Breaking News: Tony Winner Lea Salonga Will Lead First International Production of FUN HOME in Manila

The Bechdels will soon be heading to Manila - with some legendary star power in tow.

Tony winner Lea Salonga, currently starring in ALLEGIANCE on Broadway, announced today in the Phillipine Daily Inquirer that she'll star in the upcoming production of the multi-award-winning musical FUN HOME, based upon Alison Bechdel's graphic novel. Slated to open in "late 2016." Salonga will take on the role of family matriarch, Helen. No other casting has been confirmed.

Salonga writes:

"Well, allow me to be one of the first to announce that "Fun Home" will be coming to Manila in late 2016, thanks to Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, the same people bringing in "The Bridges of Madison County" this year (opening tomorrow!), and whose other credits include productions like "Shrek" and "Saturday Night Fever."

Allow me to also announce that I will be playing Helen Bechdel. And that "Fun Home's" creators, Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, will be coming to Manila as well!"

Click here to read her announcement in full.

Auditions for the remaining roles - including Young, Medium, and present-day Alison - will be held in the coming months.

BroadwayWorld will keep you updated as the Manila production of FUN HOME takes shape!

The cast of Broadway's Fun Home is led by 2015 Tony Award-winner Michael Cerveris, as well as 2015 Tony Award nominees Judy Kuhn, Beth Malone, and Emily Skeggs. The production also features Gabby Pizzolo, Roberta Colindrez, Zell Steele Morrow, Joel Perez, Oscar Williams, Lauren Patten, Marrick Smith, Jim Stanek, and Nicole Van Giesen.

FUN HOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages, revealing memories of her uniquely dysfunctional family - her mother, brothers and volatile, brilliant, enigmatic father -- that connect with her in surprising new ways. This intimate and emotional theatrical experience is performed entirely in the round, bringing audiences closer to Alison's story than ever before. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

LEA SALONGA is a singer and actress who is best known for her Tony Award-winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she has won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, in the field of musical theatre. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical LES MISERABLES on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival.

Lea most recently wrapped touring with Il Divo for the group's worldwide "A Musical Affair" tour. When not on tour, Lea is a coach on the Philippine version of the hit "The Voice." Mitoy Yonting, a member of Team Lea, was named the first season winner. Prior to that, Lea garnered a Craig Noel nomination for Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical for her latest work in Allegiance, which finished its run at The Old Globe in San Diego in 2012. She was also seen in God of Carnage in Manila, Philippines and Singapore.

Lea made her debut in the world of Cabaret in 2010, performing a sold out, three week engagement at the Café Carlyle in New York City. She returned to delight audiences in two more multi-week engagements in June 2011 and in May 2013, and released a live version of her 2010 concert "Lea Salonga: The Journey So Far," her 26th career CD, in August 2011. The CD rose to the #3 spot on iTunes Jazz Charts.