Lea Salonga: Stage, Screen and Everything in Between Review
Written by Clare for Theatre and Tonic.
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.
When you think of musical theatre names not many are bigger than Lea Salonga. With credits such as Disney classics Aladdin and Mulan as well as iconic theatre roles in Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, in which she originated the role of Kim in London thirty five years ago, I think it is safe to say it be rude not to see her sing those roles live in her UK Tour titled Stage, Screen and Everything in Between.
The tour which began at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre before visiting seven other locations up and down the UK, including the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London where she was introduced to the people of the UK in Miss Saigon, which is a lovely full circle moment.
The show titled Stage, Screen and Everything in Between is literally like Ronseal, it does what it says on the tin. During the two hour twenty minute show (including 20 minute interval) Salonga sings tunes from the “Stage,” such as Waitress, The Last Five Years and of course Les Mis and Miss Saigon, the “Screen” including movie hits such as Moulin Rouge, a Disney Princess medley as well as Aladdin and Mulan and even James Bond film Skyfall and “Everything in Between” literally the show is amazing song followed by amazing song all sung with ease and grace by Lea.
During the show, she is the perfect “host” she is humorous, has an incredible stage presence and is just a joy to watch, you feel right at home as does she being on a stage. She is supported on her tour by a band consisting of Elliott Henshaw (Drums), Hugh Richardson (Bass Guitar), Chris Allard (Guitar) Martin Riley and Graeme Taylor (Keyboard) and Gerard Salonga (MD and Piano) as well as backing vocalists Adam Filipe and Sarah Galbraith, both of which get a moment front of the stage with Lea during a duet each.
Lea Salonga’s tour Stage, Screen and Everything in Between now continues around the country stopping in London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane 24th June, Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre 25th June, Bristol Beacon 26th June, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall 28th June, Gateshead The Glasshouse 29th June, Edinburgh Festival Theatre 30th June and finishing at Manchester Bridgewater Hall 1st July.
It was an excellent evening of entertainment with one of the best musical theatre stars in the world, why haven’t you bought your ticket yet?
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
