East West Players producing artistic director Tim Dang, who also staged the 2005 L.A. world premiere of Imelda, directs the Off-Broadway bow.

The cast features Jaygee Macapugay as Imelda Marcos, Liz Casasola as Corazon Aquino, Mel Sagrado Maghuyop as Ferdinand Marcos, Brian Jose as Ninoy Aquino, as well as Alan Ariano, Angelica-Lee Aspiras, Billy Bustamante, Leanne Cabrera, Sacha Iskra, Loresa Lanceta, Jonelle Margallo and Romney Piamonte.

Imelda features a book by Sachi Oyama, music by Nathan Wang and lyrics by Aaron Coleman. The musical, according to Pan Asian Rep, "is a portrait of the ambitious and controversial woman often referred to as 'The Steel Butterfly.' The musical spans the 1940s to 1980s, the pivotal years after The Philippines gained its independence. Imelda Marcos wanted to set her country as an equal player on the world stage and gain the respect of the world."

Imelda features scenic design by Kaori Akazawa, lighting design by Victor En Yu Tan and costume design by Ivy Chou.

For tickets, priced $55, phone (212) 239-6200 or visit Telecharge. The Julia Miles Theatre is located at 424 West 55th Street.

Visit PanAsianRep.