Filipino-American artists in the Chicago theater scene have made a significant impact in this year’s BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards. Van Ferro, a Filipino-American actor, set the stage in January 2022 by winning two BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards, a first for any actor in Chicago. His trailblazing achievement was a harbinger for the Filipino-American community in Chicago theater, leading to an unprecedented 22 nominations this year.
Eugene Dizon, a six-time Jeff Award-winner and a pioneer in the field, recalls being one of the few Filipinos in the industry in the early 90s. His journey from being the lone Filipino to now being nominated twice for Best Music Direction and Orchestra Performance is a testament to the growing presence and acceptance of Filipino-Americans in Chicago theater. Dizon, currently serving as the artistic director and producer at Mercury Theater Chicago, is a beacon of inspiration for many.
Ginger Leopoldo, the artistic director of CIRCA Pintig, the only Filipino-American theater company in the American Midwest, has also been nominated for Best Supporting Performer in a Play. CIRCA Pintig’s production, “Dario’s All-American Diner,” has garnered eight nominations, underscoring the company’s significant contribution to the theater landscape.
Van Ferro, back to defend his title, is nominated for Best Supporting Performer in a Play. Other notable nominations include Daven Taba for Best Music Direction and Orchestra Performance, Jay Españo for Best Director of a Musical, and Mychall Cornejo for his work with Starlight Theatre’s “In The Heights.”
Courtney San Pedro stands out with four acting nominations, becoming the most nominated actress in a single year in the award’s history. This year’s nominations have been dubbed the “Filipino Wave” by the community, highlighting a significant shift in the diversity and representation in Chicago theater.
The influence of Filipino-American actors extends beyond Chicago, with notable figures like Lea Salonga, Rachelle Ann Go, and Eva Noblezada making waves internationally. Back in Chicago, actors like Van Ferro and Christine Bunuan are making strides in representing Filipino-Americans in prestigious unions like Actors’ Equity.
The BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards, with voting open until December 31, 2023, offers a glimpse into a future where Filipino-American artists are not just participants but leading figures in the world of theater.
