Actor Red Concepcion Takes on ‘Chicago’ on Broadway

Red Concepcion in New York City, NY, January 2023
(Photo courtesy of John Mark Yap, @iamjohnmarkyap on Instagram).

Red Concepcion, a versatile performer with roots tracing back to the Philippines, made his Broadway debut in Chicago last January 15, a groundbreaking moment for Filipino representation on the international theater scene.

Concepcion plays the role of gullible car mechanic Amos Hart in the musical, the second-longest running show on Broadway after Phantom of the Opera. He was The Engineer in Miss Saigon’s U.S., and Ireland tours.

Chicago on Broadway billing (Photo courtesy of John Mark Yap, @iamjohnmarkyap on Instagram).

It’s an exciting journey for Conception who brings his flair and cultural uniqueness to the heart of the theater world. I worked with Red in 2013 in a college production at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. In the Philippines, he performed in productions of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; Equus; The Normal Heart; and Annie, among others.

Only a decade later, he’s on the world’s biggest stage. Chicago will run until March 24, 2024 at The Ambassador Theater. His center-stage debut in the world’s most prestigious theater districts breaks barriers and challenges stereotypes.

Chicago brings audiences to the sultry and glamorous world of 1920s Windy City, where the roaring jazz age collides with the dark side of fame. The musical follows the story of two rival vaudevillian murder suspects Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, as they tussle for the spotlight.

The Filipino community has rallied behind Red Concepcion, demonstrating immense pride and excitement over his Broadway debut. Theatre artists from the Philippines, Filipino friends from across the States, and fans came to his historic debut on January 15.

Concepcion greeting fans (Photo courtesy of John Mark Yap, @iamjohnmarkyap on Instagram.)


"Concepcion plays the role of gullible car mechanic Amos Hart in the second-longest running show on Broadway after Phantom of the Opera."


Concepcion's journey represents a broader movement towards inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment industry. His success opens doors for more Filipino performers to showcase their talents on the global stage..

For more on Red Concepcion: https://usa.inquirer.net/143908/filipinos-shine-on-the-global-stage-a-promising-start-to-2024?fbclid=IwAR1--FBruCrR-bnfpoKrpjlnFpsmQ0RS1NPkz1F5n9iXjFSD1AZ_sP1QmMo


Charlette San Juan is a Chicago-based theatre artist whose roots sprout from Manila, Philippines. She’s a stage manager at the Second City and a producer of the all-Asian Stand-up show Model Majority at Laugh Factory Chicago.


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