Lea Salonga to Star in International Tour of Cinderella

Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga will play the chimneysweep-turned-princess of the title in an upcoming international tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.

According to Playbill.com, Salonga will star in the international tour in summer of 2008.  As previously announced, she will first play Fantine in Broadway's Les Miserables, beginning on March 6th.

Launching in The Philippines (Salonga's native country), the tour will play in mainland China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, with more details to be announced.

"The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. Its recreation in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren was no less successful in transporting a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true, and so was a second remake in 1997, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits," state notes on the Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals website.

The international tour of Cinderella will be produced by Broadway Asia Entertainment. 

During the original run of Les Miserables, Salonga performed the role of Eponine (she can be seen in that role on the 10th anniversary concert video).  The performer, who was last seen on Broadway in the 2002 revival of Flower Drum Song, won the Tony Award, among other honors, for her Broadway debut in Miss Saigon.  To non-theatregoers, she is best known for providing the singing voices to two Disney heroines--Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan.  A performer since childhood, she has been seen in numerous shows in the Phillipines.  She has also released numerous solo albums; "Inspired," on the Sony BMG label, will be her latest.

Visit www.broadwayasia.com for more on Broadway Asia Entertainment.  Visit www.leasalonga.com for more on Salonga.

Photo - Lea Salonga