Lea Salonga News

It's a gargantuan war among Lea Salonga (Veronica), Adrian Pang (Michael), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Anette), and Art Acuña (Alan) as they bring to life Tony Award-winning playwright Yasmina Reza's brutally honest characters in her play GOD OF CARNAGE, which opens in Manila tonight, and runs until Sunday, July 22 at Carlos. P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City.

Imported Broadway shows do not enjoy the luxury of having long previews with test audiences. The Asian touring production of Yasmina Reza's 2009 Tony Award-winning play, "God of Carnage," a case in point, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga, which premieres in Manila this weekend, and tours Singapore in November, is no exception.

On July 9, friends and family of Bradshaw Smith (Founder & Executive Producer of "Broadway Beat" and Applause Video), gathered at the New Signature Theatre space to honor the former cabaret star and beloved videographer at an intimate memorial celebration.

Imported Broadway shows do not enjoy the luxury of having long previews with test audiences. The Asian touring production of Yasmina Reza's 2009 Tony Award-winning play, "God of Carnage," a case in point, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga, which premieres in Manila this weekend, and tours Singapore in November, is no exception.

Over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, the two-time Grammy winner has amassed a fan base, critical acclaim, Gold albums, and an avalanche of awards. From ballads of sweet soul music such as "Feel the Fire" and "I'm So Into You" to the chart-topping hits such as "If Ever You're in My Arms Again" and "Can You Stop the Rain" to the Oscar-winning duet collaborations with Celine Dion ("Beauty and the Beast") and Regina Belle ("A Whole New World"), Bryson has proven himself the consummate vocal professional.

For over twenty-five years, the late Bradshaw Smith (Founder & Executive Producer of "Broadway Beat" and Applause Video) was the theater world's preeminent videographer, capturing over 1,000 performances on Broadway, off-Broadway, in cabaret halls and beyond that now, because of him, live on today. Bradshaw Smith died on January 16, 2012, at age 57, following a sudden and severe stroke. To conclude the intimate memorial, Bradshaw's longtime friend and editor, Jonathan Frank, compiled the best of Bradshaw's work as a video artist. For a look back at your favorite performances nearly three decades long, all captured through Bradshaw's lens, click below!

Happy Birthday Claude-Michel Schönberg! Schönberg is best known for his collaborations with the lyricist Alain Boublil. Thier stage musical version of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, which opened at the Palais de Sports in Paris in 1980, opened to acclaim in London in 1985 and on Broadway in 1987. In 1989, their success continued with the musical Miss Saigon, which starred Lea Salonga and Jonathan Pryce. Schönberg's next project with Boublil was The Pirate Queen, a musical about the 16th century Irish pirate, chieftain and adventuress Grace O'Malley, which opened on Broadway on April 5 2007.

AMERICAN IDOL's Jessica Sanchez is reportedly in the running for the upcoming MISS SAIGON film. Sanchez, 16, was the season 11 runner-up in the singing competition.

Diamond Head Theatre will present what's being described as 'a musical masterpiece - Singin' in the Rain - featuring an impressive array of New York guest artists.' Popular demand has already prompted an extension to August 12th.

Scott Alan's newest CD, which was recorded live in April at Birdland, has been released today, June 26 on a two-disc recording, which is simply titled 'Live.' The album can be purchased via iTunes, CDbaby, Amazon, Dress Circle and everywhere digital music is available.

The Old Globe has announced its schedule for now through October 2012. See full details below.

How does a neophyte at Repertory Philippines, one of the country's pioneering theater companies, which is known to have molded world-class talents such as Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Michael Williams, and Audie Gemora, among others, under the infamously stringent rehearsal and performance policies of the late stage director Zenaida Amador, fit in?

The Old Globe will open its 2012-13 Winter Season with the World Premiere of Allegiance - A New American Musical. Created by Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione with music and lyrics by Kuo, the original musical tells the story of a Japanese American family forced into an internment camp during World War II. Directed by Stafford Arima (Carrie, Altar Boyz, West End premiere of Ragtime), the production features musical direction and arrangements by Lynne Shankel (Cry-Baby, Company). Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Les Miserables), television and film icon George Takei ("Star Trek," "Heroes") and Telly Leung (Godspell, Rent) will star. The production has just announced that Allegiance will also feature costumes by Alejo Vietti, choreography by Andrew Palermo, and projections by Darrell Maloney.

On June 13 and 14, Broadway favorite Eden Espinosa took part in the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, performing at the Dunstan Theatre. In this world premiere performance, Eden took on some of the biggest hits from Aida, Ghost, Rent, Sweeney Todd and Wicked along with a few of her signature re-imaginings of popular hits from such artists as Joni Mitchell, Sia, Beth Hart, Eva Cassidy, and even Cyndi Lauper. BroadwayWorld caught up with the Broadway starlet for a quick Q&A before her big Australian concerts:

On June 9 and 10, Broadway favorite Lea Salonga will take part in the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, performing with the 54 piece Adelaide Art Orchestra at the Festival Theatre. The concert will feature a musical tour of her multifaceted career, from Disney Princess to Broadway and West End dynamo. BroadwayWorld caught up with the Broadway starlet for a quick Q&A before her big Australian concerts:

In a fitting star-studded opening night event to mark Kate Ceberano's inaugural Adelaide Cabaret Festival as Artistic Director, more than 70 exceptional artists will ignite the Festival Theatre G stage on Friday 8 June in the much-anticipated, sold out Variety Gala Performance, sponsored by Adelaide BMW.

Pre-Orders for Scott Alan's newest album 'LIVE' (available everywhere on June 26th, 2012) are now available via iTunes, CDBaby, Dress Circle & Sound of Music.

Chris Isaacson has announced that Upright Cabaret's AMERICAN ICON Series ends another stunning season with VIVA LAS VEGAS - a presentation of personality and pop that honors the flashiest performers of all time: Elvis, Cher and Elton John. Joining the group of all-star performers will be Patrick Cassidy.

Summer Stages - Top 5 Picks for the Philippines

The Tony Awards Drinking Game has become a tradition, and this year it's going to be sloshier and more dizzying than ever before!! Choose your favorite Broadway-themed cocktail (or mocktail!) and make sure you have food in your belly; it's about to get tipsy in here. Let's all play… The 2012 TONY AWARDS DRINKING GAME!!!