'Into the Woods' musical: Jamie Wilson, Rody Vera join cast

Jamie Wilson (left) and Rody Vera join the cast of "Into the Woods." Handout 

Theatre Group Asia (TGA) has announced two new additions to the cast of the Philippine staging of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods."

Veteran character actor Jamie Wilson is now part of the star-studded lineup, which also includes Lea Salonga, Arielle Jacobs, Eugene Domingo, and Nyoy Volante, among others. He will take on the roles of Cinderella's Father and Steward.

Also joining the cast is seasoned playwright, screenwriter, and actor Rody Vera. He will portray the Narrator and Mysterious Man in the musical, which is slated for August at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (S-PAT) in Makati. 

"'Into The Woods' holds a very special place in my heart, mainly because of the courage it took to write about our favorite fairytale characters and make them more human, celebrating not only their strengths but also their flaws," Wilson said in a statement released by TGA.

"The music is incredible, in true Sondheim style, with iconic songs and show-stopping production numbers, all of which are not only technically difficult to learn and sing, but also tremendously beautiful when you get it right," he added. "Few other musicals make my heart soar like 'Into The Woods!'"

Wilson, who has over 40 years of experience in the arts and entertainment industry, was last seen on stage as Councilor Arturo Banlaoi in "Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical."

His other notable roles include Dave Bukatinsky in "The Full Monty" and the antagonist Agatha Trunchbull in "Matilda The Musical." 

Wilson's most recent theatrical work was as the associate director in TGA's "Request Sa Radyo." Outside of theater, film, and television, he sings blues with his band, The Blue Rats. 

Vera, on the other hand, has been performing on stage since the '90s in local and international productions such as "Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas," "1896," "Noli Me Tangere," and "Rak of Aegis," among others. 

Based on James Lapine's book, "Into the Woods" intertwines several fairy tale characters and shows the impact of human choices and actions. 

Behind TGA's production is Tony Award winner Clint Ramos, who serves as overall artistic and creative director alongside co-producers John and Joanna Echauz and S-PAT executive director Chris Mohnani.

Carla Guevara Laforteza joins cast of 'Into the Woods' musical