Theatre Group Asia to stage 'Into The Woods,' 'A Chorus Line' following 'Request sa Radyo' success

MANILA, Philippines — New theater collective Theatre Group Asia has lined up its next productions, iconic Broadway musicals "Into the Woods" and "A Chorus Line."

TGA was the company behind the staging of wordless one-woman play "Request sa Radyo" starring award-winning actresses Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon in alternating roles.

"Request sa Radyo" was the last production directed by theater veteran Bobby Garcia before his untimely passing last December 2024 at the age of 55.

Tony winner production designer Clint Ramos said the creation of TGA was a vision Garcia was very passionate about being a man of the theater.

"He loved everything about it. It was his life. He had a deep love for artists. He was profoundly proud of being Filipino and championed us with every choice he made," Ramos said. "We choose to celebrate his life and legacy by forging ahead and bringing our aligned dreams to fruition."

Stephen Sondheim's "Into The Woods" is next in line for staging this August, while "A Chorus Line" will be staged in March 2026, both in the Samsung Performing Arts Theater like "Request sa Radyo."

Ramos previously did the costume design for show in 2017. This time around, he will serve as co-producer and overall creative and artistic director.

Garcia was set to co-direct "Into The Woods" with his long-time collaborator Chari Arespacochaga, who now views the project as a tribute to her colleague.

"Bobby was very particular and meticulous. Continuing the work we started is my way of honoring him and carrying on the spirit of fun and love for the craft we infused in everything he did," she added.

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The Sondheim dark comedy sees 18 main characters from popular fairy tales — fronted by a baker, his wife, and an aging witch — to come together in one musical.

The original Broadway production was nominated for 10 Tonys, including Best Musical, winning three: Best Score for Sondheim, Best Book (Musical), and Best Lead Actress (Musical) for Joanna Gleason.

Ramos described the musical as a very complex piece that explores themes of power, disenfranchisement, broken dreams, hope, resilience, and the determination to move