Filipinos make history on Broadway: Lea Salonga among 7 on world stage
Clockwise from top left: Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss, Lea Salonga, Tatianna Cordoba, Eva Noblezada, Marie-Claire Hall and Kay Sibal. Photo from msleasalonga/Instagram
NEW YORK — This week, we proudly highlight a historic moment for the Filipino community in the arts.
For the first time in Broadway history, seven incredible stars of Filipino descent are lighting up the stage simultaneously – a proud moment for Filipino Americans, as Broadway icon Lea Salonga shared on Facebook.
“As of this week, four currently running Broadway shows are headlined by artists of Filipino descent. I don’t think this has ever happened, so pardon me for sharing how proud I am of this milestone!”
She posted this and later corrected her post, adding one each time until it reached seven identified Filipinos on Broadway, showcasing the immense talent and creativity our community contributes to theater.
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Let’s kick off this celebration with Tony Award winner Salonga, who has made a triumphant return to Broadway in the much-anticipated revue Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends” at the Manhattan Theatre Club’s Friedman Theatre.
Lea Salonga in Sondheim’s ‘Old Friends’ / CONTRIBUTED
Sharing the stage with Broadway legend Bernadette Peters, Salonga honors Sondheim’s timeless music. Her powerful vocals resonate as she performs pieces like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” paying homage to Peters’ celebrated role in Gypsy. With her limited run ending on June 1, Lea’s presence is a beautiful reminder of her storied career.
Beyond her impressive stage career, Salonga recently opened up about her experience raising a transgender son. In a recent interview with People, the Fil-Am actor shared, “As a parent, I want to set my child up for success. I want my child to feel safe and strong and ready to conquer the world on their own terms.”
You may like: Lea Salonga wants trans son Nic to feel ‘safe’ amid transition
Next up is Nicole Scherzinger, who has dazzled audiences in her Broadway debut as the enigmatic Norma Desmond in the revival of “Sunset Boulevard” at the St. James Theatre.
Nicole Scherzinger in ‘Sunset Blvd’ / CONTRIBUTED
Critics have raved about her as “an astonishing force of nature.” Scherzinger’s performance has captivated audiences since previews began on Sept. 28, prompting an extended run due to overwhelming demand.
The Honolulu-born former Pussycat Doll is also set to make her Carnegie Hall debut this fall. In a recent announcement, she expressed, “Performing at Carnegie Hall is the realization of a lifelong dream for me. To stand on this iconic stage is not just a milestone, but a moment of profound gratitude and artistic fulfillment.”
Darren Criss is also making waves with his role in the new musical “Maybe Happy Ending” at the Belasco Theatre.
Darren Criss in ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ / CONTRIBUTED
As both producer and star, Criss plays a “HelperBot” navigating the complexities of love. This romantic comedy, directed by Tony Award-winner Michael Arden, showcases Criss’s versatility and charm, solidifying his legacy as a cherished figure in musical theater.
Eva Noblezada, another shining Pinay on Broadway, is enchanting audiences as Sally Bowles in the revival of “Cabaret” at the August Wilson Theatre.
Eva Noblezada in ‘Cabaret’ / CONTRIBUTED
With her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, Noblezada – who is recently engaged to Hadestown co-star Reeve Carney – has received acclaim for her past roles, including a Tony nomination for Miss Saigon and a Grammy for Hadestown. Her journey continues to inspire young artists, and we eagerly anticipate her future endeavors, including a return to London’s West End.
Another talented singer making her Broadway debut as Katherine Howard in the upcoming production of “Six the Musical” is Kay Sibal, a Fil-Am actor, dancer, musician and music director.
Kay Sibal in ‘Six the Musical’ / CONTRIBUTED
A Bay Area native and a graduate of UCLA’s musical theater program, Sibal has a rich musical background, with much of her training stemming from her childhood choir, Piedmont Choirs. She has played Juliet in the musical “Invincible” and served as vocal captain for “The Tempest: An Immersive Experience” at the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles.
As a first-generation Filipino American, Sibal was also a contestant on Season 26 of “The Voice” and enjoys a strong social media presence, receiving recognition from her favorite artist, Tori Kelly.
Following Sibal is Claire-Marie Hall, a Fil-British actress and singer now playing Jean Leslie in the Olivier Award-winning musical “Operation Mincemeat” at the Fortune Theatre. Trained at Mountview Academy, Hall originated this role in the West End.
Marie-Claire Hall in ‘Operation Mincemeat’/ CONTRIBUTED
Last but not least, we’re excited to welcome newcomer Tatianna Córdoba, who made her Broadway debut as Ana Garcia in “Real Women Have Curves” at the James Earl Jones Theatre on April 1.
Tatianna Córdoba in ‘Real Women Have Curves’ / CONTRIBUTED
Originally from the Bay Area and a graduate of the Boston Conservatory, this Latina Filipina’s arrival on Broadway adds fresh energy and diversity to the stage.
In her bio, Córdoba strives to be a voice and face for other young women of color in the industry. She hopes to contribute to the change that the theater industry desperately needs, believing it is her duty to give back, represent and celebrate her community.
The simultaneous presence of these seven stars is no mere coincidence. It reflects the growing influence and recognition of Filipino artists in the theater world.
Let’s continue to support and celebrate these remarkable artists as they pave the way for future generations of Filipino talent on Broadway.
