MANILA, Philippines - It’s pretty evident that the “Cinderella” cast is a “fun troupe,” says Filipino singer-actress Lea Salonga, who plays the title role.

It’s also multicultural. Think United Colors of Cinderella.

“Joyous,” is how US choreographer Vince Pesce describes the rehearsals, which was in its fourth week at the GSIS Theater on Friday (when we visited), preparing to move to its venue, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), tomorrow.

Common interests

The show runs at the CCP throughout August, with Lea doing the entire run.

True to the musical’s theme, the international cast is having a ball.

“Luckily, there’s not one toxic person in the group,” Lea quips. “The personalities clicked instantly.”

It doesn’t hurt that they have other common interests, like cards and computers.

Poker tournament

“The guys are mounting a poker tournament,” Lea reports. “Since the rehearsal hall has Wi-Fi, I always see rows of laptops on our breaks—that’s the cast updating their Facebook accounts.”

Australian leading man Peter Saide concurs: “Lea seemed intimidating … 10-foot-tall onstage. But, backstage, we’re always having fun. She’s sweet!”

Michael Biren and Brance Cornelius, male ensemble players from the US, were star-struck with Lea. “We used to watch her videos on YouTube and listen to her ‘Miss Saigon’ CD.”

Most of the cast members are from New York, but there are two other Pinoys in the cast: Lorenz Martinez and Sheila Valderama-Martinez (who’s an understudy for Cinderella).

From HK Disney

A married couple, the Martinezes were working in Hong Kong Disneyland, when they sent their audition video to New York. When they got the green light, they promptly resigned from HK Disney and signed up with the “Cinderella” team which will tour all over Asia.

Lea asserts: “There are some local crew members from [director Bobby Garcia’s Atlantis theater group]. So this is also a great opportunity to pick up tips from an international touring company.”

E-mail: bayanisandiego@hotmail.com