wicked" and "The Addams Family." On screen, she appeared in "So You Think You Can Dance Season 5," "Smash," and "Annie Live!".

In 2023, she made history as the first woman of color to choreograph the opening number of the Tony Awards, earning her an Emmy for Outstanding Choreography. She made her Broadway choreographic debut with "Days of Wine and Roses "and has since choreographed "Cher," "The Connector," 'Noir,' and "Rent."

“Although I’ve never performed in the show itself, my connection to 'A Chorus Line' is quite deep,” Puno Garcia said in a statement released Friday. “I have lived its story my entire life. I’ve been a chorus member countless times and have danced in ensembles for the past 20 years. I think the spirit of the show is something I’ve trained all my life to embody."

"A Chorus Line," celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is one of Broadway’s most iconic musicals. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1976 and swept the Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Choreography. The show follows 17 dancers auditioning for a Broadway chorus, revealing their personal stories of struggle, resilience, and passion.

“Karla is a great Filipina force,” said TGA’s overall artistic and creative director, Tony Award-winner Clint Ramos. “She’s incredibly lauded and celebrated on Broadway. For 'A Chorus Line,' we needed someone who can honor the original choreography by Michael Bennett and his associate Baayork Lee [the original Connie Wong], but who can also bring her own artistry and excellence to make the material come alive and resonate in the modern context. We are thrilled to have Karla helm this project and can’t wait for the Philippines to see her work.”

In partnership with Puno Garcia, TGA has launched an international casting search for an all-Filipino ensemble. Initial auditions began in New York in June, with a Philippine leg set to roll out soon in partnership with Ayala Malls across key cities. The search is open to artists of Filipino heritage.

“We’re searching for talent that’s exciting, unique, and individual — performers with a strong sense of self,” Puno Garcia said. “For those interested, I say: Dance your face off and be a star! Follow your gut, get ready, and go for it! Trust yourself. What you perceive as flaws might just be your superpower. Although we’re looking for an ensemble, each dancer should make the effort to be seen. We want to meet who you are.”

The production aligns with TGA’s mission to connect world-class Filipino creatives with emerging homegrown talent. Executive producer Chris Mohnani, a former danseur himself, noted, “We, Filipinos, are known to be great singers. This time, we’re excited to stage a piece of musical theater that puts a spotlight on our dancing talent, utilizing movement as a vehicle to unravel a story.” Puno Garcia added that the production will pay homage to the original while breathing new life into the material: "I’ve been in conversation with Baayork Lee, who embodies the spirit of the original production. I think I can bring my natural choreographic instincts — my sensitivity to music and versatility in dance genres — into the directing process. Once we complete the casting, we’ll breathe new life into the material while staying true to the original show’s hallmarks.

"I’m especially excited to explore the characters with the all-Filipino cast we’re forming. I want to hear their stories and how they connect with the roles they’re portraying. I can’t wait to be inspired by their perspectives and find a way to use our combined experiences to organically create something that translates into today,” she said.

TGA’s "A Chorus Line" is expected to be one of the most anticipated theater events of 2026, combining Broadway excellence with Filipino pride.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com