Here Lies Love Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Recommended
"...“Here Lies Love,” which is having its Los Angeles premiere at the Mark Taper Forum, traces the political power couple’s rise and fall through a series of dance cuts that capture the irrational hold charismatic leaders can have on a public — at least while the music is blasting."
Stage Scene LA- Somewhat Recommended
"...Center Theatre Group’s sensationally designed and performed West Coast Premiere of Here Lies Love, aka the Imelda Marcos Disco Musical, has everything an entirely sung-through show ought to have except one vital element–songs you’d want to listen to a second time."
TheaterMania- Not Recommended
"...A new staging of the Broadway cause célèbre Here Lies Love has arrived at the Mark Taper Forum. But without the benefit of seeing the original Alex Timbers production in New York, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why, in this reimagined version helmed by Center Theatre Group artistic director Snehal Desai, the elements that reportedly once dazzled now fall flat. What may have resonated in earlier iterations struggles to find its footing here."
Stage Raw- Somewhat Recommended
"...Yet his musical, Here Lies Love, currently at the Mark Taper Forum, falls short of his typical inventiveness. A collaboration with Fatboy Slim, another musical innovator (Byrne conceived and wrote the music and lyrics, while Slim contributed music), Love dramatizes the rise and fall of Ferdinand Marcos, president of the Philippines for over 20 years before he was toppled from power in the 1986 People Power Revolution. An inspirational movement, the Revolution was a bloodless resistance that forced Marcos and his wife Imelda to flee to Hawaii with the help of the US government."
Ticket Holders LA- Recommended
"...Whatever its theatrical quagmires, this AAPI-spawned locally reborn reinvention of David Byrne’s passion project is a significant achievement; not only does it cleverly scrutinize and bring attention to a dastardly history of a time not long ago when an authoritarian political regime all but destroyed a country, it also pays homage to the courageous citizens of the Philippines’ homegrown People Power Revolution who bravely stood up to the madness and brought it to a stop."
Larchmont Buzz- Highly Recommended
"...Here Lies Love, the David Byrne/Fatboy Slim musical currently playing at the Mark Taper Forum, brings to life Imelda Marcos’ journey from humble beginnings to overindulgent, exploitative, and deadly extravagance. Featuring an all-Filipino cast and creative crew of predominantly Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI), this show packs a medley of songs and dance into its 115 minutes."
The Hollywood Times- Somewhat Recommended
"...Ultimately, Here Lies Love is a technical triumph and a vital showcase for Filipino talent, but it remains a thematic puzzle. It wants to condemn fascism while simultaneously basking in the aesthetic of its perpetrators. For those looking for a high-octane theatrical experience, the Taper’s disco is open for business. But for those looking for a clear-eyed look at history, the reflection in the disco ball remains frustratingly distorted."
Nerds Of Color- Not Recommended
"...Strictly as a musical, I can’t recommend it to any musical or disco lovers due to how stagnant it all was, despite this production’s best attempts to liven it up with frenetic choreography and lighting. But on the ethical ground of arts and politics, I can’t recommend it to anyone either."