It is not a usual event to see Broadway superstars perform in a street concert, especially if we are talking about Lea Salonga and Lin Manuel-Miranda. Indeed, big names in the Broadway! Seeing them in short, sweet, street performance is a rare sight, in this one particular video five years ago. One night in November 2015, Lin Manuel-Miranda surprised the Ham4Ham lottery participants with Tony-award winner Lea Salonga. Lea, a Filipina singer/actress, established a name in the Broadway at the age of 18. She portrayed various characters from the lead role as Kim in Miss Saigon, Fantine of Les Miserables, and Disney princesses too!
Lea Salonga is the first Asian woman to receive a Tony award and is regarded as a Disney legend for her role of singing voices of Jasmine (Alladin), and Fa Mulan (Mulan). Whereas, Lin Manuel-Miranda is the creator of Hamilton, an American musical play inspired by Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers. Hamilton, as a musical play became a hit in Broadway and one of the most sought-after for theatergoers. Back to the street performance, Lin introduced the surprise guest with a Tagalog word, as if giving away an obvious clue. He used the “kaibigan” which means “friend” in English. The crowd roars as Lea Salong came out the door.
Lea and Lin started with some pleasantries and a little bit of humor where Lea segue about Lin’s ex-girlfriend who happens to be one of Lea’s close friends. Then came the most-awaited duet of Lin and Lea of “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin. Lin sings first, and when it’s Lea’s turn for the chorus, the crowd’s reaction speaks how the latter’s star shines. The two sang whole-heartedly as if they are performing in the theatre.
Lin and Lea’s street performance duet is just so amazing! A performance that every Disney kid will forever treasure. Witness here the one in a million duet of our Broadway superstars in the video below!
Totally, Lea and Lin as Aladdin and Jasmine for a while, made the Ham4Ham lottery event a whole new world for us!
