Lea Salonga’s journey withLes Misérablesbegan with a simple act of generosity. Stage director Jaime del Mundo lent her a recording of the original Broadway cast, instantly igniting a lifelong passion. From that moment, she was captivated, drawn into the sweeping story of revolution, redemption, and heartbreak.
Over the years, Salonga has embodied two of the musical’s most iconic female roles – Éponine and Fantine – on stages across the globe. Broadway, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and the O2 Arena all witnessed her powerful portrayals. Each performance deepened her connection to the story and its enduring themes.
Les Misérables, born from Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, is a timeless tale of an ex-convict, Jean Valjean, striving for a new life amidst societal injustice. It’s a story woven with tragedy, love, and the fervent hope for a better world, culminating in the dramatic events of the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris.
In the Manila production, Salonga takes on a new challenge: Madame Thénardier. She recalls seeing Lindsay Hately’s masterful interpretation in London, a performance that stayed with her for years. It’s a role that represents a shift in perspective, a glimpse into the desperate measures people take for survival.
Salonga reflects on how our sympathies evolve with age. Where once she identified with the idealistic young characters, she now understands the motivations of those driven by necessity. “There are people who would do anything, even debase themselves, to make a buck,” she observes, contrasting their struggles with Valjean’s punishment for stealing a loaf of bread.
The pressures of being a trailblazer – the first Asian to play Éponine and Fantine – have given way to pure artistic joy. Exploring Madame Thénardier offers a unique freedom, a chance to inhabit a character unbound by tragedy. And this production marks a special milestone: her first time performingLes Misérablesin her homeland, alongside three fellow Filipino artists.
The shared stage is a powerful symbol. Salonga describes the moment she saw their names in the program as “iconic,” a testament to the growing representation of Filipino talent on the world stage. Red Concepcion, playing Thénardier alongside her, acknowledges Salonga’s role in “opening doors” for a new generation of performers.
Concepcion’s own portrayal is marked by a confident, zany energy and a vocal power that complements Salonga’s. Their onstage chemistry is undeniable, injecting moments of wickedly delightful humor, often tailored for a Filipino audience, into the dramatic narrative.
Rachelle Ann Go, reprising her role as Fantine, finds a unique vibrancy in this concert version. She believes the music itself possesses an inherent life force, capable of captivating audiences even without the grandeur of a full stage production. “The music itself has its own heartbeat,” she explains.
The production skillfully blends musical theater with the intimacy of a concert, delivering a powerful experience. A live orchestra, dynamic lighting, and strategically placed screens enhance the performances, drawing the audience into the heart of the story. The iconic wooden barricade serves as a constant visual reminder of the struggle and sacrifice at the core ofLes Misérables.
For Go, returning to the role after starting her journey in London and becoming a mother, is deeply personal. She embraces the emotional vulnerability of Fantine, finding a profound connection to the character’s heartbreak. “I can rock up on stage and open my mouth and cry,” she says, “It’s always a dream come true to perform to the Filipino people.”
Emily Bautista, as Éponine, brings a fresh perspective to the role, having previously performed it on the North American tour. Her rendition of “On My Own” is both vulnerable and defiant, showcasing a crisp, steady vocal style. She embraces her Filipina heritage, performing for her family and connecting with her roots.
The cast also includes Geronimo Rauch as Jean Valjean, Jeremy Secomb as Javert, Will Callan as Marius, Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette, Harry Chandler as Enjolras, and Earl Carpenter as the Bishop. Together, they deliver a performance that resonates with the enduring power of Hugo’s story.
From the soaring ensemble of “One Day More” to the anthemic cry of “Do You Hear the People Sing?”,Les Misérablesstirs the soul. It’s a communal experience, a reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for both suffering and hope, and a story that lingers long after the final curtain falls.
