If you've ever wished you could go to a Broadway show and a nightclub at the same time, you're in luck. The upcoming Broadway musical Here Lies Love, which begins at the Broadway Theatre June 17 ahead of a July 20 opening night, is completely reconfiguring the theatre to feature a dance floor in the middle of the orchestra seating level so that audience members can party along with the show onstage. The concept is being led by scenic designer David Korins, a three-time Tony nominee for his work on Hamilton, War Paint, and Beetlejuice.
Watch Korins talk about the dramatic transformation underway for the upcoming Broadway bow in the video above.
The orchestra-seating level will still offer floorside seats on the right and left sides of the house, which are raised on a platform to overlook both the action onstage and in the audience. Accessible seating will be located in Floorside sections 1 and 2. The front and rear mezzanine will remain a traditional seating style.
Get a glimpse of the Here Lies Love immersive audience experience below:
The floor as seen from floorside seating in the downstage house right section
The floor as seen from floorside seating in the upstage house left section
The view from the front mezzanine
The view from the rear mezzanine
The floor view from the side of the stage, looking towards the mezzanine and VIP lounge
The floor view from the side of the stage, looking towards the main video wall and what was once the Broadway Theatre proscenium stage
Here Lies Love, based on former Philippines First Lady Imelda Marcos' rise and fall, features a score by Grammy, Tony, and Oscar winner David Byrne and Grammy winner Fatboy Slim, with music by both and concept and lyrics by Byrne. Returning to the project are original director Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge) and choreographer Annie-B Parson. The quartet, led by Timbers, have developed the musical over the course of a decade. Tom Gandey and J Pardo will also contribute additional music.
Lea Salonga will play Aurora Aquino in a limited guest engagement July 11-August 13, sharing the stage with Jose Llana (The King and I, The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee) and Conrad Ricamora (How to Get Away with Murder, The King and I), both reprising their Off-Broadway roles for the Broadway run. An international casting search is underway to select the show's remaining company of over 20 actors, including for its Imelda Marcos.
The initial Public Theater production began performances April 2, 2013, and ended its four-time extended run July 28, 2013. The show returned to the Public for an eight-month run in 2014; the musical also played London's National Theatre and Seattle Rep.
Here Lies Love will be produced on Broadway by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna for Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas.
The creative team for Here Lies Love will include music director J. Oconer Navarro, scenic designer David Korins, costume designer Clint Ramos, lighting designer Justin Townsend, sound designers M.L. Dogg and Cody Spencer, and projection designer Peter Nigrini. Casting by Tara Rubin, Xavier Rubiano, and Gail Quintos, along with casting consultant Bobby Garcia. Gregory T. Livoti is production stage manager. General management will be by Foresight Theatrical. Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s cultural and community liaison.
Tickets are now on sale for American Express Card Members through March 20 at 9:59 AM and for Audience Rewards members beginning on March 20 at 10 AM, with general availability beginning March 27 at 10 AM ET.
Visit HereLiesLoveBroadway.com.
