September 1, 2024 - On August 15, 2024, Joy Lazo became the first Filipino Canadian to be inducted onto Rainbow Stage’s Wall of Fame in the Builders’ category. Lazo was one of five inductees honoured during a ceremony attended by friends, family, and Rainbow Stage executives and staff. The event took place just before the opening night performance of Mary Poppins, the second of two shows the company produced this summer.
“I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to be inducted onto the Rainbow Stage Wall of Fame as a Community Builder. As the first Filipino Canadian to receive this prestigious recognition, it is both a personal honour and a significant milestone for our community. Throughout my life, I have been committed to inspiring and being a role model for our young talents and future builders. I want them to know that there is always a place for them in the mainstream arts if they commit to their craft – by honing their gifts, recognizing their worth, embracing their heritage, and fearlessly pursuing their dreams,”said Lazo during our Pilipino Express interview.
Lazo’s involvement with Rainbow Stage dates back to 1994 when she auditioned and became a performer for Winnipeg’s longest-running outdoor musical theatre. Her first performance was in Damn Yankees. In 1997, she landed the coveted role of Bloody Mary in the musical South Pacific. This role led to opportunities in film, including a role in High Life, a movie produced for the Sundance Film Festival, followed by roles in two other films directed by Garry Yates. Later, she portrayed Lady Thiang in Rainbow Stage’s 2004 summer production of The King and I.
As a member of Rainbow Stage’s Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Production Committee, Lazo continues to contribute significantly to the community, recently starring in Ma-Buhay! A New Musical, which premiered in June 2024. Her performance in the production was outstanding, earning praise for her powerful portrayal and bringing depth and authenticity to her role.
Beyond her stage performances, Lazo has directed numerous productions, including The Passage for St. Peter’s Church, A Miracle on Main Street for Siloam Mission, and A Million Dreams fundraiser for ANCOP. She has also produced community-centered performances like Celebrate Jesus for St. Edward’s Church and the Building Together fundraiser for the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) at the Centennial Concert Hall.
Lazo’s accomplishments have been recognized with several awards, including The EVIES Winnipeg Theatre Educator Award in 2021 and the Pinays Manitoba Trailblazer Award for Performing Arts and Community Service in 2018. She is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals for Volunteerism. Lazo is a founding member of Pinays Manitoba, a Filipino women’s organization dedicated to empowering Filipino women, and she is a long-standing member of the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba. From 2000 to 2004, she coordinated various fundraisers for the PCCM.
Lazo is happily married to Ramon, and they are the proud parents of three adult children and doting grandparents to three grandchildren. A highly respected voice coach in Winnipeg, Lazo has mentored students who have gone on to pursue careers in the performing arts.
Rainbow Stage established its Wall of Fame in 2004 to permanently honour individuals who have significantly influenced the company over the years. The Wall of Fame Builders’ award is given to those who have spearheaded fundraising or administrative efforts, ensuring the company’s survival and growth. Other categories include Performers, Musicians, Creative, Technical Crew, Volunteers, and Administrators.
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