Sheryl Polancos: Unseen Rising Star at ‘Here Lies Love’ on Broadway
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Sheryl Polancos, at opening night of “Here Lies Love” (Photo courtesy of Sheryl Polancos)
A Rising Star in the Theater World
Sheryl Polancos, a native of the Philippines, has been a rising star in the theater world since she first set foot on Broadway. As a stage manager, her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Born with an innate passion for the theater, Sheryl embarked on her remarkable journey with dedication and determination, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
Sheryl Polancos, third from left, during the previews of “Here Lies Love” (Photo courtesy of Sheryl Polancos)
‘Here Lies Love’: A Revolutionary Musical
Here Lies Love embodies political upheaval and celebration, depicting the life of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos. Conceived by musical virtuosos David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, the show is a fusion of dance, music, and narrative that immerses the audience in a disco-infused experience.
The show is known for its unique immersive style, with the audience standing, dancing, and even participating in the performance, mirroring the dynamism of the Philippines' political landscape. Capturing the essence of Imelda Marcos and the people's emotions, the show takes the audience through a journey filled with passion, power, and political turmoil.
Sheryl’s calling desk for the show (Photo courtesy of Sheryl Polancos)
Sheryl Polancos: Unseen Theatre Master
While the spotlight shines on the actors, singers, and dancers, the stage manager remains hidden, orchestrating the show's every moment. Polancos' role is akin to that of a conductor in an orchestra, guiding the cast and crew through each performance with precision. Her ability to adapt to the unique requirements of Here Lies Love is a testament to her skill and versatility as a stage manager.
Managing a unique production comes with its own set of challenges. The immersive nature of the show, with the audience close to the performers, demands a high level of coordination and precision. Polancos has navigated these challenges with grace, ensuring that every performance is a seamless experience for the audience.
As the only Filipino stage manager for Here Lies Love, Polancos serves as an inspiration to aspiring theater professionals in the Philippines and around the world. Her success demonstrates that talent and dedication can open doors to even the most prestigious stages in the world.
Asked about her plans after Here Lies Love, Polancos says, "Right now, up next is taking some time off, [and] probably subbing. I have something coming up next year, but I can’t announce it yet.”
Catch Here Lies Love until November 26, 2023, at the Broadway Theatre. Follow Sheryl Polancos’ journey on her website through this link, and her Instagram at @sherylpolancos.
Sheryl Polancos
Charlette San Juan is a Chicago-based producer, stage manager, and theatre artist originally from Manila. 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.
