Lea is back

‘Miss Saigon’ star touts
Trias, Velasco

WHEN LEA SALONGA performed here in 1996, it was in the character of Eponine in the national tour of "Les Miserables." When she returns to the stage of the Blaisdell Concert Hall next week it will be as herself -- an internationally acclaimed star of the Broadway stage (thanks to her role in "Miss Saigon"), cast and film soundtrack albums, and the best known entertainer of Philippine ethnicity in America.

Lea Salonga Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday Tickets: $35 and $45 Call: 591-2211

Gracious with fans -- she signed hundreds of autographs in marathon meet-and-greet sessions here in '96 -- Salonga values her privacy, and stays to herself when she's preparing for a big show. With three Hawaii shows to prepare for both here and on Maui, she did agree to talk to us via e-mail.

Question: What are you working on these days, other than visiting Hawaii?

Answer: Just working on being a good wife! I got married last January, and married life has been a lot of fun. I've also been taking acting classes and doing concerts and recordings here and there.

Q: Did you expect "Miss Saigon" to become as big a hit as it is?

A: I don't know that anyone foresaw that it would be as huge as it became. Sure the expectations were high, given the producer had such big hits as "Cats," "Phantom" and "Les Miz," and the composer and lyricist created "Les Miz." There was a lot that people were expecting from the show, and I know that the expectations were met. I just don't know if anyone thought it would run for over 10 years in London and New York. That was a trip!

Q: There was a controversy at one point about having an actor who was 100 percent Caucasian (Jonathan Pryce) playing a character that was half white. To what extent do you think race or ethnicity should be considered when casting roles on Broadway, in films or for television?

A: Ideally, an actor should be allowed to play a role he or she is right for, regardless of race. Unfortunately, because many opportunities already go to Caucasian actors, the opportunities for actors of Asian origin are so precious and few that we have to fight for the ones that do become available. So, in that sense, I do understand the uproar, but having said that, what should it matter? Theatre's all about make-believe anyway. If it's believable to the audience, that's all that should matter.

Q: Is there a role on Broadway, in films or on television that you'd like to play?

A: I'd love to one day play Elphaba in "Wicked." I saw the show recently and loved it. I'd also love to play Kate Monster in "Avenue Q." it would mean learning to be a puppeteer, as well as an actor. It's a challenge that's unique to be sure, but one that looks like a heck of a lot of fun, too. As for any other roles, "Evita" 's been my longtime brass ring.

Q: Is there a Filipino entertainer that you think America should know about?.

A: ALEC MAPA!!! He's an incredibly versatile actor. He can go from really, really funny to really, really heartbreaking and touching. I saw him in a production of "M. Butterfly," and completely fell in love with his portrayal of Song Li Ling.

As far as singers, listen to Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha, both of whom are playing in Las Vegas ... and, of course, Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco. Those girls will go far.

Q: It's been over 41 years since the Rocky Fellers hit the Billboard Hot 100 with "Killer Joe." Do you think the mainstream audience will ever appreciate what the Philippine recording industry is capable of? I've been impressed by several contemporary Filipino recording artists, but as far as I know, none of their recordings have been released in the United States.

A: Hopefully, one day ... Jasmine and Camille are probably our best chances of hitting the Top 40, given that they've been given such incredible exposure on "American Idol." Now, the ball's in their court and it's up to them to keep the momentum going.

Q: How do you describe yourself?

A: Blatantly honest, loyal, a perfectionist when it comes to my art, but laid back when it comes to life.

Q: What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?

A: It would probably have to be both "Miss Saigon" and "Les Miz." "Saigon" because it was my first huge break outside of the Philippines, and that I was given the chance to create one of the greatest roles ever written for an actress, and "Les Miz" because it proved that color-blind casting can and does work. I was on a mission to prove it.

Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment outside your career?

A: Maintaining my sanity in this business! I've seen people go nuts due to the pressure, the demands ... a lot of folks can get messed up. If you can remain grounded, sane, normal in spite of it all, you've achieved a rare kind of success.