MANILA, Philippines — Theater legend Lea Salonga is making a Broadway comeback as she is starring and producing the musical "Here Lies Love," based on the rise and fall of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Salonga will portray Aurora Aquino, the mother of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, who in the musical performs the song "Just Ask The Flowers" following the death of Ninoy.
The actress will serve as a special guest, appearing for five weeks from July 11 to August 13, 2023 before passing on her role to other Filipino guest stars which the show's producers have praised an "abundance of talent."
The annnouncement comes after news that Salonga would also be returning to London's West End for the restaging of "Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends."
Salonga first debuted on Broadway in 1991 with her iconic role of Kim in "Miss Saigon," having first performed on West End, winning her a Tony Award at 20 years old; she was last on Broadway for "Allegiance" from 2015 to 2016 and the 2017 revival of "Once on this Island."
This is the first time Salonga is portraying a Filipino character and producing on Broadway, and it just so happens "Here Lies Love" will run on the very same stage — the Broadway Theatre — where "Miss Saigon" first ran making it another significant return for her.