The story of famed Filipino-American labor leader Larry Itliong is told through song and dance in “Larry The Musical” in San Francisco.

He is known to have organized and led protests in the 1930’s for equal pay and dignified living conditions for farm and cannery workers throughout the west coast and Alaska.

That movement continued up until the formation of the United Farm Workers in 1966.

The musical is based on the book “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong” – by the late doctor Dawn Mabalon, and by Gayle Romasanta – the writer and the executive producer.

“What you're going to see is dance,” said Romasanta.” You're going to see choreography; you're going to see singing. Filipinos love to sing. We have such amazingly talented singers.”

She added: “Those tangible things that we can see ourselves and really feel the history of, that we've never been able to just sit back and see the history, and all of its joy.”

“Larry The Musical” features a wide range of Fil-Am talent. Its actors said it is a unique experience to play a role that represents their culture. 

“It’s a privilege and an honor to be part of something that is written by Filipino-Americans, specifically a female writing this material,” said Marah Sotelo. “When I'm acting on that stage, I feel like I've never played a part like this before.”

Rocky James Concepcion, meanwhile, expressed hope that the musical will open doors for more Fil-Am talents in theater.

“I hope that it becomes a catalyst for more Filipino-Americans to be on stage and shine and tell their own story,” he said, “and feel comfortable in a role that was actually written for them rather than a role that they're trying to fit into.”

The cast and crew behind the musical also hope that their performance will not only entertain but will also educate the audience behind what some may say – are the “overlooked” contributions of Fil-Ams in the historic fight for labor rights in the U.S.  

“When people walk out [after the show], I want them to know that it's important to remember history, to pass it down to future generations,” said Sotelo, “because it doesn't end with us. It continues on.”

Itliong was a fierce political union strategist who led the Delano grape strike in the 1960s, teaming up with Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta and other Mexican farm workers. 

He passed away in 1977, and the musical’s production team said the show is a way to keep his legacy alive for future generations of Fil-Ams. 

“Larry the Musical” runs until April 14 at the Brava Theater in San Francisco.