Lea Salonga to sing ‘Memory’ as Grizabella in ‘Cats’

By Rome Jorge, Lifestyle Editor

Yes, Lea Salonga—a star of whom even Andrew Lloyd Webber himself confesses to be a fan—takes on the pivotal role of Grizabella in "Cats."

Salonga will be the only Filipino to be included in an otherwise all-Australian cast and crew of 53 and will be only the second local actor performer to join the ensemble’s history. “Cats" in Manila is produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s own company.

"It is first-class, and an authentic one,” assures Tim McFarlane, producer for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s own Really Useful Company Asia Pacific Pty Ltd., which, together with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Concertus Inc. and All Youth Channel, will bring "Cats" to Manila.

Currently touring in China, the highly successful 26-year-old production is set to perform in Manila at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, from July 24, 2010 onward.

Though this event is a strictly limited season, McFarlane reveals that more world-famous shows from London’s West End and New York’s Broadway are set to perform in the Philippines. He reveals that Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is setting shop locally.

Asked if, like international theater productions in Hong Kong and Singapore, the Manila performances would draw in international tourists (many Filipinos themselves go to Hong Kong and Singapore just to watch shows such as Mamma Mia), McFarlane says that although this current staging targets local audiences, “there are fans like those from Korea who follow the show where ever it goes.” He also notes, “The CCP is a fantastic venue.” The Philippines has long supplied the finest actors, dancers, choreographers and other theater artists to productions across the globe. Now, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous works are set to come to Manila. And with Lea Salonga, no less.

Salonga spearheaded the Filipino invasion of international theater in 1989 when she garnered the role of Kim for the premier of Miss Saigon in London. She would later be the first Asian to play the role of Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway. Movie fans would know her as the singing voice in two of Disney’s animated movies: as Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan 2. Local audiences have had the pleasure of watching her perform Miss Saigon and Cinderella. She has won the Olivier, Tony, Drama desk, Outer Critics and Theatre World Awards.

Now audiences will see her put on a pussycat costume and sing one of the most unforgettable tunes onstage. And she promises to do more than just sing and act.

Salonga reveals that, though “Grizabella is identified as a non-dancing part,” she reveals, “Every actress who has played her does a bit of dancing in the beginning. I don’t want to break that tradition.”

McFarlane adds, “You probably won’t even recognize it’s Lea at the start of the show. But she’s in there.”

As for the feline costume that promises to transform her, she reveals she has yet to try on her costume. “We’re way too far away for that,” she says of the performance slated for July.

For every ticket purchased of "Cats" from November 3 to December 31, P250 will go directly to the Philippine National Red Cross in celebration of Rosa Rosal’s 60th year with the company. Rosal reveals that her dream is nothing less than building a blood bank in Mindanao.

For details, call 403-2099 or visit www.lunchbox-productions.com.