As Tony Award winner Lea Salonga prepares to go away the primary ever all-Filipino Broadway cast this week, her position will turn out to be a revolving door to show off other well known ability from the Philippines.
Actor and singer Vina Morales, additionally liked within the Philippines, will take over as Aurora Aquino in “Here Lies Love” for a month-long engagement beginning Sept. 22, the manufacturing completely instructed The Associated Press on Friday.
Producers say they’re dedicated to highlighting the rustic’s “abundance of talent,” allowing guest performers a Broadway debut.
“To be able to perform on Broadway is a dream come true for any artist,” Morales stated in a commentary. “I am grateful to ‘Coach Lea’ Salonga for guiding me along the way.”
Salonga, who has been with the show since previews in June, called her friend Morales “a wonderful addition to our cast.”
Her final show will be the matinee Saturday. Another cast member will fill in until Morales’ arrival.
“Here Lies Love” chronicles the rise to power of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos and wife Imelda during the 1960s and ’70s and the civil unrest that ensued. Musicians David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim wrote the music for the production, which takes on a night club setting for most of the 90-minute show.
The cast also includes Arielle Jacobs, Jose Llana and Conrad Ricamora.
The production marked Salonga’s first time playing an actual Filipino character on Broadway. She has led other all-Asian ensembles such as “Allegiance,” “Flower Drum Song” and “Miss Saigon,” which gained her the Tony for absolute best actress in a musical. In a humorous accident, “Here Lies Love” is in the similar theater the place “Miss Saigon” ran from 1991-2001.
This has additionally been Salonga’s first time as a Broadway manufacturer. Her co-producers come with other entertainers of Filipino descent—singer H.E.R., comic Jo Koy and Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.Ap.
Outside of the degree, Salonga is widely recognized for her vocals within the Disney animated options “Aladdin” and “Mulan.”
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Tang, who reported from Phoenix, is a member of The Associated Press’ Race and Ethnicity staff. Follow her on Twitter at @ttangAP.