Lea Salonga returns to Broadway, joins cast of 'Here Lies Love'


Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga is set to join the cast of "Here Lies Love" on Broadway for five weeks from Tuesday, July 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13.

The global superstar is also joining the producing team for the special guest engagement this summer, according to an article by Chloe Rabinowitz on broadwayworld com.

"Here Lies Love" tells the story of former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos' rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution. The show will begin performances Saturday, June 17 ahead of an official opening night on Thursday, July 20, the report also said.

Lea will perform "Just Ask The Flowers," sung by the character of Aurora Aquino - mother of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, whose assassination ignited the EDSA Revolution and catapulted Cory Aquino into power.

"I'm so excited to be joining 'Here Lies Love' as both a performer and producer! As an audience member that stood on the dance floor at the National Theatre in London where 'Here Lies Love' ran in 2014, I knew I wanted to be part of it if and when it ever came to Broadway. Now here we are, and at the theater in which I made my Broadway debut! I'm thrilled to be part of this show, as well as part of a company comprised of an abundance of Filipino talent, a first in Broadway history! We're showing the world what we're capable of!" said Lea.

WATCH LEA'S VIDEO: https://fb.watch/iZg5cNXHlm/

The production will mark the first time Lea will serve as a producer on a Broadway show. Also, the project will mark the first time Lea will play a Filipino role on the Broadway stage.

Following the five-week run, other stars will take over the role from the Filipino star.

Director Alex Timbers and producer and costume designer Clint Ramos shared their excitement for Lea.

"Having Lea join the Here Lies Love family is a pinch-me moment for all of us. I can't wait to get in the rehearsal room with her and the other talented artists working on this show," said Timbers.

"Lea Salonga has singularly secured a place for Filipinos on the Broadway stage. That she joins us as both performer and producer, where she creates a pipeline for Filipina actresses, is profoundly historic. Lea continues to be a beacon of light and source of pride for the Philippines. We are thrilled to welcome her to Here Lies Love," Ramos added.

Lea made her Broadway debut in 1991, winning the Tony Award for her portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon at age 20.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2023/02/14/lea-salonga-bernadette-peters-headline-stephen-sondheims-old-friends-on-west-end/