Lea Salonga, the original Kim,on why ‘Miss Saigon’ remains relevant

MANILA, Philippines — While waiting in excitement and anticipation for the Manila leg of “Miss Saigon” at The Theatre at Solaire, we embarked on a journey back in time with Lea Salonga, the original Kim in the timeless musical. She recently shared the profound impact the iconic role has had on her career and personal growth.

In this Philippine STAR Q&A, Lea candidly shared her memories from the musical first staged on West End in 1989 — from revelations about the love scenes to the challenges of a raked stage — as well as thoughts on the emotional depth of the “Miss Saigon” score.

As one the enduring themes of the musical amid the changing world, Lea provides some unique insights into the character of Kim and her own artistic evolution.

Lea will soon be coming home to Manila as the featured guest artist in The Tabernacle Choir’s concert tour at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena from Feb. 20 to 29.

On the impact of playing Kim in ‘Miss Saigon’ on her life and career, Lea Salonga says, ‘The visibility the show afforded me is something I can’t ever downplay, and introduced me to a bigger, wider world as far as musical theater was concerned.’

Below are excerpts from the e-mail interview:

Looking back, what impact do you think playing the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon” had on your career and personal growth?

“Oh my goodness! The visibility the show afforded me is something I can’t ever downplay, and introduced me to a bigger, wider world as far as musical theater was concerned. I’ll always be grateful to Celeste Legaspi (the Original Pilipino Music president at the time) for throwing my name into the ring as someone that might be well-suited for this particular endeavor. You can ask her for the exact details.

The song I’d Give my Life for You has taken on a new meaning for Lea when she became a mom.

“As for my personal growth, despite the immense pressure that comes with playing the lead role in a West End and Broadway musical, perhaps I learned I was made of tougher stuff than I thought. It was a mammoth task for someone so young, but I’m thankful for it.”

Can you share any memorable moments from your time performing in the first run of “Miss Saigon”?

“Oh boy… I do remember being a total greenhorn when it came to figuring out all the love scenes! No one was able to help me, not even my mother. Finally, out of frustration and desperation, our director Nicholas Hytner demonstrated what he was expecting, and it clicked! No more issues after that!

“Also, that first orchestra rehearsal. Hearing the overture sent my jaw to the floor. I’ll never forget that feeling.”

How has portraying Kim influenced your approach to other roles in your career since “Miss Saigon”?

“It wasn’t portraying Kim per se, but a piece of acting advice that came from Nick Hytner: Think it, then just do it. No overacting, nothing performative or put-on. Just be as real and truthful as possible. That stayed with me.”

“Miss Saigon” is known for its emotional depth. How did playing Kim challenge and shape your abilities as a performer?

“It really strengthened my singing, most especially after training with renowned voice teacher Mary Hammond for almost a year (this was while I was doing the show; I set aside a day a week to have lessons with her). The technique she taught me is what I’m still using. As for the emotions, because there was so much I didn’t experience in life, I had to just fake it until I could better understand it! It worked well enough, I guess!”

Are there specific aspects of Kim’s character that have stayed with you or continue to influence your artistic choices?

“One piece of direction Nick did for the Broadway production really relayed to me that Kim was a woman that never felt sorry for herself despite the circumstances that befell her. She would abide by the choices she made, no matter how terrible. So there is a strong sense of integrity, grit, honesty, and selflessness that she possesses. She was not a simpering waif.”

The author with Lea at the Manila Hotel in 2018. – Photo From Lea Salonga’s Website

Looking at the musical’s themes, do you think the messages of “Miss Saigon” have evolved or taken on new meaning since your time as Kim?

“The world has changed in the last 35 years, and I would think that this would influence the actors that take on this show. But one thing seems to remain: armed conflict. Back in 1989, there was a Gulf War; when the show was first revived, Syria. And now, we’re seeing horrible things happening in Ukraine and Gaza, so there isn’t a generation that’s been shielded from how terrifying the world can be. There’s much to draw from this sort of trauma. So the show has remained relevant, if only to illustrate how innocent people are affected by war.”

As the original Kim, you set a benchmark for the role. How do you reflect on the impact your portrayal had on subsequent productions of “Miss Saigon”?

“I try not to think about it! Actually, I feel like I need to apologize to every actor that gets to play this role because it’s SO HARD! Hahahahahahaha!”

Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or challenges you faced while originating the role of Kim?

“One big challenge for every member of the company in the early days was performing on a raked stage. And back then, the incline of the stage was set to whatever the highest allowable limit was. It made the scenery look incredible, but it wreaked havoc on our backs, hips, knees, ankles (I don’t know how many times I’ve sprained myself). I always stood on top of a tilted stage, which really isn’t normal. Thankfully none of the current companies have to experience this anymore!”

“Miss Saigon’s” score is powerful. Are there songs from the musical that hold a special place in your heart, and why?

“Sun and Moon will probably be the crowning jewel in a show filled with incredible songs, because it’s the first one I learned. However, I’d Give my Life for You took on new meaning when I became a mom. The song exploded in my heart from then on.”

In what ways do you believe your experience as Kim has contributed to your growth as an artist and advocate in the industry?

“Let’s see… you learn how to advocate for yourself… you learn what your limits are… you have to learn empathy for anyone whose life experiences are so far removed from your own… and you learn what you’re made of, mentally, emotionally, artistically and physically. Doing musical theater is challenging.”

Any plans of coming home for the Manila run?

“Nope, I have outstanding commitments that clash with the run, and motherhood duties to fulfill.”

What are your plans for 2024 that you can share?

“Nothing beyond singing with the Tabernacle Choir this February at MOA Arena… everything else that can be spoken about should be on my calendar on my website.”