Karylle finds leading man for Philippine debut of "The Light in the Piazza"

CEBU, Philippines - Philippine show biz royalty Karylle Tatlonghari, who will essay the role of Clara Johnson in Stages Production Specialists Inc.'s Philippine premiere of Broadway musical "The Light In the Piazza," has found a new leading man in New York University Tisch School of the Arts alumnus Stephen Mark Lukas, according to a report on Broadwayworld.com. He auditioned for the role of young Italian Fabrizio Naccarelli in New York. Matthew Morrison of "Glee" fame and Broadway stalwart Aaron Lazar previously played the romantic lead in the Broadway production.

"Aaron Lazar and I have the same agent, Robert Atterman. And Aaron is someone I've always looked up to. It'd be great to be able to play the role of Fabrizio. I've never been to Manila. This is an incredible opportunity for me," Lukas told BroadwayWorld.com.

Stages Productions had been auditioning actors in the country for the role of Fabrizio since last year, but ended up auditioning in New York with an American casting agent. "Casting agents in Manila had offered very limited choices for leading men in local theater. So I opted to get a Broadway actor instead. Stephen has a beautiful tenor voice. He's a handsome and strong actor too," said Stages Productions president Audie Gemora.

Lukas' recent theater credits include the second national tour of "Little Women" (Laurie), Ogunquit Playhouse's production of "Hello, Dolly!," Summer Lyric Theater's "Oklahoma!" and Seacost Repertory Theater's "Grease" (Danny Zuko).

Stages Productions' "The Light In the Piazza" will open at Meralco Theater at Ortigas Center in Manila on July 8. Jaime del Mundo is director. Joey Mendoza is set designer.