Entertainers
Our Exclusive Chat with Lea Salonga
If you are a Broadway or Disney fanatic, then you not only know but basically worship Ms. Lea Salonga. First off, she has a Tony Award! She is the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, the titular character in Mulan AND just led her vocals to the mega-hit Kpop Demon Hunters. What could possibly be next? A well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We got the absolute pleasure of chatting with the legend herself.
SRS: Congratulations on your star!! How does it feel?
LS: If I’m being completely honest, very surreal. I know that it’s been over a month since getting the news about the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but still! It’s a huge honor, and I’m so grateful!
SRS: How do you manage to always appear so utterly elegant, poised, and calm?
LS: I’m old. [Laughs]
SRS: I am sure, like many others, I grew up singing along to your voice as not one, but two Disney princesses. [I had a whole karaoke machine and a Disney princess CD; it was great.] What has been your favorite part or story of being in the Disney family?
LS: Hearing that folks grew up hearing my voice as one or both princesses I was able to lend my voice to. I grew up hearing Ilene Woods (Cinderella), so it’s neat to now be that for another little kid.
SRS: What can you tell us about your upcoming North American tour? What do you hope audiences take away from it?
LS: Oh, the tour, plainly and simply, is just me singing some incredible music from the worlds of film and stage, songs I grew up listening to and singing along with, as well as songs I was able to actually originate. I just want audiences to have a wonderful time and to find some measure of joy in the music.
SRS: I love stalking your Instagram. You always post the best stories. What are some causes you think currently need more attention?
LS: Mostly women’s causes. I know of aunts and other relatives that were horribly abused by their husbands, so I’m advocating for women to one, be independent, and two if they do decide to be coupled, to find an actual partner, not a man-child they now have to raise. That isn’t a lot to ask for, right? I’m also advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, as the mom of a trans teenager.
SRS: Do you have a dream role to play?
LS: Oh wow… I think the interesting roles are coming from the Sondheim canon: Mama Rose in Gypsy is certainly one I’m thinking about.
SRS: Last but not least, what are your favorite Filipino hot spots in Manhattan?
LS: I haven’t been to all of them, but I have ordered quite a few times from KORA, a Filipino bakery in Queens. Amazing offerings, and all worth the price!
Come get your tickets to see Lea in the flesh HERE and cry-sing “A Whole New World” together.
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