SAN JUAN, La Union – Many in the cast of Theatre Group Asia’s “Into the Woods” view working with Lea Salonga as a daily master class. For Jack actor Nic Chien, it is just another regular day being with his mom.
Lea and Nic were among the earliest cast announcements for the upcoming local run of Stephen Sondheim’s magical production mixing several fairytale actors, so naturally fans are eager to see how both get along onstage.
During a press conference for the show last July 31 in Makati’s Samsung Performing Arts Theater, where “Into the Woods” will run this August, Nic had just one word to describe working with the award-winning actress – nice.
“Sometimes I want space from my mom. When you go to work, you’re like, ‘I get to have space for myself away from family.’ I don’t get that,” Nic quipped about being with Lea all the time.
Nic does enjoy the experience and echoes people’s comments calling Lea “great and incredible.” He finds it funny, though, when people react to how amazing Lea is, whereas Nic treats it as “just another Tuesday.”
“Everybody will think that she’s amazing, and she is, but for me it’s just my mom,” Nic added.
One example he gave was asking The Baker’s Wife actress Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante how to not be bored going through the same scenes over and over again.
“[Ate Mikkie] is like, ‘I watch your mother and I’m inspired by her,’ and I’m like, okay,” Nic said, which earned a few laughs.
The young actor acknowledged that people expect a more nuanced answer like seeing a new side of Lea. Being with his popular mother all the time means getting to see how people see Lea, and for Nic his mom remains the same person each time.
“I’m not ashamed when she treats me like her kid in front of everybody else, it’s just how it is,” Nic added.
Later during an interview with Philstar.com, Lea said she does not give tips or advice on how Nic should tackle his character Jack. The Broadway star wants her son to interpret the character on his own.
“He’s 19 and really independent. Hindi ko na siya pinapakialaman with regards to who Jack is and his characterization,” Lea said, adding she doesn’t interfere, get involved, or get in between Nic and show director Chari Arespacochaga in creating Jack.
“That is not my responsibility, that is not on my list of duties as one of the actors on the show, or as a mom,” Lea ended.
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