From Saigon to Sondheim: Three Filipina Kims Enter the Woods

In the world of theater, some roles become more than just characters—they become legacies. For Filipino performers, few roles shine as brightly as Kim in Miss Saigon, a part that has launched the careers of many talented Filipinas on the international stage. Now, three of these remarkable women who once portrayed Kim are stepping into an entirely new world, trading the war-torn streets of Vietnam for the enchanting, tangled paths of Into the Woods.

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From Saigon to Sondheim’s Spellbinding Forest

Few musicals hold the same prestige and have had as profound an impact on the careers of Filipino theater artists as Miss Saigon. The role of Kim, in particular, is more than just a part—it is a character of heartache and hope in a story woven with sacrifice and longing. Lea Salonga, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, and Joreen Bautista—each from different eras of the musical’s storied history—are stepping into a new fairytale as they join the cast of Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim’s beloved and thought-provoking musical. With their rich theatrical backgrounds, these powerhouse theater actresses promise to bring a distinct magic to the upcoming production.

The Witch Returns

For Lea Salonga, this marks a highly anticipated return to the Philippine musical stage after six years. The Olivier and Tony Award-winning actress, best known for originating the role of Kim in Miss Saigon and voicing two Disney princesses (Aladdin’s Jasmine and Mulan’s title character), will portray the enigmatic Witch—a role she first tackled in the Singapore Repertory Theatre’s staging of Into the Woods in the ‘90s. With Salonga’s unparalleled stage presence and ability to bring nuance to complex characters, her portrayal is certain to be both chilling and poignant.

A Triple Threat in the Woods

Carla Guevara-Laforteza, a distinguished and multi-awarded artist, is no stranger to taking on dynamic roles in musical theater. Having played both Kim and Gigi in Miss Saigon’s London run, she has since built a formidable career in both international and local productions. Her accolades include critically acclaimed performances in Ang Huling El Bimbo and Rak of Aegis, where her versatility as an actress shone brightly. In Into the Woods, she takes on three roles—The Giant, Granny, and Snow White—proving once again that she is one of Philippine theater’s most adaptable and commanding performers. Each of these characters plays a vital role in the show’s layered narrative, and with her vast experience, Guevara-Laforteza is certain to deliver a performance filled with depth, humor, and gravitas.

Scaling New Heights as Rapunzel

Joreen Bautista, dubbed the “Filipina Disney Princess” for her enchanting stage presence, will bring Rapunzel to life in Into the Woods. Having previously portrayed Kim in Miss Saigon’s international tour at just 17 years old, Bautista is a rising star in the theater scene. With her crystal-clear vocals and natural charisma, Bautista is poised to deliver a performance that is both delicate and powerful, capturing Rapunzel’s innocence as well as her inner strength.

A Timeless Tale with a Filipino Soul

Into the Woods weaves together the narratives of 18 familiar fairytale characters, led by a baker and his wife on a quest to break a curse placed upon them by a mysterious witch. The musical, celebrated for its intricate storytelling and layered themes, has won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Score for Sondheim and Best Lead Actress for Joanna Gleason in the original Broadway production.

With Theater Group Asia (TGA) promising to bring a fresh perspective that considers the Filipino condition, audiences can expect an Into the Woods that is both visually stunning and deeply resonant. This production will be staged in August this year at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati—an event that theater enthusiasts surely won’t want to miss.

Photos and Featured Image: LIFESTYLE ASIA (via Website), THE SORAYA STAGE, LEA SALONGA, JOREEN BAUTISTA, CARLA GUEVARA-LAFORTEZA, THEATER GROUP ASIA (via Instagram)