In 1978 Lea Salonga made her stage debut in a Philippines Repertory production of The King & I at age seven. 1989 she made her London debut as Kim in Miss Saigon winning an Olivier Award for Best Actress. Two years later she made her Broadway debut when the show transferred to New York, winning herself a Tony Award. Two decades later she's sung on the soundtrack to successful films, performed in two different anniversary records of Les Misérables and continues to sing beautifully as one of the sweetest soprano singers on Broadway. A condensed version of what makes Lea Salonga would not do her justice... On March 14, she will be performing at the legendary The Town Hall. The one night only engagement will see Salonga performing songs spanning her celebrated career. And what better way to prepare for this show by taking a look back at some of Lea's excellence?
Here are ten essential Lea performances to tide you over until The Town Hall show.
What better way to start out with her singing "Nothing" from A Chorus Line - a song admits to relating to, a feeling doubtlessly true for many young performers.
This performance of her singing "I'd Give My Life For You" from Miss Saigon, just after the show opened on Broadway is a keeper.
One of the great things about any Lea show is seeing her sing just about anything, for example, consider take on Lady Gaga's "Poker Face"
Or, she'll be quick to perform unavoidable theatre songs with aplomb like she does with "Defying Gravity".
Love songs are generally standard for Lea, and she's fantastic on Levin and Schaefer's "He Touched Me"
Lea's work on Les Mis has always been appreciated (she's played Fantine and Eponine) and yet my favourite performance of her singing a song from the show is this rendition of "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables", among my favourite interpretations of this beautiful song.
This is one I particularly adore. The very simple eighties musical Baby is not remembered often, but its simple premise of three different couples reacting to expecting a child boasts a lovely score from Shire and Maltby, and the excellent "The Story Goes On" is at the centre. In this number from a Carnegie Hall performance Lea announces her pregnancy while singing the song and then midway through invites on special guest Liz Callaway (who originated the character of Lizzie who sang this song). The duet is so lovely not just for the pleasure of seeing two Broadway talents harmonise, and get moved by Liz singing to Lea but it's a Disney moment too because Lea is the singing voice for Princess Jasmine (Aladdin) and Fa Mulan (Mulan) and Liz the singing voice for princess Anastasia.
And speaking of Disney, here's Lea singing a gorgeous Disney medley.
And, how about this adorable audition for Miss Saigon all those decades ago.
It's not a role she's famous for she played Cinderella for 30 week Asian tour of the Rodger and Hammerstein's show and her rendition of the show's best number has always stuck with me. Lea Salonga, There's Music In You.
What are your favorite Lea Salonga performances?
