THE performer best known to many as one of the voices behind the Disney mega-hit tune “A Whole New World” has gamely embraced something of a whole new world in recent months: crutches and an extensive leg brace for a broken tibia sustained in January in Japan.
“Every day means a step forward; never mind how slow things go,” singer Lea Salonga posted on her Facebook page during an earlier part of her recovery.
The determined, Tony Award-winning actress continues moving forward, though still relying on crutches, with concerts and cabaret shows. That includes her 7:30 p.m. May 1 Cabaret at The Commons show with a full band in downtown Columbus.
“I love the immediate reaction of the crowd in the same room as you,” Salonga told Parade in a March 7 interview. “With TV, film or a recording, you have to wait before finding out if the audience liked it or not. With live theater or concerts, you find out right away.”
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Salonga made her debut in the world of cabaret in 2010, performing a sold out, three-week engagement at the Café Carlyle in New York City.
But film opened her career to perhaps the broadest audience. Recognized by fans of all ages as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin” and as Fa Mulan in “Mulan” and “Mulan II,” the 48-year-old Salonga is an accomplished actress and singer.
She began her career as a child star in the Philippines, making her professional debut in 1978 at the age of 7 in the musical “The King and I.” At 10, she released her first album, “Small Voice,” and she hosted her own musical television show, “Love, Lea.”
Salonga’s big break came when she was selected to play Kim in the musical “Miss Saigon” in London. In 1991, she joined the Broadway production of “Miss Saigon,” winning a Tony Award at age 18, and a Drama Desk Award and Theatre World Award for the role.
Salonga was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical “Les Misérables,” and reprised the role for the 10th anniversary concert. She later returned to the show as Fantine for the 25th anniversary.
Philharmonic Music Director David Bowden mentioned why he chose Salonga for the cabaret series.
“I have been following Lea’s career since she first took the musical theater world by storm as a teenager in ‘Miss Saigon,’” Bowden said. “She is an exceptionally gifted actor and musician who possesses an astonishing vocal instrument and who instinctively develops a deep relationship with her audience.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our community to experience a world-class artist right here in Columbus.”
Most recently, Salonga starred in the 2018 Broadway revival of “Once on This Island” as the Goddess of Love, Erzulie. The show’s return to the Broadway stage earned a Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical” and also garnered Salonga and the cast a Grammy nomination for “Best Musical Theater Album.”
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Who: Tony Award-winning performer Lea Salonga in the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Cabaret at The Commons series.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
Tickets: Only $55 tickets left. Other levels sold out.
Information, tickets: 812-376-2638 or thecip.org.
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