ISLE FILIPINO BOY IN ‘LES MIZ’

A Filipino American child actor from Hawaii is the latest to join a growing list of accomplished performers in high profile roles.

Milo Maharlika, 9, a fifth grader, joined a touring company of the Tony Award-winning “Les Misérables,” in the featured role of Gavroche. He made his debut March 31,  in a Durham Performing Arts Center staging of “Les Miz” in North Carolina, which will embark on a 12-week tour over the next six months.

As Gavroche, Maharlika (pictured below) solos on “Little People,” the tune that boasts a can-do attitude of a youngster.

Or, as the lyrics say, “The world is big, but little people turn it around!” In context of the show, Gavroche is a young patriot who does his best to work among adult soldiers amid the barricades, based on Victor Hugo’s compelling French Revolution novel, transferred to the Broadway stage and subsequently, in a film.

He’s the first Filipino actor to play this role—customarily cast with Caucasian lads, and infrequently Asians – in the U.S.  One of the early Hawaii actors to portray Gavroche in the 1990s was Jason Tam, who performed in the show here as well as on Broadway, and since has developed into an adult Broadway star with such notable credits as “A Chorus Line,”  “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Be More Chill.” Islander Ryan Rumbaugh also took on the role, too. …

‘Kamusta, Pilipinas!’

If you have relatives in the Philippines, might want to inform them that “Hamilton” is heading for the Philippines in September.

Show creator Lin-Manuel Miranda was in Manila a few days ago and told media that his award-winning show will be staged at The Theater at Solaire.

“Kamusta Pilipinas!” (Hello, Filipinos), Miranda said prior to sharing a video of his hit show. He also acknowledged that there are several actors in his company of shows who are Filipinos, including Marc dela Cruz (pictured right), from the Big Island, in the flagship Broadway company. It’s not likely for dela Cruz to join the touring company on tour, though Filipinos in the cast would boost ticket sales.

“Now we get to bring the show to your beautiful country very soon,” Miranda said. “I can’t wait for you to see it.” …

And that’s Show Biz. …