While no one is sure yet if Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga will tread the boards next year in Allegiance, one thing is certain: On March 14, Salonga is singing the songs you love at New York’s Town Hall in a one-night-only concert event. It’s a brand new show and she’s singing an array of tunes from classic songs to pop hits, and of course, the Broadway favorites. Below, BroadwayBox chats with the international star about the new concert, the music she’s really into right now and her most cherished memory from her time as Kim in Miss Saigon.
1. What do you consider your signature song?
Oh goodness, I don’t know!! I find that a lot of the songs I sing have some personal and career significance to me (things like “On My Own,” “I’d Give My Life for You,” and “A Whole New World,” for example); so I don’t think there’s just one song I could consider my signature. Perhaps it’s those three I just mentioned. Fans may have their preferred takes as well. Maybe we should just ask them! We may get a lot of interesting answers on Twitter!
2. How do you go about creating a set list for a one-night-only concert at Town Hall? What was the hardest song to cut?
So far, we haven’t had to cut anything, but I’m sure we’ll arrive at that point. And it’ll be whatever song refuses to enter my head.
3. What’s happening with Allegiance? Are you coming back to Broadway next season with George Takei?
I can’t really say much about it… and that’s all I can say! Ha ha! [Salonga has since been confirmed for the Broadway production which begins this fall at the Longacre Theatre.]
4. As a music tastemaker and coach on The Voice, who are you listening to right now that we should all know?
Thanks to the artists on The Voice, the names Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith are artists whose music has now become more familiar. They’re fantastic!
5. Looking back on your whirlwind, breakout experience as Kim, if you could relive only one moment, what would it be?
Receiving the Olivier Award. I feel like I made my country proud with that moment.
See Lea Salonga live singing the songs you know and love at Town Hall on March 14 and in 'Allegiance' at Broadway's Longacre Theatre beginning October 6 and opening November 8.
