Miss Saigon revival 2 more Pinays as Kim

Aside from US-based Eva Noblezada, recently announced as the new Kim in the revival of the Cameron Mackintosh megahit musical Miss Saigon in May next year at the Prince Albert Theater in London’s West End, two other Pinay talents are alternating with her in the iconic role originated by Lea Salonga in 1989 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane also on West End.

They are Julia Abueva and Tanya Manalang who will join the new members of the cast, including Rachelle Ann Go as Gigi (played originally by Isay Alvarez), in London for the start of the rehearsals in March. The other Filipinos in the cast are Jonjon Briones (who plays The Engineer; Briones is not new to the musical) and Romeo Salazar (formerly with the VIP Dancers and is currently a theater actor in Europe).

According to Girlie Rodis, Julia’s manager, the Singapore-based Julia (who has just turned 18) started performing at six for state dinners in Singapore where her mother was working. She recently graduated from the Singapore American School. She also performed in many musical theater productions alternately with Pangdemonium Productions in Singapore, and New Voice Company and Repertory Philippines.

“Julia will perform in two shows each week,” confirmed Girlie.

Her other musical credits include Pangdemonium’s Spring Awakening (2012) and Toy Factory Productions’ Sleepless Town (2009). In 2011, Julia performed with David Foster and Michael Bolton in the David Foster & Friends concert in Singapore and sang at the opening of the 23rd and 25th Southeast Asian Games.

“Tanya is currently enrolled in theater classes in London but she is expected home for the holidays,” said Girlie.

Julia alternates for the titular role as Cinderella in Resorts World Manila’s production while Tanya played Liesl in The Sound of Music and Tuptim in The King & I which were also mounted at the same venue.

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