HER was announced to be joining the producing team of the upcoming controversial musical "Here Lies Love" before it debuts on Broadway this coming summer. The musical talks about the story of the embattled former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, as she rose and fell because of the Philippine Power Revolution in the 80s.
HER Joins 'Here Lies Love' on Broadway
HER, who is a Filipino-American artist, was exclusively announced by Billboard to be joining the producing team of the said musical.
Oscar-winning composer David Byrne provided the concept and the lyrics to the show, while Fatboy Slim helmed the music aspect. In a statement, Byrne revealed that they were "thrilled" with the addition of HER to the musical.
"On behalf of our binational producing team, we welcome Gabi to the Here Lies Love team with open arms! I am a huge fan of her genre-defying and multifaceted artistry, and it's empowering to welcome another Filipino artist to our ranks," Tony Awards legend Lea Salonga said in a statement. Together, we are throwing the biggest party Broadway has ever seen - and everyone is invited!"
Salonga, known for her roles in "Miss Saigon" and "Once On This Island," is also part of the producing team of the show and as well as the cast for a short period of time.
The publication also noted that if "Here Lies Love" won a Tony for Best Musical, HER would earn her last award for an EGOT status. She has already won five Grammys, an Oscar for Best Original Song, and a Children's and Family Emmy Award. She would be hailed, if ever, as the youngest artist at 26, who achieved EGOT status.
Notably, Jennifer Hudson achieved EGOT status when "A Strange Loop" won Best Musical last year. She was an executive producer of the show.
However, HER's addition to the group does not come without some suspicion.
'Here Lies Love' Controversy
Even before the musician was added to the team, "Here Lies Love" had already amassed huge attention on social media.
The show, described by many Filipinos as a glorification of Imelda Marcos and his dictator's husband's regime, received unfavorable reviews from critics back then when it premiered at The Public Theater in New York in 2013.
However, the production has described itself as an "Anti-Marcos" show, despite Imelda revealing back then to have been "flattered" by having a show dedicated to her.
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