LEA SALONGA, Manila (Philippines) 1971

Her professional debut in musical theatre was THE  KING AND I, age 7.

Other theatre credits include MISS SAIGON in London and later in New York. For her performance as Kim, Salonga won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle awards. She also performed in LES MISÉRABLES on Broadway (first as Eponine and later as Fantine in the Broadway revival of the show) and in FLOWER DRUM SONG.

Currently she is making her New York cabaret debut with `The Journey So Far´ in an exclusive three-week engagement at the Café Carlyle.


- The first musical you saw and/or most impressed you: A CHORUS LINE is the one I remember seeing… just how much passion and heart the actors had doing the show really stuck in my mind.  And the music!

- You would like to make a duet with: Barbra Streisand  singing the song: oh anything she wants!

- Webber o Sondheim?: Sondheim.

- London or New York?: New York.

- Do you keep the programmes of the musicals you watch?: Only the ones I really love.

- The worst moment you’ve had live on the stage was: (as a performer and/or as a spectator): Seeing a couple making out while I was singing on stage.  I mean come on!  Get a room!

- An unforgettable moment: (as a performer and/or as a spectator): Seeing LES MIZ for the first time and being totally blown away by the whole thing.

- Do you have any superstitions before the opening night?: I pray the rosary.

- A musical character that you would like to BE (not perform): Oh goodness, I don’t know!

- What do you like best/least about your work? Best: performing on stage.  Worst: when something goes wrong on stage, and I’m powerless to fix it.

- What is your favorite musical movie? SINGING IN THE RAIN.

- The last CD/DVD related to Musicals that you have bought is: I can’t remember.

- What is your favorite line from a musical: “To love another person is to see the face of God” (LES MIZ)

- Agree or disagree with TV Shows finding new Musical Stars: It works for me if and when they find someone stellar.

- You feel proud of: My little girl now that’s she’s starting to sing.

- Of this moment you’re living as an actor, the most important thing to you is: Truth and honesty in performance.

- Other projects you are working on: Being a mommy, and trying to think of what kind of party to give my daughter on her birthday.