Mark Bautista opens up about not being part of the Broadway musical 'Here Lies Love'

Mark Bautista starred in the 2014 West End production of "Here Lies Love"  and then again with the Seattle Repertory in the US in 2017, but as the musical opens on Broadway in July, the Filipino actor and singer was snubbed to make way for the original cast.

On "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" on Tuesday, Mark admitted getting his hopes up.  

"Sa totoo, Tito Boy, nag-expect din ako. Sabi ko, 'Baka may chance. Eto na 'yun, 'yung Broadway dream ko," said Mark.

"Part of me — ready na rin, kasi alam ko na na mas priority nila 'yung  original cast na magaling din," Mark added.

When the news arrived that Filipino actor Jose Llana got the role, Mark said, "Wala akong problema. Super happy ako." 

"Here Lies Love" centers on former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Mark previously played President Ferdinand Marcos.

Tito Boy also shared, "I was talking to ['Here Lies Love' casting consultant] Bobby Garcia, and you're really loved by the team. Totoo 'yan. And they're hoping you can do the role in the future."

Mark said that the Broadway team did email him about it, saying not to worry and that a national tour or replacement for Broadway could be possible.

The upcoming Broadway musical features the return of Lea Salonga. — Kimberly Tsao/LA, GMA Integrated News