A Homecoming of Hearts: Lea Salonga and Rachelle Ann Go Lead Les Misérables in Manila
Two global Filipino talents return home for a story that continues to inspire generations
Filipino theater lovers have every reason to celebrate. Two of the country’s most beloved world-class performers—Lea Salonga and Rachelle Ann Go—are coming home to lead the Manila run of Les Misérables: The World Tour Spectacular. GMG Productions made the long-awaited announcement on Friday, December 5, confirming that the show opens on January 20, 2026, at the Theatre at Solaire.
Coming Home to Manila
There’s something extra special about seeing familiar faces step back into roles that helped define their careers. Lea and Rachelle will be joined by fellow Filipino standouts Red Concepcion and Emily Bautista, creating a powerhouse ensemble that families—and young aspiring performers—will surely be inspired by.
Sharing the stage with them are celebrated international performers Geronimo Rauch as Jean Valjean and Jeremy Secomb as Javert, along with Will Callan, Lulu Mae-Pears, Harry Chandler, and Earl Carpenter.
For Lea Salonga, returning to Les Misérables is a homecoming of the heart. The Broadway icon—who inspired generations after breaking barriers as Kim in Miss Saigon—has played both Éponine and Fantine in previous productions, including the show’s 25th Anniversary Concert. Fresh from enchanting Manila audiences as the Witch in Into the Woods, she now steps into the colorful role of Madame Thénardier.
Rachelle Ann Go, meanwhile, revisits a character she knows intimately. After winning acclaim as Fantine on the West End, she once again brings her emotional depth and soaring vocals to a role that many fans consider her signature. From her early days as a local singing champion to her international turns in Miss Saigon and Hamilton, Rachelle continues to make Filipinos proud.
Two Names to Know
Another familiar name in Philippine theater, Red Concepcion, returns to the Manila stage after a string of impressive global credits—including Chicago on Broadway and the touring productions of Miss Saigon in the US, UK, and Ireland. Red has played Thénardier at The Muny and has had a long list of standout roles in Manila, from Cinderella to Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady. His versatility and charisma have earned him multiple awards, and audiences can expect another memorable performance.
Emily Bautista is also no stranger to the world of Les Misérables. Having played Éponine on the North American Tour—and Kim in the US tour of Miss Saigon—Emily brings both experience and heart to her Manila performance. She has also graced the stage of The Hollywood Bowl for Do You Hear the People Sing? and appeared in the world premiere of Vanara in London.
A Story Families Always Return To
For many Filipino families, Les Misérables is more than a musical—it’s a multigenerational experience. Its timeless themes of love, sacrifice, justice, and redemption continue to spark conversations between parents and children. This Manila staging offers the perfect moment to revisit the touching bond between Fantine and Cosette, and the profound journey of Jean Valjean as a father figure.
With its powerful music and message of hope, the show remains a meaningful shared experience for both longtime fans and kids who will be discovering it for the first time.
Les Misérables World Tour Spectacular runs from January 20, 2026, up to March 1, 2026, at the Theatre at Solaire.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The show is the “Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular,” an international staging of the beloved musical, returning to Manila with a cast featuring world-class Filipino and international performers. It’s described as a “world tour spectacular,” an expanded format from previous concert-style or staged renditions
The show is scheduled to run from January 20, 2026, through March 1, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire in the Philippines.
Lea Salonga returns to Manila as part of the cast, taking on the role of Madame Thénardier. She has a storied history with Les Misérables, having previously played Éponine and Fantine on Broadway and in other major productions.
Rachelle Ann Go will reprise the role of Fantine — a character she is well-known for, especially from her acclaimed stint in the West End.
Because both are globally recognized Filipina artists returning to perform in their home country for this major musical, the production calls this a “homecoming of hearts.”
