Latinos react to Lea Salonga's Miss Saigon audition | 1/2| REACTION

[@rodryanmontoya9379]

I love this girl, she knows so much about what she is reacting to. Learning a lot from your reactions.

[@labellavita12]

In Lea's recent interview she said she was asked if she is willing to go to London alone and her answer was "No, my mom has to go with me" then told the interviewer that "They must have wanted me enough that they would take good care of my mom as well"

[@renatoaniel3656]

The Miss Saigon management team search in so many countries to find the role of Kim! Ended up in the Phil which is a gold mine of talents! About 3/4 of the original cast are Filipinos

[@marissab.7318]

Lea Salonga speaks very good English because of many factors. To name a few, she studied in high standard international schools and also, she is/was a member of the elite Repertory Philippines (a professional English-speaking theater company). Please react to her: 1. Studio recording of the original "A Whole New World" with Brad Kane. And, their singing of "A Whole New World" 23 years later in the show Good Morning America. Plus, their live performance of the named song in 1993 Oscar Awards Night. 2. Lea as Eponine and Fantine in "Les Miserables." 3. Lea as Mulan with the other singing voices of Disney's Princesses. Apologies for the many requests. Thanks.

[@meredithchandler73]

I would specify that you should find Lea singing "On My Own" and "A Little Fall of Rain" (character of Eponine) at 10th anniversary concert and "I Dreamed a Dream" (character of Fantine) at 25th anniversary concert. And I'll add a few more requests: "Still Hurting" rehearsal on bway-live.com (it's on youtube, but that's how you should search), Lea and Simon Bowman singing "Sun and Moon" and "Last Night of the World" - but find early clips from 1989/1990 and also when he guested at her concert in 2018. As someone else mentioned, it's really confusing that the video you're reacting to is out of order. The part labeled "First day of rehearsal" was actually the beginning of Lea's callback. Lea definitely picked up a British accent while living there during the run of Miss Saigon. You hear it during several interviews. And in later years - when she does interviews in the Philippines her English has more of a Filipino accent and when she does interviews in the USA, you don't hear much of her accent.

[@eduardochavacano]

You can be born in the slums of Basilan or Marawi and still be able to speak like Lea Salonga, if you were born with a talent in communications. Lea was born a genius in what she does and it has little to do with where she went to high school in. I taught in the most exclusive international school in Manila, I only ride the jeepney to work. I teach super rich kids how to speak English. So it has little to do with where you hail from. At least for those whose level proficiency is that of Miss Lea.

[@foodandtravelbyNTM]

Actually Lea was not taught any accent she is just fluid when she is with the Americans she speaks in their accent and same when she is with British. She is just simply talented as well when it comes to languages. Try to watch her interviews in the US, Australia and the UK, she adjusts her way of talking accordingly.

[@eyes0nyu]

It's great to have Efra in these conversations, because he's asking what most people don't know about theater or music in general.

[@miklimecat9636]

The girl beside her is Monique Wilson, who was her best friend. From what I can recall, when they were sent to London the producers/ directors were trying to decide between them, Lea got the lead character of Kim, and Monique was the understudy and also one of the main bar girls,the character Mimi, I believe. Monique also did the matinees as the lead, Kim.

[@alexiagabriel1724]

For the initial audition, Lea sang "On My Own" from Les Miserables. It was not recorded but in the previous video you reacted to, the first call back, Lea asked Claude-Michel Schonberg to autograph the music sheet of Les Miserables' "On My Own". The "first rehearsal" in this video is actually the first call back. They were still in Manila. Lea and Monique Wilson have been shortlisted for the role of Kim. They were brought to London for intensive work sessions until Lea was finally chosen for the lead role, Kim. Monique was the Kim understudy and also played the role of the bar girl, Mimi.

[@janyou17]

Waleska is an absolute fan of miss saigon. She really knows what she is talking about. She knows everything about it. So endearing

[@simplyyhanz]

Not just a fan. She is a broadway/theater trained singer, that's why.😊

[@leticiachiok8057]

Agree...Waleska has a musical theater education so that's why she has a wide knowledge about theater and musicality. Truly love her reactions...so on point.

[@florence.066]

@@leticiachiok8057 Wow...really?? I never knew that, I thought she was just really knowledgeable about these things, she was really well taught. Now I understand why.

[@YYC403NOYP]

DID YOU KNOW, Lea as a bar girl, was supposed to wear 2 pc bikini just like the rest of the other bar girls, AS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN. But at the time Lea's mom was with her all the time and when she found out that Lea was to wear a 2 pc, she objected saying that Lea was TOO YOUNG to wear a 2 pc. And so, it was decided that Lea would just wear the Ào Dài, the Vietnamese national garment. That decision of wearing the white Ào Dài actually worked to Lea's persona as the lead character while being surrounded by bikini clad bar girls. It made her character standout. . REPERTORY PHILIPPINES is a theatre group that produces/stages Broadway musicals. Lea starred as ANNIE in the Philippine production when she was really young.

[@espedidosgs]

Lea can read musical notes having been trained at early age in music and theater where she started performing for Repertory Philippines at the age of 7. Her childhood friend and co theater actress Monique Wilson were in the same audition and got the understudy role.

[@marierocher4422]

First opening night of Ms Saigon where the late Princess Di attended.

[@salvadoroars]

You have very good explanation ma'am. Gives us a different perspective from the usual spectator. We're efra in this instance 😂

[@tinRUTOsam]

The girl beside her is also a Filipino her name is Monique Wilson a Ms Saigon too

[@MrUod]

Monique Wilson was the understudy for Lea on this production. On some shows that Lea cannot perform, she performs in as Kim.

[@Genkuro]

@@MrUod - Also, Monique took over the role on West End after Lea left the production.

[@evelynjayme4671]

She was Lea’s alternate Kim .

[@justjm6510]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYXNo6aDfr10gLs Kris Lawrence and Daryl Ong on stage LIVE in Wish Awards.

[@kitchied]

Apart from Monique Wilson's role in Ms. Saigon, after her long stint, she became one of the teachers there in London.

[@philippinelegendaries1909]

*Oh my gosh that opening statement from the lady. I'm sold! 💕*

[@felip5607]

I'm the who request this in twitter thank you for this ♡♡♡

[@bernadventure9394]

I learn a lot with how you guys breakdown the behind the scenes of this audition.

[@bee1125]

Nice commentary and reaction. You don't just say words to appeal to the viewers but gave your honest and knowledgeable insight. Keep it up and more power. 😊

[@thestudymars]

Waleska’s looks are always so GOOD. REACT TO SHOWNU AND HIS EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH

[@Cons2911]

I’ve seen it a few times but her smooth voice always gets me

[@jenniferbadili2770]

She's with her mom all the time back then from what I've known...very supportive.😊...I would too with my 18 year old child in another country.😁

[@debbiemediado6646]

Please react to Lea Salonga and Esang de torres performance of Matilda

[@aizasantosagustin7052]

waleska is so smart..

[@evelyngesta579]

This is my favorite moment of Lea Salonga when she first meet Mitchell and his team I been watching this video so many times since 1989, and the video of the making of Miss Saigon it happened that My friend is working with the sister of one of the orig. cast of Miss Saigon.

[@Zee_1003]

the lady with Lea is #MoniqueWilson and she was also in Miss Saigon. she's also a famous Filipino who got into Broadway. i think she also played the same role as Lea played.

[@gdelunapabz4865]

Ms Lea salonga was just 18 when she originated role of Kim in ms Saigon 😊 by the way Merry Christmas to both of you ❣️

[@deeangeles8103]

there s another documentary showing how the team has gone through around the world (NY, hawaii, LA, vietname etc., )to search for the lead.... but when they came to the Philippines, Cameron n team were shocked at the wealth of talent that auditioned in the Phils... really a singing nation..

[@lacernaeduardo9265]

The first part was just like how they usually run their auditions. This was the final audition, and they let both Lea and Monique Wilson fly in to London for the final assessment. They were choosing who will play the lead and who will play understudy. Fortunately and by fate, Lea got it. Lea and Monique were child protege of Repertory Philippines doing musicals such as The King and I, The Sound of Music,etc. Lea played the role of Annie (Annie, the musical) here in the Philippines which made her famous for portraying it. Having all the training and discipline from Repertory Philippines explains her longevity in the theater industry, not to mention her sheer talent and very smart head. Having said that, she was also an honor student and a valedictorian in her hometown school, O.B. Montessori. I have been a fan of Lea since she was around 9 years old when she had her own local TV show, "Love, Lea", which she hosted with her younger brother, Gerard Salonga (who is now almost always her concert's musical director and arranger). Lea is Love and she is just almost perfect and superior excellent in her craft.

[@elladavis6401]

More reaction please of Lea Salonga. Love your reactions. :))

[@bobnbea100]

Pls review the heartrending rendition of Lea and Claire Moore: “I Still Believe” (from Ms Saigon libretto)

[@labellavita12]

That was not in order. That was not the rehearsal but Lea said the call back. The first video here was the final assessment that's why they were already sent in the Uk to determine who look good on stage and fit the character.

[@gee7436]

You’re right. The sequencing of this video is not right. The Theater Royal in Drury Lane audition was after the one where she’s wearing a white shirt and her hair was in a pony tail (Waleska was right about it being a callback). That was in Manila. At the Drury Lane theater, all the bigwigs of the show were in the audience plus a few other very well-dressed gentlemen who, I’m guessing, are the financiers/producers of the show.

[@jchitz86]

That video isn’t chronological. That “first rehearsal” is probably a call back because that was in Manila. Those scenes where they were wearing sweaters were in London so they must be a later stage of audition.

[@brucemorales2257]

Ricky Martin and Lea met each other when they were 13 or 14 years old in the Philippines. Ricky Martin was then a member of the Menudo who were on tour in the Philippines at that time. Lea, a young celebrity then had the chance to perform with them.

[@alexiagabriel1724]

Efra, @9:13, from left and wearing a red shirt is Nicholas Hytner (director), Cameron MacKintosh (producer), and Alain Boublil (lyricist). The man playing the piano is Claude-Michel Schonberg (composer).

[@Pinoytrailtrekker]

Nerve of steel to sing infront of these big time musicians.

[@swordscrack]

The girl beside her is her friend Monique Wilson. She was cast as Kim understudy and Bar girl Mimi.

[@pcshan18]

You should react to lea salonga les miserables! She's so goodd

[@kevsh4997]

I've learned that Lea Salonga is one of the originals in Miss Saigon

[@lj5386]

The ORIGINAL Kim!

[@gerc.4263]

She is the Original Miss Saigon .

[@vincentoblefias]

The girl beside Miss Lea Salonga is Miss Monique Wilson. Also a star and way back 80’s-90’s she is also a Filipino. so, proud ❤️

[@kitchied]

Agree with what you said about how difficult it is to be an understudy! Apart from all the lines in the script,, since Ms. Saigon is a musical, that also means she learned all the choreography, blocking...EVERYTHING for all the roles she should be able to play at the drop of a hat.

[@abautista91]

Eee Ms. Lea Salonga 💕 No joke but the clip of her singing with the piano (labeled here as first rehearsal, but I think it's the first callback?) gives me goosebumps all over, every time I watch/listen to it. She's perfect for the role of Kim because she's the OG :')

[@adcisla5112]

Enjoying these reactions with Ms. Lea on Ms. Saigon. Love it!

[@elvirarara1968]

She’s also the legend Disney princess.original voice of mulan and others Disney movie

[@lanonas2000]

the girl with her is fellow Filipina Monique Wilson. They knew each other from Repertory Philippines. Monique was a veteran of Theatre at this point. Lea pursued movies and showbiz.

[@janeanson2056]

Lea won Best Performance in Tony Awards

[@utoyvideos]

lea is more confident and comfortable speaking in english and she adapts to different accents instantly, effortlessly.

[@peterohmarmendoza6381]

Merry Christmas to you Ms. Waleska and Mr. Efra, Thank you for featuring Filipino artists. Sending Love from the Philippines.

[@debbiemediado6646]

Can you please react to Lea Salonga and Esang de torres performance of Matilda. Thank you

[@miss.saigon77]

No one ever surpassed her achievements as Kim of Miss. Saigon

[@cookingmadesimple9746]

monique is the closest to lea.

[@jonny1722]

True. even Eva didn't get the award for best Actress coz Leah set's a high bar as Kim

[@evelyngesta579]

The girl next to here is Monique Wilson Lea’s childhood best friend and they both in stage play since they very young my first play that I watch in Manila was “ Annie “ in. 1983 or 84 lucky me I was a working as a Nanny

[@einnorbriones3226]

Please react to Lea Salonga - On My Own - Les Misérables 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall

[@lizai7780]

Lea and Monique were competing for the lead role of Kim but Lea got the role and Monique was the understudy.

[@roselynp.lasconia4285]

Pls try to react to her performance singing Don’t cry for me Argentina,thank you!

[@kenjiontoria2579]

Efra looks cute with his haaaair

[@ruwenbaldon]

Merry Christmas to the both of you guys... I love you both 💓

[@shenggaibabiera7545]

I'm learning from this reaction ❤️😊

[@jasonquinones4901]

This was not an open call/1st audition... They did their open calls in different cities all-over the world, Manila included. Those who were shortlisted were brought to London for the succeeding rounds of auditions/screenings. At this point they are almost sure to be included in the cast. It was just a matter of deciding who would be handed which role.

[@rolandobriones2438]

Great outfit guys, nice straight hair dude and your sister's dress 😍

[@rachellelopez7176]

I want to see you react to Lea Salonga’s On my own Les Misérables performance. ty

[@cookingmadesimple9746]

#Waleska Herrera.... the girl next to lea is her childhood friend. her name is monique wilson. she is understudy to the role of kim

[@astridquotidian]

You might be interested to watch *"The Heat is On The Making of Miss Saigon"* if you have time.

[@jobernvalguna6571]

Wow!its wonder to see them both in the theater!

[@lacernaeduardo9265]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I hope you could also do reaction videos on Rachelle Ann Go's international musical journey. She is one of those who followed Lea's footsteps. Apparently, she is a fan and a great friend of Lea. Rachelle had a taste of her unique international musical career because she was the one and only Filipino who portrayed the lead role of Eliza in the phenomenal musical of Lin Manuel Miranda which is Hamilton.

[@zencooking2682]

Hi guys, I really enjoyed your reactions on Lea's Miss Saigon audition. I really would love to see your reactionss to "Sun and Moon {Miss Saigon ~ Manila, 2000} - Lea Salonga & Will Chase. Thank you.

[@nixablaza6655]

hi u guys are awesome! always watchin all ur video reacts. anyways yea the is lea salonga & that girl with her on the video is monique wilson is her friend from way back when they were 9 years old they play casts in "annie" and they are both in saigon.

[@schubert06sebastian39]

The "First Rehearsal" is the first call back in Manila after the auditions. This is the first time they learned the song. Unfortunately, there was no recording of the auditions but it was my understanding that Lea and Monique had the same song for the audition, Lea was asked to sing another song which is one of the Miss Saigon composer's song. Almost all the (Asian) parts of Miss Saigon were cast from the Philippines.

[@bobnbea100]

Waleska is right. The 3-person panel witnessing the first audition atop the piano was composed of Alain Boublil (co-composer with Schoenberg, the pianist), Cameron Macintosh (producer), and Nicholas Hytner (stage director). Theater icons all !

[@margarita3017]

Love the content and both your outfits are awesome 👍❤️🔥

[@tor-vicbobias7341]

Please react to Lea Salonga' Sun and Moon from that Broadway Play Miss Saigon

[@ayzayz7280]

Merry Christmas to the both of you!

[@sheliexyup5735]

Merry Christmas From the Philippines

[@neliacabias8126]

Merry christmas guys..to both of you, and your family..💙💙💙

[@jesusatan3020]

Love musicals and broadway theather and as i said before your amazing knowledge with your reactions are so fun to watch!!!

[@doclito1967]

please listen to Leah and Michael Ball's A Little Fall of Rain.

[@ericabando3351]

Pls react lea Salonga "Disney legend" "Dont cry for me Argentina"

[@joybanzon8362]

Please react to Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez duet!😊

[@isamariah5572]

Yes please!!!

[@conniemorada5581]

Please react Miss Saigon Act 1 of 2

[@retsamconingvlogs5978]

You should react guys with Lea Salonga's Les Miserable performance ❤ Hope you do. Thank you.

[@erlindasalvacion7344]

Merry Christmas 🎄⛄🎄 and thanks for both support and great reactions to our singers. I hope more and more videos reactions and please react also to MORISSETTE AMON her new uploaded song "O HOLY NIGHT" let's find out and react please. See you on your next video reactions. GOD bless you all 🙏💓🙏❤️🙏💙🙏.

[@yaaaraves8951]

The other girl was Monique Wilson, also from the Philippines

[@ramonlijauco7563]

The other girl was Monique Wilson, also Filipina. She became the Kim alternate; and eventually replaced Leah when she moved on.

[@CristyVegan]

Merry xmas Waleska and Efra!!!

[@Diskubredor76]

yeah beybe

[@mariahjjada]

The order of this video is very different to the documentary.

[@armindski]

The day next to her is Monique Wilson, second lead and alternate for the lead.

[@pukzy3035]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎄 from ph

[@glennmarkancheta2120]

Can you pls react to Elaine Duran videos cause she's a fantastic singer!!!

[@maanflora9217]

Please check out Eva Noblezada in Hadestown.

[@marygraceenero6704]

Hope you could react to her duet with Liz callaway in a song I still believe in Lea Salonga concert. Its sooo beautiful and every emotional.

[@thestudymars]

REACT TO SHOWNU AND HIS EXTRAORDINARY STRENGTH

[@emilio2020]

I really love your reaction and your very honest in your thoughts can please react to toni gonzaga song

[@yssacohen6481]

PLEASE REACT TO A WHOLE NEW WORLD 23 YEARS LATER

[@amiemeka.5189]

merry christmas sibs 🎄🎄🎄... much love from philippines❤..

[@conraddevera]

A lot of us are not aware of these.. So we're all learning. It's perfectly fine brother

[@eduardochavacano]

her real audition: she sang On My Own and Greatest Love Of All.

[@joshkabit534]

have you watch her in Les Mis "A little Fall of Rain" ? Highly recommended!

[@jomish8719]

I laughed when Waleska said Leah's accent was taught! Leah can easily adapt to the accent of the interviewer even before Ms Saigon happened! In fact a lot of Filipinos could! The very reason why Philipines has overtaken India in terms of BPO industry!

[@creatourchannel]

That’s why I subscribed immediately coz they deserve to have million views. They know what they are talking about.

[@justkpop7423]

Please react to Lea's On My Own (Les Misérables) I always wanted you guys to react to it

[@aeiouabcdf3789]

Merry Xmas..

[@danielleangel3498]

I wonder why you haven't reacted yet to Lea's I'd Give my Love for You. It's a must-watch.