Vernon resident stars on Broadway

VERNON — Spamalot, Hello Dolly, Jersey Boys, Dracula and the list goes on.
All familiar titles of Broadway hits. This correspondent was bitten by the Broadway bug years ago, seeing my first Broadway spectacular at the age of 12. The play was Harvey, the story of a man who is befriended by a six- foot- tall rabbit. It starred Hollywood legends James Stewart and Helen Hayes. It left me in awe of the stars, the atmosphere and the simple glory of all things Broadway.
After years of selectively picking shows, there are many in my viewing resume. In early April, a bus load of enthusiastic individuals boarded a bus in the parking lot of St. Francis de Sales Church, sponsor of the trip. We were on a mission, excited because we were seeing one of our own in a Broadway spectacular. We were seeing fellow St. Francis parishioner and Vernon resident and our golden boy Devin Ilaw. Ilaw owned the role of Thuy in the 2017 revival of Miss Saigon at the Broadway Theater. Previously, he appeared in Le Miserables as Montparnasse. Proud of his Filipino heritage, Ilaw’s favorite word in Tagalog is Mabuhay which translates into good life, long life, live your life.
Born in Bayonne and raised in Vernon Township, he is a product of the Vernon Township School system. He is also the product of a highly musical family. His mom Evelyn plays piano, is the music director at St. Francis and was once a member of a rock band. Younger brother Brandon is an accomplished singer, plays over 20 instruments and is an award winning percussionist.
Devin caught the performing bug early wowing an audience in his middle school talent show when he sang “Confrontation” from the play Jekyll and Hyde. He was active throughout his years at Vernon Township High School participating in the school’s autumn dramas and the spring musicals.
“Someday Devin you’ll be on Broadway,” said Ilaw’s former church pastor Rev. John Boland.
True to life that someday is now.
Ilaw holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and Musical Theater from The School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University. Also a classically trained pianist, ilaw studied locally with Vernon residents Ed and Margaret Korczynski and Ana Katznelson.
Experienced at his craft, succeeding and living life to the fullest, Devin Ilaw is the epitome of Mabuhay.