‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ in Manila for Yolanda aid

MANILA, Philippines – Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, songwriters who created Les Miserables, are bringing a collection of their best musical collaborations to Manila – for the first time and with a good cause.

“Do You Hear the People Sing?” – a concert that features music from Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, The Pirate Queen, and La Révolution Française – will be staged at the Newport Performing Arts Center in Resorts World Manila on January 29 and 30, at 8pm.

The musical has toured the world and was well received in the Americas, Mexico, and Asia. 

This is the first time “Do You Hear the People Sing?” will be staged as a benefit concert, with the cast performing pro-bono. According to Playbill.com, all proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity, which aims to build 200 houses for Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) survivors who lost their homes.

A stellar cast headed by Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, who played both Fantine and Eponine in Les Miserables and the lead role of Kim in Miss Saigon; 1997 MO Awardee for Best New Talent David Harris, who played Chris in the Australian production of Miss Saigon; and classical soprano and ballet dancer Marie Zamora, who was the original Cosette in the Paris production of Les Miserables.

Broadwayworld.com says that this will be Harris’ and Zamora’s first time to perform in the Philippines. The site adds that “International Artists who have performed in Miss Saigon shows across the globe, the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, and a 100-member choir” will be joining the performance under the musical direction of Gerard Salonga.

In a post on her Facebook page, Lea Salonga also urged those who have worked in professional production of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables who happen to be in Manila to join the alumni ensemble. 

For more information, visit the concert’s official website: http://www.thepeoplesing.ph/ – Rappler.com