Lea Salonga

Lea Salonga
a.k.a. Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga

THE RISE OF MISS SAIGON
To find the perfect Kim for the 1989 London world premiere of MISS SAIGON, über-producer Cameron Mackintosh conducted an exhaustive, worldwide talent search. Lea Salonga, then a 17-year-old premed student in the Philippines with extensive theatrical experience, was chosen from more than 1,200 candidates to play the orphaned Vietnamese prostitute who falls for an American G.I. The results are legendary. Repeating her triumph in New York, Salonga won every major theater prize, including the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics' Circle, and Theatre World awards for her role in this searing update of Puccini's Madame Butterfly. Since then, Salonga has released a number of successful solo recordings as well as performed vocals for two Disney animated features, ALADDIN and MULAN. Barnesandnoble.com's David Cohen recently talked with the beautiful and poised 28-year-old showbiz veteran, who is currently recreating her signature role in a limited run on Broadway.

barnesandnoble.com: You created the role of Kim in MISS SAIGON in London in 1989. Is it a different experience playing her now?

Lea Salonga: It's easier and more fun. I can be more spontaneous, less choreographed. I know myself more in the character and can allow myself to let go.

bn: At the time you were only 18. How were you able to communicate such intense drama and tragedy?

LS: Originally, I had no idea what to do. They had to teach me everything. It has to be clear that the relationship between Kim and Chris is honest-to-goodness and not just imagined in her head. For a long time I was playing a part. I had not yet had a boyfriend and didn't know how to react. Now that I've had relationships, I have a good idea of what Kim must have felt.

bn: Your success is truly international. Does it ever seem like a fantasy come true?

LS: When I was in the Philippines working in a repertory company, we all understood what Broadway was. But I never thought it would get to this level. It happened so quickly. It was a lot of pressure on a kid who had never lived abroad.

bn: Is it fun doing vocals for animated films like ALADDIN and MULAN?

LS: The best thing is that if you roll out of bed having a really bad hair day, it doesn't matter. Actually, they're a lot of fun to make and very theatrical. They animate to the voices, watching our expressions and the way our mouths move.

bn: You were raised in Manila and now reside in New York. Do you miss the Philippines?

LS: I love New York, although Manila is always going to be like home. I have a modest apartment and a lot of friends here. I have very few friends left in Manila.

bn: Being something of a national treasure in your native country, how does life in the U.S. compare?

LS: Let's just say in the Philippines I'm accorded a lot of respect. When I go shopping, people are very nice. Salesgirls move very fast. Here I enjoy a certain amount of anonymity. When I'm not in costume, I'm in flannel shirts and sweatpants. I have no problems with paparazzi. But I want the attention; I like it.