Showing posts with label Lea Salonga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lea Salonga. Show all posts
Gaman
Gaman
Gaman is a word, to be spoken and heard
In this place where each face has a story of pain
Gaman, we will say
As we get through each day
We will bear any nightmare
With a simple refrain
Gaman, gaman
Sturdy and sure
Keep faith and endure
Gaman, gGaman
Hold your head high
Carry on,
Gaman
So come walk with me
Through adversity
Hold me hand as we stand
Both squarely and brave
Our spirits renewed
Through our shared fortitude
We know what we forgo
And what we sustain
We know that is no turning back
Gaman
If we hold together and nothing we lack
For better or worse
Whether blessed or cursed
Together, we’ll ever remain
Gaman, gaman
Sturdy and sure
Keep faith and endure
We shall endure, Gaman,
Dignity pride
As we stand side by side
Even when all hope seems gone
Gaman, Gaman, Gaman
A day in the life of the Glamour Cat
Allow me to give you a glimpse of what goes on for me backstage
(First of two parts)
MANILA, Philippines—I was once told that the role of Grizabella was a “pretty easy gig.” On the surface, it would seem so: Around 12 minutes onstage, only one big aria to sing at the end, and that’s it. Uhhh, no.
Preparing for that big song takes as much preparation (in this case, even more so) as a larger singing role. I arrive at the same time as everyone else, and leave at show’s end.
Normally, I arrive at a theater around 90 minutes before a performance to vocally warm up and get ready. For “Cats,” I am a bit more … involved. Allow me to give you a glimpse of what goes on for me backstage. Let’s say today is a normal show day—no rehearsals, spacing calls or note sessions. I’m not needed till around 6 p.m.
I leave home at about 4:30 p.m. (traffic from the south can be quite unpredictable, no matter what time of day). On a good day, it takes me around 40 minutes to get to the theater … on an awful day, as long as two hours. Lateness to the theater really bugs me, especially when it’s me that’s late.
Prep time
At 6 p.m., optional ballet barre begins with Sharyn Winney, resident director and choreographer. I opt not to join … this is when I start putting my makeup on. I start with a base of light grey all over my face, then a strip of white on my nose, muzzle and middle of my neck. Next, shadings of darker grey and brown on my forehead, cheeks and the sides of my neck, effectively contouring my features. Then, defining lines in black, highlighted by white or grey, whisker dots, deeper eye sockets and more markings. I’m usually done with at least half of it by 6:15, when the cast is called for another optional warm-up. Markham Gannon, associate resident choreographer, or Adrian Ricks, dance captain and Mr. Mistofolees, leads this session. The music is usually pretty funky. Cast members who come down are in various stages of getting ready … some have full makeup on, others have only the shading, while a few haven’t even begun.
At 6:30, either Paul White, musical director, or Sean Tait, associate musical director, leads the full- company vocal warm-up. A few are still doing stretches or jogging around backstage while singing. After this, everyone heads back to the dressing room.
At 7 p.m., Zoe Allardice, another stage manager, announces the one-hour call—one hour left until the top of the show. By this time, my makeup is done. Sheilla Habab, my dresser, has everything laid out: My awesome unitard, flat dance shoes, leg warmers, arm warmers, underwear and my tail. I get my wig prep done: Five pin curls in strategic spots on my forehead, temples and back of the neck, plus a stocking cap and even more pins to secure everything, making sure that, when my wig and microphone are pinned to me, nothing slips off.
Half-hour call
I head up to the second-floor dressing area, where Alison and Joy from the sound department are starting to hand out radio mics. I sit in a chair as one of them pins the mic on my stocking cap. Then I go to Sharon Case (hair and makeup) to get my first wig put on. I return to the sound people for a final mic placement check.
I run down to my room to take that very important bathroom break before putting on my unitard. One thing I’ve learned: Going to the bathroom after sweating in that thing is close to impossible. If anyone remembers that “Friends” episode where Ross is in leather pants, the situation is somewhat similar. Without the baby powder.
Five minutes
Once completely dressed, I get a few stretches in to make sure I’m limber and warm. I grab a few seconds on the wobble cushion to strengthen my right ankle (I sprained it a week ago on some covered cables). Afterward, I go for my radio mic check. The sound guys give us a theme for this sound check, thus we have to sing something that fits it. Quite fun listening to what everyone comes up with.
Green eyes
At this point, the cast each grabs a pair of “green eyes” and heads to their starting positions all over the theater. We enter from the back of the house (including the balconies) and flash our “eyes” at certain members of the audience during the overture. We’ve freaked out a few people by doing this, which has made it fun. I won’t tell you where I’m coming from or where I’ll be. Let the show begin!
By the way…
Thank you to poet Pete Lacaba for your wonderful contribution to the Manila production of “Cats.” Maraming, maraming salamat sa natagpuang ligaya, dahil sa iyong liwanag.
Shameless plug
On our day off, a few of us from “Cats” went to watch a rehearsal of “Master Class,” starring one of our best actresses, Cherie Gil. It may as well have been a performance. She was absolutely incandescent as Maria Callas. Brava, La Divina and have a fabulous opening night tonight!
Evening with Lea
An evening with LeaLea Salonga oozes talent and charisma at her first ever concert in Malaysia
Elaine Dong
The Star
Publication Date : 25-05-2010
COMMANDING PRESENCE: Lea Salonga entertained her Malaysian audience with passion and panache by presenting a diverse repertoire.DARRAN TAN/THE STAR
Lea Salonga was in town last weekend for a two-night concert. And what an enchanting evening it was!
From the minute she sang the first note, the magic began. The capacity audience of 6,000 at the Plenary Hall of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Saturday (May 22) was told by the Philippine sensation that her opening repertoire comprised songs she had fallen in love with over the years. She hoped that everyone, too, would fall in love with them.
Indeed, they did.
Dressed in black and backed by a five-piece band - with her brother Gerard at the helm (and piano) - Salonga was breathtaking at her first ever concert in Malaysia. An Evening With Lea Salonga was organised by R&B Productions and presented by Malaysia Airlines Enrich in partnership with CIMB Bank.
She kicked off her gig with I’ve Never Been In Love, followed by the uplifting number she sang as Fantine in the famous musical Les Miserables, I Dreamed A Dream.
Interestingly, each song was punctuated with a personal anecdote. The 39-year-old chanteuse brought up intimate morsels of her life as well as of her two-decade-long career that began with the award-winning starring role in the hit musical Miss Saigon in 1989, first in West End, London, then in Broadway, New York.
She went on to dedicate I Do to her “love” - her husband Robert Chien, who was in the audience together with their daughter Nicole, four.
The international theatre star next paid tribute to Michael Jackson, who inspired both her and her younger brother since they were kids. “Gerard asked me to stick sequins onto gloves for him,” she quipped to laughter from the floor. For “the greatest entertainer of all times”, she sang Gone Too Soon by the late King of Pop.
When she performed I’d Give My Life For You from Miss Saigon, the audience was visibly moved as her powerful vocals rang with emotion.
The song held a special meaning for the mother of one because when her daughter was born, “I finally knew the power behind the song.”
Next up were the lighter Someone To Watch Over Me and the funny Taylor The Latte Boy, about a girl falling in love with a Starbucks barista!
In honour of the era of musical revolution that she was brought up in, she belted out a medley of 1980s pop songs and ballads. The familiar and catchy tunes had the audience singing along.
In self-deprecating humour, the youthful-looking lady talked about turning the big 4-0 (next year), and how as she aged, she realised the importance of just having fun. With that, she slipped casually into what sounded like a powerhouse ballad, only to have the audience suddenly realise she was singing Lady Gaga’s Poker Face! By the time the first bridge was over, the audience was cheering her on as she started on the actual dance version.
After that rousing rendition, she performed On My Own, from her role as Eponine in Les Miserables, to thunderous applause.
“As everyone knows, I was a Disney princess,” Salonga, who was the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in the Disney animated feature Aladdin, said as an introduction to her next song.
She ruefully remarked that much as she would like to sing A Whole New World, she was without an Aladdin. At this point, a voice was heard from the back rows: “I’ll be your Aladdin!” Amidst cheering from the crowd, Iz Sulaini, an aspiring singer and huge fan of Salonga, raced down the steps to the stage.
A delighted Salonga then did a duet with Iz to loud appreciation. After the show, the 27-year-old Iz told this reviewer that he “had been preparing for this moment since he was 12!”
Salonga appropriately closed her 90-minute show with Tiga Malam (Three Nights) made famous by Siti Nurhaliza.
The audience gave her a standing ovation as the star of the night left the stage, but the applause got louder and Salonga returned on stage with a big smile and rendered three more numbers.
She sang last year’s American Idol finale song No Boundaries, Barbra Streisand’s Everybody Says Don’t, and The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow from Annie, her first major musical theatre role in the Philippines.
When she finally gave her last bows and left the stage, you can tell why Salonga has had such a long and successful career. Standing up on that stage with just her band, Salonga was a commanding and powerful presence. Every note she sang was crystal clear; she moved effortlessly between ballads, musical theatre and pop, hitting the high notes with as much ease as she sang the low notes. She played well to the sell-out crowd, telling stories that had everyone laughing.
And her brother Gerard, her musical director, deserves a special mention. He played with passion throughout the concert, directing the band while playing the piano. Brother and sister obviously have a great working relationship as they read each other’s cues on stage perfectly.
Salonga is the real deal. She doesn’t just sing; each song is a performance in itself. You find yourself brought on the stages of Broadway and West End as she sings the signature songs from her theatre career.
You’re welcome back anytime, Lea!
Lea Salonga KL Concert 22 May 2010
Pokerface
I dreamed a dream
I give my life for you
80s
Tomorrow
No boundaries
Reflections
On My Own
2 words - not in KL concert
Reflection - Visionary Award
I dreamed a dream - Sharon Cuneta's show
The Journey - Crowne Plaza, Manila
The Journey - Sharon Cuneta Show
I dreamed a dream
I give my life for you
80s
Tomorrow
No boundaries
Reflections
On My Own
2 words - not in KL concert
Reflection - Visionary Award
I dreamed a dream - Sharon Cuneta's show
The Journey - Crowne Plaza, Manila
The Journey - Sharon Cuneta Show
Larger Than Life
Was at the doctor's surgery yesterday for general check up when I came across this "HealthToday". It was an outdated issue (Aug 2008) but was thrilled that Lea and Nicole was front cover!Apart from some AsiaWeek issues from years back, - we talking 25 years ago, I've not been privileged enough to come across any magazine featuring Lea. When she was plucked out of obsecurity to create "Kim" of 'Miss Saigon', I kept AsiaWeeks publications of her. Can't remember when I finally chucked them out! Clinging on the magazine for dear life, Mr. Darcy divised a way to 'smuggle' the magazine out for me . Tsk, tsk, I know - but it was an old issue and they would've thrown in out anyway!
Anyhoo (feeling a little more justified here!), I love the pictures. Nicole is so cute and Lea is lovely as always. Still can't figure out why 'Cinderella' KL leg was cancelled! Tsk and double Tsk!
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