Broadway actress/singer Lea Salonga will perform in Seoul, June 16 at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul.

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Lea Salonga, Tony-award winning star of “Miss Saigon,” will hold her first solo concert in Seoul on June 16.

Salonga, a Filipino actress best known for originating the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon” on London’s West End and Broadway, will sing songs from famous musicals during the concert at the Seoul Arts Center. Accompanying Salonga at the concert is the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra.

Fans of Disney animated films “Aladdin” and “Mulan” will recognize Salonga as the singing voice for Princess Jasmine and Fa Mulan. During her Seoul concert, she will perform “Reflection” from “Mulan” and “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin.”

As a veteran of musicals in the West End and Broadway, Salonga will also perform “Nothing” from “A Chorus Line,” “I’ve Never Been In Love Before” from “Guys and Dolls” and “I’d Give My Life For You” from “Miss Saigon.”

Salonga began her acting career in the Philippines when she appeared in the musical “The King and I” at the age of seven. When she was 10, she released her first album “Small Voice.”

As a teenager, she hosted her own television show and appeared in numerous films.
Salonga shot to international stardom when British producers cast her in the lead role of Kim for the musical “Miss Saigon” in 1989 on London’s West End and in 1991 on Broadway.

The musical was a big hit, earning her the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in 1990, and the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 1991. She also nabbed the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards for the same role.

Salonga also became the first Asian actress to play Eponine in the musical “Les Miserables” on Broadway in 1993. In 2007, she returned to play the role of Fantine in the musical. She also played the lead role in the revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Flower Drum Song” on Broadway in 2002.

Salonga has also appeared in the long-running American soap opera “As the World Turns,” as well as a guest on the medical drama E.R. She was also the voice of Mrs. Kusakabe in Disney’s English dub version of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “My Neighbor Totoro.”

The 37-year old singer has performed for five Philippine presidents, three American presidents, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II. She also performed the song “Triumph of the One” at the closing ceremonies of the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

Salonga celebrated her 30th year in show business with two sold-out concerts in Manila on May 23 and 24.

Ticket for the Seoul concert range from 30,000 won to 180,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555.