Les Miserables is considered the most well-known of all French musicals. The musical, written by French composer Claude-Michel Schonberg and librettist Alain Boubil originally for the Paris audience debuted in September 1979. It is actually based on Victor Hugo's novel 'Les Miserables' which relates the stories of major characters ex-convict Jean Valjean, police inspector Javet, French student Marius, Valjean's daughter Cosette and her single mother Fantine as well as Eponine, young daughter of the Thenardiers. Among the musical's famous and Tony award-winning songs are 'On My Own' and 'I Dreamed A Dream.'

The Les Mis musical returned to Broadway last November for a limited six-month show. It marked its 20th year in 2006 and is the third longest-running musical in the history of Broadway with 8,372 performances. It has also been watched by more than 53 million people in 38 countries and 21 languages. The Cameron Mackintosh-produced musical opened in Broadway in March 1987 garnering seven prestigious Tony Awards that season such as for Best Musical.

Being able to join a Broadway musical is no easy feat. You need a combination of theatrical training, academic instruction and determination to be able to get a part. You have to go through very rigid screenings and rehearsals that entail vocalizations, dancing and acting. How much more being able to play a major role in a well-acclaimed musical like Les Miserables. You have to be really talented to be able to get into Broadway. Many Asians, including Filipinas, are fortunate to have fulfilled their dream of performing in Broadway. One notable Filipina who has brought great honor to her country is none other than Lea Salonga.

The name Lea Salonga is synonymous to internationally-acclaimed talent as well as confident and impressive performance that warrants a standing ovation. No other Filipina has performed in several musicals in the east and west end and has performed twice in a famous musical. Since playing the lead role of Kim in the world-renowned Miss Saigon, Lea Salonga has not ceased to perform before international audiences across the globe. And what amazing feat she has achieved at a young age making her fellow Filipinos very proud of her. Playing Kim alone earned Lea several awards such as the Sir Laurence Olivier award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical for the 1989-1990 season as well as the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards.

The latest buzz is that Lea will be returning to the Broadway stage beginning March 6, 2007 via the musical Les Miserables once again. The actress, who has settled with her family in her home country the Philippines, said although it's hard to leave her family behind she's going to New York for her country's sake. This time around, Lea will be playing the role of Fantine replacing Daphne Rubin-Vega. Fantine is a poor woman forced to work as a prostitute to support her daughter Cosette. How time flies, it's been already 14 years since she performed as street waif Eponine in the same Broadway production in 1993. Unknown to many, Sir Cameron MacKintosh personally invited Lea to play Eponine for the 10th anniversary concert of Les Mis at London's Royal Albert Hall as part of a 'dream cast.'

phil fischer