Rachelle Ann is Fantine!

RACHELLE Ann Go poses by ‘Les Miz’ poster in London Photo by Mark Bautista

Finally, the secret is out!

It has now been officially announced that beginning June 15, Rachelle Ann Go will be starting her stint in the long-running musical “Les Misérables” as the tragic heroine Fantine. The only reaction one can have is a long belted “AAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Director Bobby Garcia was the first one to share the news with me in early March, swearing me to secrecy, and not to divulge anything to anyone until after Cameron Mackintosh’s office put out the press release announcing her casting. We talked excitedly over this new development in her career, that her leaving the Philippines has yielded some incredible opportunities for her. To say that we are proud is too much of an understatement.

After speaking with Bobby, it was time to talk to Shin (Rachelle Ann’s nickname) herself. I placed a call from New York to London, ants in my pants as the phone was ringing. She didn’t answer, but she did call back, and I greeted her with screams while I jumped around like crazy in my apartment. I don’t think either of us could contain the overflow of happiness surrounding all of this.

Advice

There was only one piece of advice I could give her, a tip given to me by another Fantine, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, who had previously played the same role many years earlier: Read the Fantine pages of the original source material (the novel by Victor Hugo).

Those pages aren’t very long, and give a lot of information as to her background, her age (in the book she’s only in her early 20s, which won’t be a problem for Shin), economic circumstances and the story surrounding how she came to be the mother of Cosette.

Those pages also speak of Fantine’s slow and steady decline into a darkness from which she could not arise: desolation, desperation and finally, death. Oh yeah, Shin can totally handle it. I mean, after “Miss Saigon,” another musical tragedy shouldn’t be a problem.

This is definitely one good reason to hop on a plane to London. Time to celebrate another Filipino making waves in the West End. Congratulations, Shin! Break a leg!

Joining Shin on June 15 are Phil Daniels (Thenardier), Jeremy Secomb (Javert), Katy Secombe (Madame Thenardier) and Zoë Doano (Cosette). Remaining in the principal lineup are Peter Lockyer (Jean Valjean), Rob Houchen (Marius), and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Eponine). Bradley Jaden, currently in the ensemble, will now be playing Enjolras.

And now a word from the men behind “Les Miz” and “Miss Saigon.” (Pardon me, while I blush.)

Lyricist/librettist Alain Boublil said: “I am surely thrilled with the news. I trust that Rachelle Ann who reinvented (soul, heart and fur coat) the role of Gigi in ‘Miss Saigon’ will be an amazing West End Fantine, following in the memorable footsteps of Lea Salonga, a Broadway Fantine for the ages.”

Composer Claude-Michel Schönberg agreed: “The first time we went to the Philippines (in 1988) we thought that Lea Salonga was an exception but indeed she is not. There are so many talented singers all over the country. Rachelle Ann is one of them—an incredible musicality, technique and beauty of the sound … everything sounds easy! She can sing the phone book and it will still sound gorgeous. One day I will get my revenge and shall write a duet so difficult for both of them that they will sweat blood and tears! But you know what? Even so it will be effortless for them! Salamat po, Pilipinas (Thank you, Philippines)!”

Magical day

Globe Telecom has announced a brand-new partnership with the Walt Disney Company! It will allow Globe subscribers access to all that Disney has to offer, including video on demand

SPECIAL thrill (from left): Minnie Mouse, Antonio, Carmen, the author, Nicole and Mickey Mouse photo: LEA SALONGA’S INSTAGRAM

and interactive content across multiple devices, plus other services. Disney’s many brands include Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and Maker Studios.

The launch of the partnership took place at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati on May 6. I got to sing a few Disney songs for the event (oh, thanks to Globe’s Adi Tanchanco for being my Aladdin for the evening), which was a lot of fun as the kids in my life (my daughter Nicole, nephew Antonio and niece Carmen) got to tag along and enjoy the whole shebang.

Besides a show on stage, attendees were treated to piloting a Star Wars Battle Droid, got to dress up (virtually, of course) as Iron Man, and had a flipbook made at the Maker Studios booth. Lots of great kiddie finger food were also served. I have no idea how much popcorn the kids ate.

However wonderful the attractions in the booths were, the highlight for the children (and the young at heart) was a sweet photo op with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a child’s smile go as wide or beam as brightly as when Mickey is holding their hand. Heck, I’m 44 and I was kilig (thrilled) when Mickey offered his arm for our picture opportunity.

For more information on this new partnership, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/press-room/globe-telecom-and-disney.

Have yourself a magical day!