Maria Carla Helena Amado Guevara-Laforteza (born December 26, 1975) is a Filipino musical theater actress who performs in both local and international productions.[1] She is known for playing Kim and Gigi in Miss Saigon in West End, London, in the 1990s.[2] She is also a recording artist and talent handler.[3][4]
On March 2, 2002, Guevara married dancer and chef Godfrey Laforteza III in Long Island, New York.[5] Godfrey is a Chef.[6] They have three children, including Sophia (born 2002),[7] a singer and leader of the Los Angeles-based girl groupKatseye.[8]
Laforteza started with the Rep Children's Theater in 1993, where she was cast in various plays such as Camelot, Once on This Island, Annie, Romeo and Juliet, and Taming of the Shrew.[9]
In 1995, she joined the Miss Saigon production in London as an understudy for "Kim", "Gigi" and "Yvette". She stayed there for two years[10]
In 1997, she went back to the Philippines and appeared in theatrical and television shows.[9]
In 1999, Laforteza began her career in television in Munting Paraiso, ABS-CBN drama series.[11]
From 2001 to 2005, she moved to New York and worked there as a baker, medical assistant, restaurant manager, and salesperson, among others. She earned a degree in Hotel Operations Management and took courses at New York University in acting.
In 2011, Laforteza did the role of Nina in Breakups and Breakdowns.[12]
She also did the roles of Sour Kangaroo in Repertory Philippines' production of Seussical and Sister Berthe in Resort World Manila's Sound of Music.[13]
In 2013, Laforteza was among the actress of Be Careful with My Heart, a television hit series in the Philippines [14]
In 2018, Laforteza played the role Lily in Binonodo, a Tsinoy Musical wherein she was recognized as Aliw Best Actress in Musical.[15]
In 2019, Laforteza was chosen to play as Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo, stage production that featured Eraserheads hit songs. She received honor for in this performance as 2019 LEAF Award for Most Outstanding Actress in a Musical.[16][17]
In 2022, Laforteza was cast in the ABS-CBN television series Flower of Evil, a Filipino adaptation of a widely popular South Korean drama.[18] In the same year, Laforteza portrayed Rachel in Joseph the Dreamer, a role that earned her the Aliw Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her performance stood out, bringing depth to the character and contributing to the overall impact of the production.[19]
Laforteza commemorated her 24-year journey with Star Magic, receiving a Loyalty Award in 2023.[20]
In 2024, Laforteza played the role of Rose and Edith in One More Chance: The Musical.[21]
Laforteza is one the Filipino stars who performed on the two-night fundraising concert "Do You Hear the People Sing?", featuring selections from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon.[22]
Laforteza celebrated her 30th year in musical theater at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on the Triple Threats concert "A La Carlotta" on August 11, 2024.[23][24]
Achievements
Carla Guevara Laforteza's recognition in Philippine theater stems from her versatility and impact on stage. Some of her notable awards include:
2024 ALIW Best Featured Actress in a Musical for One More Chance.
2023 Best Featured Actress in Musical- Snow white and the Prince. Laforteza won this award for the portrayal of the Queen in Repertory Philippines Theater Production of Snow White and the Prince.[25]
2022 Aliw Best Featured Actress in Musical for her Role Rachel in Joseph the dreamer stage play where she sang "He opens the Window" [26][19]
2019 LEAF Award for Most Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo. The show explored themes of friendship and the challenges faced over time.[16][17]
2018 Aliw Best Actress In Musical - Laforteza won this award for her role as Lily in Binondo a Tshino Musical. [27]
GEM Award for Best Featured Artist - Laforteza was awarded this for her portrayal of Kapitana Mary Jane in Rak of Aegis. This award underscores her standout performance in a highly popular musical, which brought together comedy, music, and social themes[16][17]
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