Bobby Garcia and Lea Salonga just shared in their respective Facebook pages the exciting news that the role of Helen Bechdel in an Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group production of "Fun Home" will be played by Lea herself.
Bobby's post
Lea's post
Fans all over, look forward to seeing Lea interpret the role originated on Broadway by Judy Kuhn. Helen Bechdel is an English teacher and former actress who is the mother of Allison, the show's protagonist.
We can't wait to hear Lea rip hearts with "Days and Days", the cri de coeur of Helen after enduring her husband, Bruce’s homosexuality only to face her daughter’s coming out as a lesbian.
The Manila run of the Tony award-winning musical in late 2016 will also be the show's International Premiere, after Lea bids goodbye to her "Allegiance" stint.
In the meantime, we leave you with a taste of that song written by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori, from the original Broadway cast recording:
The
67th Annual Tony Awards is just around the corner and for most
thespians it's one of the bigger highlights of the year - more important
than the Golden Globes,SAG or even the Oscars because they get to witness who in the entire theaterdom reigns supreme.
Sometimes
referred to as the Gay Superbowl, theater aficionados in Manila (whether
straight or not) make sure to catch the American Theater Wing's
awarding ceremony each year either LIVE on their HDTV or by clicking on
snippets online.
Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris returns to Radio City Hall to host the much-awaited event on June 9 so while waiting, we would like to present to you Honorata Manila's
favorite moments from past Tony Awards; Moments immortalized on YouTube
such as moving acceptance speeches, showstopping musical numbers,
tragic openings, and other memorable scenes that made us laugh, cry, or
beam with pride. Enjoy!
Here's 10 of our Favorite Tony Moments:
(#10) Idina Menzel makes hubby cry (2004)
The girl who originally played Maureen in RENT,
winning over some of Broadway's heavyweights and previous Tony winners
probably made those girls turn greener than Elphie; Nevertheless, she acknowledged
her co-star Kristin Chenoweth as the grace and light of the Wicked
stage. We're not big fans of onstage mush but seeing the beautiful Taye
Diggs cry made it all forgivable.
(#9) Bret Michaels, Dropping on Stage (2009)
Aside from featuring a medley from the year's musical nominees, Bret Michaels "gave headbanging a whole new meaning" after his Rock of Ages segment.
(#8)
Steve Kazee Honors Mother (2012)
Steve's mother Kathy, lost the long fight with breast cancer earlier that year. In his emotional speech
accepting the Best Performance of a Leading Actor in a Musical for Once, he made
the crowd tear up after sharing that she told him
before shows to always let people know whose little boy he is. Though he is ok now, it was too bad that he had to leave "Once" sooner than planned because of a risk of hemorrhage in his vocal chords.
(#7) The Duel of Hugh and Neil (2011)
Broadway bankables Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris in a sing-and-dance off. Who did better, Wolvey or Barney, you decide.
(#6) Sutton Foster in Anything Goes (2011)
Her
award-winning performance in the Cole Porter classic that also won Best
Revival of a Musical that year was so memorable that even fellow
Broadway performers pay her homage by doing covers of this number.
(#5) Hugh Jackman and his Gold Pants (2004)
This
showstopping number gave Sarah Jessica Parker a surprise audience
participation (before showing her Aura in Manila this month). Although she was such a good sport, she was undeniably
uncomfortable at one point. Come to think of it, anybody would be
embarrassed to be put in a very "tight" situation with Hugh.
(#4) Jennifer Holiday's Iconic Performance (1982)
Divas
learned a thing or two from the thunderous yet heartfelt belts of the
original Effie of the Dreamettes. We hear the guy who played Curtis is
now endorsing hearing aids (LOL). Some still attempt to outdo her but sorry...
keep on dreaming, girls.
(#3)
Lion King's roaring number (1998)
Africa was brought to Radio City Music Hall complete with an elephant, a rhinoceros, gazelles and other animals when the cast of Lion King performed and made the audience roar in applause. The stage also became their Pride Land as they brought home the Tony Award for best musical that year.
(#2) Lin-Manuel Miranda Raps it up (2008)
Accepting his Best Original Score Award for In The Heights, Lin-Manuel burst into freestyle rap. A real winner, this one.
(#1) Lea Salonga's First Tony (1991)
It
was an earth-shaking experience for Filipinos because a fellow Pinoy
won the coveted trophy for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a
Musical for Miss Saigon. Lea gave hope to Filipinos and proved that dreams do come true. Let's hope she and other Noypis get more Tonys.
What are your favorite Tony Awards moments? Leave a comment below and enjoy the show next month. Visit their official website or follow them on Twitter.
Lea Salonga's sold out, one-night-only performance delivered an amazing kick off for the 15th Season of Lincoln Center's American Songbook which will run until April 20, 2013. Judging by the video clip of Jay Kuo's Higher from "Allegiance", sung as Lea's finale number, the crowd in The Allen Room last January 30 was definitely and deafeningly pleased.
It was just two days ago when we saw a clip of her FOX TV appearance to promote the show. She may have wowed throngs with her chilling rendition of "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables" from "Les Miserables" but this song from the musical about Japanese Americanseven took our high a couple of notches up.
After watching the video clip below, shared on Facebook by the composer himself, we just had to transcribe the lyrics (couldn't find it online so let us know if you have corrections) the following morning to learn the really amazing song which is kind of reminiscent of "Meadowlark" from "The Baker's Wife".
There once was a little girl playing on the swing set
That her grandpa built by the sycamore tree near the rusty farmyard gate
And while her mama pinned the laundry
The little girl would cry out loud
Push me higher, push me higher
Push me, I can't wait
Her mama would push a couple times but there was laundry still to do
So she learned to use her own strength, pulled her own weight, push on through
To swing higher, higher than before
Higher, but afraid to reach for something more
Higher, higher towards the sky
Until the day she bent to kiss her mama a last goodbye
There once was a little boy who rode that swing set
He had a licorice twist from the store in town and to now his skinned up knees
And while his sister pinned the laundry the little boy would cry out loud
Push me higher, push me higher, push me pretty please
The girl would push a couple times but there was laundry still to do
Then she watched amazed as that little boy simply pulled his own weight through
To swing higher, higher than she dared
Higher, how he swings so high and not be scared
Higher, he could touch the sky
Right there she knew that he would also one day tell her goodbye
That little boy he seems so sure
Was it something never taught to her?
How the years passed quickly by that girl's a woman still afraid to try
Is it too late to start again, get back that feeling I had then
But now my life is upside down there's no more farm there's no more town
And no use asking why but I won't let it pass me by
Life wont pass me by
I'll fly!
Get back on that swing
Higher soaring higher up than anything
Higher, I want something more
I dreamed I'd reach for greater things
My eyes upon those golden rings
I'll take what chance the future brings
And soar!
Lea sings "Higher" from Allegiance (video by V Lirio)
Honorata Manila's Photo Collage taken from screenshots of V Lirio's video clip.
