Lea Salonga possesses one of the most recognizable singing voices in the world, captivating audiences from Broadway stages to beloved Disney films. I first heard her sing where many Disney lovers worldwide first did, as Princess Jasmine in Disney’s animated hit, Aladdin. While many likely listened to her voice later singing in Mulan, I spent much of my childhood with her Tagalog album Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal, which played on repeat. Broadway fans will recognize Salonga from classic shows like Miss Saigon and Les Misérables. I had the chance to chat with the Disney Legend about her upcoming tour, Vegas faves, and any upcoming Broadway plans (you can still catch her on Broadway through June 29 in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends).
Crafting a Setlist for a Global Audience
With a catalog of hits spanning over a dozen solo albums (not including live recordings) and numerous soundtracks, cast recordings, compilations, and more. One would imagine narrowing down a setlist would be rather complicated.
The Evolution of STAGE, SCREEN & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
“It actually gets easier the more I do concerts because usually, the first concert is out of the gate; say, when I’m starting my career, folks expect that a lot of the hits have to be there. But with something like STAGE, SCREEN & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, because it’s at this point, the umpteenth concert, folks are like, okay, so we’ve, we’ve heard her sing her hits multiple times. So, I have a little freedom to curate a set list with some different things. We will include some familiar stuff because you can’t really not do any of that!
So we can include new charts and new arrangements and orchestrations of things of songs that I’m not normally identified with, which makes it more fun for me as a performer to get up on stage and sing something that’s different, new, and feels fresh to my ears. This is a concert that we have done in the UK and Manila, but it hasn’t been done here in the U.S., so it’s going to feel new for folks here, and it’ll be fun to bring it here finally.”
Tailoring Performances for Diverse Audiences
Though Salonga has performed sold-out tours around the world, her shows vary by audience (and her audiences have greatly varied as well, with Salonga having performed for British royalty and four United States presidents throughout her 45-year career). If you’ve seen her perform in Manila, you’ll likely get a very different show at her Las Vegas and New York dates. “If it’s a concert that I am creating specifically for the Philippines, then I try to include something that fits whatever theme we have—that my director, my writers, and my music directors—that all of us have decided. For example, if it’s going to be a show that features musicals, then we’re going to feature songs from Filipino musicals, especially original material from shows. That’s always fun because then I can focus on how excellent Filipino musicals are and how moving and incredible the experience can be, especially if the music is original for that show.”
“STAGE, SCREEN & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN doesn’t really feature anything Filipino. There’s a whole lot of stuff that has been featured in both the film and stage musical versions of something. There’s stuff that only comes from film; there’s stuff that only comes from the world of the stage musical. That’s how we crafted it.”
“There are charts in this concert that I am so looking forward to performing just because they were fun to do. I’m hoping the audience has as much fun as I do when we finally get to put it on its feet here in the U.S.!”
The Unique Joy of Live Concerts and Vegas Connection
As a seasoned performer for both stage and screen (hence the aptly titled upcoming tour), Lea Salonga is no stranger to the stage in all its forms. Live concerts give her a different perspective and experience for both her and the audience.
The Intimacy of Direct Audience Interaction
“Being able to look out into the audience and have some direct communication because when you’re in a musical, you can’t because there’s this fourth wall, and you’re a character, and like there’s this invisible pane of glass that the performer can’t cross. We have to remain in character throughout the whole show when we’re doing a musical, and when we do look out at the audience, it’s not to relate directly to the audience but to get whatever we’re trying to convey out to them.
“In a concert, you can communicate directly and interact with your audience. You can look somebody in the eye; everything I say is directed to the audience, and I’m only facing out here so you can hear me better. I’m facing out here because I’m talking to you, and that’s the cool part about doing a concert versus a musical. That said, it’s nice to be able to immerse yourself in a world that does not include the audience, that only includes you and your scene partners, or a company that’s on stage.”
“The thing that makes a concert fun is it’s not just the music, but it’s also the direct interaction and being able to communicate with the folks who are sitting in the seats.”
A Deep Affection for Las Vegas
When it comes to her upcoming tour, Las Vegas is a tour date she’s greatly looking forward to. “I can’t wait to come back. I had such a wonderful time the last time I was in Vegas. I just remember enjoying it so much. I’m not a casino person. I don’t enjoy the gambling part, but Las Vegas has become an incredible entertainment capital. So folks like me who don’t enjoy gambling will come and enjoy the other things the city offers. For example, I have come into the city just to see Blue Man Group. I have traveled to watch shows, see friends in shows, enjoy food, and walk around. So I’m looking forward to enjoying the city, maybe going shopping, maybe seeing friends, and hopefully catching another show because that’s always fun, especially if there’s a musical that’s currently running at the same time that I’m touring!”
“I’m looking forward to performing and just getting back to Vegas. I identify the city with the greats, and it’s nice to be able to plant my feet in there and get to perform. I think the last time I was there was in 2022. I did a tour, and I was at the Wynn or Encore. I remember being in a dressing room where there was this massive portrait, head-to-toe photograph of Frank Sinatra that just covered one wall. That was my dressing room, so I would look to it to get some inspiration from someone I identify as incredibly gifted and charming, such a wonderful performer.”
The Enduring Impact of Disney and Future Broadway Hopes
Though many of her performances evoke strong emotions from audience members, many can expect to shed a tear or two during at least a few notable songs.
The Global Reach of Disney’s Magic
So, what songs tend to get the strongest reaction from audiences? “I think any time I perform something coming from Disney. I think it’s because of how widespread those films have reached. The thing about doing theater is that only the audience inside that venue can experience it in real time. In contrast, the films and the music are available at the tips of your fingers if you have a mobile phone. You don’t even have to be sitting on your couch to access this material. You just have to turn on your phone, and if you have a music app, you’ll be able to find “A Whole New World” or “Reflection” or anything. These movies have such a widespread influence, and their reach is global. So whenever I do sing anything from that catalog, folks have a very vocal reaction. I mean, I think there’s a visceral response that the audience can feel, and then it comes out in how they receive it and in how they respond.
A Glimpse into Future Broadway Plans
If you’re missing Lea Salonga on Broadway, when can you expect her return? “I don’t know. I really don’t know. But I’m hoping that I won’t be away from Broadway for too long. The last musical I did prior to this (see her in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends until June 29, 2025) was Here Lies Love, which was in 2023. So, the last time I was on Broadway was two years ago. I’m hoping if all the stars align the right way in a few years, I’ll be able to come back. But in the meantime, I have Into the Woods in the Philippines this August. And I have STAGE, SCREEN & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN that happens after that. And I go back and forth to the Philippines because I still have family over there. So I’m going to be home for the holidays and continuing to do shows. And then let’s see what happens next year!”
