The acclaimed musical Here Lies Love, created by David Byrne, has made its debut in Los Angeles with a reimagined production at the Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum. Following a successful run on Broadway, this unique portrayal of the life of former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, is set to captivate audiences once again. The show is currently performing to sold-out audiences and will run through April 5, 2024.
Unlike its immersive Broadway predecessor, which transformed the theatre into a standing room only venue for an interactive dance experience, this version invites the audience to sit while still engaging them in the narrative. Byrne, who is currently overseas on tour, expressed his curiosity about how this new non-immersive staging would resonate with viewers. In an interview with Variety, he stated, “I’m very curious how the non-immersive staging will work. The immersive disco setting put the audience in the position of the Philippine people, and that worked, so I’m curious if that connection will still happen.”
Innovative Direction and Engagement
Director Snehal Desai has embraced the challenges of staging the production in a traditional setting while maintaining elements of interactivity. He remarked on the intimate atmosphere of the Mark Taper Forum, saying, “The thing about the Taper is, it doesn’t have that fourth-wall separation. We’re all in the same room. When someone gets up to go to the bathroom, everyone notices everything!” Desai believes this closeness allows for a different stylistic approach without removing the seating entirely.
The production includes plans to activate various areas of the theatre, allowing moments where audience members might stand and participate. Desai noted, “This whole element of it is fun, it’s intriguing, but there’s no reason this couldn’t be staged traditionally, either.” His vision aims to balance the energy of the original immersive experience with the constraints of a traditional theatre format.
Ticket Demand and Audience Response
With performances already selling out, the demand for tickets is high. Theatre enthusiasts and fans of Byrne’s work are encouraged to secure their seats quickly. The show’s exploration of political themes, intertwined with the vibrant music and innovative staging, promises to deliver a compelling experience that resonates with both new and returning audiences.
As Here Lies Love continues its run in Los Angeles, the reimagined production showcases the potential for theatre to evolve while still honoring impactful narratives. With the combination of Byrne’s visionary creativity and Desai’s directorial flair, the musical is set to leave a lasting impression on the city’s vibrant arts scene.
