Lea Salonga: 'Here Lies Love opening night shows that our artists can be on Broadway'

"As an article of representation, it is very important for many Filipinos to come. It shows what is possible now for our culture, for our people, for our artists, to be on Broadway and unapologetically. That is the big takeaway for me that our people can be up here. That the dream is not such a far-fetched thing to achieve," declared Tony and Olivier Award-winner Lea Salonga when we interviewed her on the red carpet on the opening night of the groundbreaking musical, "Here Lies Love."

The precedent-setting musical from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, which tells the story of the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos, is performed by an all-Filipino cast led by Arielle Jacobs (Imelda Marcos), Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos), Conrad Ricamora (Ninoy Aquino), Melody Butiu (Estrella) and Salonga (Aurora Aquino).

Performing for five weeks only on a special guest engagement this summer until August 13, Salonga, who is portraying the mother of the late Ninoy Aquino, has only one song, "Just Ask the Flowers," which she sings as poignantly and powerfully as only Salonga can deliver that it becomes the heart of the musical.

Photo courtesy of Here Lies Love

Asked how she prepared for this stirring song, the musical legend said, "In order to prepare for it, I had to communicate first with Ken Kashiwahara who is Ninoy Aquino's brother-in-law who was with him from Taipei and then back to the Philippines. He provided information, insight, and context, so not just facts and figures, but first-hand accounts of what was happening during those days. I felt like this is better information than talking to anyone else because he was able to testify to her (Aurora Aquino's) mind, behavior, and mindset in the decision that she had made in the days that followed."

So, what was she feeling while she was onstage portraying the Aquino matriarch, we asked.

"It was beyond great sadness, deep mourning and as a mother, it was not difficult at all to relate to that kind of suffering and pain. Any parent who happens to be in the audience will be able to relate and understand. But for her to have that mental fortitude to still make that decision to not have his face embalmed or covered up so that the people can see what was done to him was a real bad-ass mom boss move. That was incredible."

True enough, the musical, which has a movable set with the audience on the floor participating in the rallies, the discotheque and other scenes, is an emotional rollercoaster ride as well as Imelda Marcos charms her way to power in the Philippines, succumbs to corruption and then is forced out by the People's Power Revolution.

Photo by Janet Susan R. Nepales

The opening night was well-attended by popular figures, from Anna Wintour to producers Jo Koy and H.E.R. and other celebrities.

Salonga, who is also a producer, told us what challenges she encounters in that position. She said, "Not a lot naman. It is making sure that the artists are taken care of, making sure that the facts and figures are right, making sure that all that what is happening on stage, on the hallways, on the monitors are all right."

Wearing a fuchsia bomber jacket terno created by Rajo Laurel, Salonga slayed on the red carpet.

"I asked Rajo Laurel months ago to make me something for the 'Here Lies Love' opening night. And this is what he came up with. This is a bomber jacket, but it is also a terno."

And the glittery pink sneakers she changed into from her pink high heels are courtesy of her brother, Gerard.

After the show, Salonga proceeded to the Lincoln Center where the star-studded after-party took place. It was time to celebrate and toast the Filipino talents.

Photo by Janet Susan R. Nepales

—MGP, GMA Integrated News