@ashots_10
Known to many as one of today’s most visible young dance artists, whether through his viral TikTok choreography or his regular appearances on ASAP, Ken San Jose is now entering a new chapter that brings him back to where it all began, the theater stage.
Ken will be stepping into the role of Mark Anthony in the Manila run of the beloved Broadway classic A Chorus Line, produced by Theatre Group Asia and directed by Emmy Award–winning choreographer Karla Puno Garcia, who earned her Emmy for her work on the 76th Tony Awards. Mark is the youngest member of the ensemble, an optimistic first-timer whose exceptional dance ability, quick wit, and unfiltered enthusiasm set him apart. Naive yet perceptive, the character brings levity and heart to the line, embodying the hope and eagerness of someone just beginning to navigate the realities of a professional dance career.
While audiences often associate Ken with contemporary dance and pop culture platforms like TikTok, few know that he actually grew up doing theater alongside his dance training. Long before the spotlight of television and social media, the stage was already his home.
That foundation began resurfacing last year when Ken appeared in Joseph the Dreamer, sharing the stage with Sam Concepcion and Gary Valenciano. The experience reignited his connection to musical theater, and when the opportunity came to audition for A Chorus Line, Ken committed fully. Understanding the demands of a true Broadway musical, he trained rigorously in jazz and ballet, sharpening both technique and stamina to meet the show’s exacting standards.
A Chorus Line is widely regarded as one of the most important musicals in theater history. First premiering on Broadway in 1975, it transformed musical storytelling by placing dancers, their insecurities, sacrifices, and personal histories, at the center of the narrative. Minimalist yet famously demanding, the show requires performers who can sing, act, and dance at the highest level while sustaining emotional honesty throughout.
The Manila production is especially significant, bringing together local and international theater talent under world-class creative leadership. Joining the cast is Filipino-American actor Conrad Ricamora, best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on How to Get Away with Murder. A Tony-nominated stage actor, Ricamora has appeared in major Broadway and Off-Broadway productions including Here Lies Love, The King and I, and Little Shop of Horrors, adding global theater pedigree to the ensemble.
For Ken, portraying Mark Anthony feels both like a breakthrough and a homecoming. The role calls for a performer who can combine technical excellence with natural charm and emotional openness, qualities that align closely with Ken’s background as a dancer and his growing maturity as an artist.
While this moment signals a possible new era, one that expands his range beyond what mainstream audiences have come to expect, his roots remain firmly grounded in dance and the community that shaped him. That connection, he shares, will always be part of who he is.
Beyond the stage, there is more to anticipate. Ken is set to release new music under Diorama, offering audiences yet another side of his artistry. With A Chorus Line, upcoming music, and continued presence across platforms, this season marks a pivotal point in his evolution as a multi-hyphenate performer.
In many ways, A Chorus Line is not just another role, it is a statement. And for Ken San Jose, stepping into Mark Anthony is both a return to his roots and a confident step forward.