Review: David Byrne’s Imelda Marcos musical ‘Here Lies Love’ gets a thoughtful makeover in LA

Key Takeaways:

• Imelda Marcos’ lavish taste in footwear was a pop-cultural talking point in the 1980s.
• She was also noted for her quick embrace of the disco scene.
• David Byrne’s musical “Here Lies Love” explores these facets of her life.
• The Los Angeles production presents a more thoughtful adaptation of the show.
• Marcos’ story remains a window into the interplay of fame, fashion, and politics.

A Surprising Disco Maven

Imelda Marcos’ “fetish for fiendishly expensive shoes” was a persistent joke throughout the 1980s. She famously owned hundreds—if not thousands—of high-end pairs, turning her footwear collection into a symbol of lavish indulgence. Yet few were aware that she harbored a fascination with the vibrant nightlife of the disco era, earning her a reputation among insiders as a “disco queen.” This duality of style and sound reflects the legacy of a woman who was equally at home jet-setting in Beltrami pumps as she was beneath a spinning disco ball.

David Byrne’s Musical Vision

“Here Lies Love,” created by musician David Byrne, dives into the cultural and personal complexities of Imelda Marcos’ life. Rather than focusing solely on her political standing or gaudy wardrobe, the musical underscores her dramatic flair and the pulsing beats she embraced. By weaving together dance music with theatrical storytelling, Byrne reimagines the Marcos narrative, inviting audiences to explore the former First Lady’s darker complexities against an infectious disco backdrop.

A Thoughtful Makeover in Los Angeles

Now staged in Los Angeles, the show undergoes what observers describe as a “thoughtful makeover.” While details of the new production remain exclusive to paying audiences, the known elements suggest a refined perspective on Marcos’ larger-than-life persona. This reexamination of her myth—complete with the sparkling sheen of the disco era—pushes viewers to question the intersection of spectacle and truth. Lines blur between comedic nostalgia and sharp cultural commentary, leaving attendees to grapple with both the glamor and the controversy that shaped Marcos’ story.

Reflecting on an Iconic Legacy

Decades after the 1980s, audiences remain captivated by the figure of Imelda Marcos, who combined political power with show-stopping style. The swirling lights and dance beats of “Here Lies Love” capture much more than a passing fad: they serve as a lens into how celebrity, politics, and extravagance can collide. Whether remembered for her shoe closets or her disco tunes, Marcos lives on as an emblem of an era that continues to spur fascination, debate, and now, a musical that dares to bring her story to the stage.