Lea Salonga in Concert

Lea Salonga has one of the best-known voices in musical theatre. Not only did the Filipina star originate the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, she also sang two princesses in Disney films: Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan. At her concert, she shows she is among the best, singing many Broadway numbers as well as - or possibly even better than - the original.

It helps when you’re backed by the brilliant Sydney Symphony Orchestra, whose depth and clarity makes these numbers sound better than you’re ever likely to hear them again. Salonga’s brother Gerard, an established conductor in Manila, has arranged much of the music and is making his debut in Australia directing here. It’s a phenomenal backing.

But no-one is going to steal the show here. Whether it’s the powerful “I’d Give My Life For You” from Miss Saigon or the Streisand number “Papa Can You Hear Me?” - or indeed a reworked version of Cindy Lauper’s “True Colours” - Salonga is always in control of her incredible instrument. “On my Own” from Les Miserables is breathtaking, “Burn” from Hamilton heart-stopping, and she even makes “Let It Go” from Frozen sound fresh again. 

Salonga gives her audience exactly what they want, connecting with them through light and likeable patter (and even getting one person up to sing the duet “A Whole New World”). There is nothing too challenging - songs that made her famous, other numbers by Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein and Michel Legrand, as well as some well-known pop music (even a One Direction song). And not one of the performances disappoints.

For Broadway fans like me, it's one of the best concerts of this type that you’ll see. But other audience members probably come for other reasons - there was a large contingent from the local Filipino community at her first Sydney concert. Many probably know her as a coach on the TV show The Voice in the Philippines. Those audience members were not disappointed either - they’re the first to jump to their feet in a standing ovation.

The only criticism is of the choice of final encore: a medley of ABBA songs. They’re enjoyable and get the audience dancing and singing along but they’re not nearly as good as anything else.

Salonga’s concerts in Australia are almost completely sold out - only a few tickets are available in Melbourne - and you can see why. High expectations are only exceeded.

And finally, another mention for the orchestra. Alongside Salonga, they give some of the best performances of songs from commercial musicals that you’re ever likely to hear. 

Peter Gotting

Photographer: Robert Catto