Lea Salonga is returning to Les Misérables, but in a role audiences might not expect. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning star takes on Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular, which runs at Marina Bay Sands’ Sands Theatre from 24 March to 10 May.
Salonga is no stranger to the musical. She played Eponine in the 10th anniversary concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall and Fantine in the 25th anniversary production at the O2 Arena. Now, she moves into the comic villainy of Madame Thénardier, bringing a fresh perspective to a story she has helped define over the years.
This arena production, created by Cameron Mackintosh to mark the musical’s 40th anniversary, is designed for larger venues. Expanded staging, dramatic lighting, and cinematic projections transform the show into a concert-like experience, offering a different take on Victor Hugo’s classic tale with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer.
Salonga shares the stage with an international cast led by Geronimo Rauch as Jean Valjean and Jeremy Secomb as Javert. Singaporean performer Nathania Ong, plays Eponine, alongside Red Concepcion as Thénardier, Na-Young Jeon as Fantine, Will Callan as Marius, Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette, and Harry Chandler as Enjolras.
Beyond Les Misérables, Salonga is known for originating Kim in Miss Saigon, which won her a Tony Award, and for voicing Disney favourites including Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan.
Since its 2024 debut in the UK and Europe, the Arena Spectacular has sold over a million tickets worldwide, with stops in Manila, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo. After Singapore, it heads to London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Radio City Music Hall.
