Lea Salonga (MNS photo)
Broadway star Lea Salonga is thrilled that Rachelle Ann Go is carving a name for herself as thespian.
“It’s now turning into more and more opportunities for her and I’m so happy. I’m very proud that she’s doing this, doing what she loves to do and they just keep coming,” Lea said in an interview.
Note that Rachelle Ann won in the Best Performance in a Long-Running West End show category of the Broadway World UK awards for her performance as Fantine in “Les Misérables.” She was also a big winner at the Broadway World awards, having been named Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Gigi in the revival of “Miss Saigon.”
Rachelle Ann is in the Philippines for the Manila run of “Les Misérables.”
“It’s fantastic that now, there’s an official production of ‘Les Misérables’ running here in Manila, and in a wonderful theater, so I’m very happy,” Lea said.
Rachelle Ann Go (MNS Photo)
Lea, who starred as Kim in the original West End and Broadway productions of “Miss Saigon,” is excited to know who will appear in the new version of the musical set for return on Broadway in 2017. The Manila auditions for “Miss Saigon” happened two weeks ago.
The singer-actress said at the time of the interview, “I got to speak to Cameron Mackintosh a little bit last night at the (‘Les Misérables’ opening night party). He was very excited about some people that he found, and there are already work sessions set to happen.”
Lea believes the country could still be a rich source of talents for the show “which makes me feel very proud.”
“It was more than 25 years ago that it was like this group of 13 people that headed off to London on a PAL flight, waiting to see how our lives were going to be changed,” Lea said.
Asked if the likes of Morissette Amon, Jonalyn Viray, Cris Villonco and Nyoy Volante could make it in a musical abroad, Lea said, “It’s all about puso, ’yung honesty, integrity… ’yung emotional openness , ’yun ang mahirap hanapin. You can be super talented (yet) be the wrong fit for the show. So, ’yun lang. All I can say is good luck to all of them.”
Lea looks forward to doing the third season of “The Voice Kids” in May.
She shared how they pushed the schedule back after she fell ill.
“I’m sorry that we have to do it a little later. It will take a little longer before they get to see us, for those na natanggap for the blind auditions prepare and practice before you get to us,” the singer said. (MNS)