Tony Award winning actor and singer Lea Salonga, from her home in Manila, joined Performing Arts Center director Jeffrey Martin for a conversation to launch the fall 2020 virtual season of events and performances on Sept. 9. She spoke of conditions in the Philippines during the pandemic, the theatre industry in her hometown, and many other topics.

Popular musician Donny Osmond joined the conversation for a few minutes in a surprise visit. He and Lea, both of whom provided singing voices for Disney’s animated film version of Mulan, visited about the impact of that film, more than twenty years after its premiere. This occasion marked the first time the two actors had ever met.

Three current UGA theatre students also joined the conversation to ask questions of Salonga about being a role model as a diverse Disney princess, her love of video games, and the future of the theatre industry.

The full interview has been archived on the Performing Arts Center’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.