Lea Salonga thrilled as actors of Filipino descent lead three theater shows in London

Multi-awarded theater star Lea Salonga took to social media to express her elation as Filipino artists are currently headlining three musical shows in London.

"Starting tonight, three shows in London will be led by three actors of Filipino descent," she wrote.

The singer added: "I can’t think of a time in recent history that this has happened, and to say how thrilled I am is a major understatement!!"

Lea is currently starring in Sondheim’s Old Friends. Filipino-American artist Nicole Scherzinger, on the other hand, is headlining Sunset Boulevard. Meanwhile, Filipino theater actor Joaquin Pedro Valdes is starring in Pacific Overtures.

Sondheim’s Old Friends premiered in September and will have a 16-week run at the Gielgud Theatre in London.

"To say that I’m living my musical theatre dreams would be an understatement. This show, company, orchestra, crew, and creative and production team are some of the world’s finest, not to mention stellar humans. What a privilege of a lifetime it is to be amongst this fantastic group," Lea posted on social media about starring in the musical show.

Recently, Nicole had the chance to meet Lea when the latter watched her show.

"My heart is full ❤️ I got to meet my childhood theatre idol, Miss Saigon 👑 herself @msleasalonga. Thank you for coming to our show @sunsetblvdmusical," Nicole wrote on social media upon meeting Lea.

READ: Nicole Scherzinger ecstatic to meet ‘childhood theater idol’ Lea Salonga

Nicole plays the role of Norma Desmond in the Sunset Boulevard musical, which commenced on September 21. It will run until January 6, 2024, at the Savoy Theater in London's West End.

Pacific Overtures, on the other hand, began its run on December 4. Under the direction of Matthew White, the musical tells the tale of Japan's embrace of Westernization, triggered by America's 1853 mission to compel Japan to open up to the rest of the world. 

Joaquin plays the role of Manjiro, a fisherman who spent several years living in the United States after being rescued by Americans at sea.