After lending her beautiful voice to Disney films, Lea Salonga has a date onstage as Cinderella in Bangkok

First fairytale then Disney movie, "Cinderella" has now arrived as a musical, with dreamy sets, colourful costumes and Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga in the glass-slippered lead role.

Hailing from the Philippines, Salonga burst onto the international stage at the tender age of 18 with her role as Kim in "Miss Saigon", the part that earned her the Tony. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical "Les Misérables" on Broadway. If that rings no bells, remember Princess Jasmine in Disney's "Aladdin" or Fa Mulan in "Mulan"? Salonga was the singing voice behind both of those Disney princesses.

Blessed with great looks and a stunning voice, Salonga will be coming to the Bangkok ball as Cinderella in December. Before her date with Prince Charming, she found time for a chat.

How did you end up in this production?

I was pregnant when I said yes! I guess something in me told me that this was going to be special. I've never played a fairytale character before and I know I'm going to have a lot of fun doing it.

Did you have a hard time catching up after giving birth?

Not at all. It took me the entire rehearsal period to figure out how this character should sound. And I took regular dancing classes, so my body would be prepared.

What's this Cinderella going to be like?

The story is very similar to the traditional tale, with magic, wonderful events and all the usual characters. The one difference is the humour. There's much more to laugh about and everybody gets the chance to be funny. Each of these characters, except Cinderella and the prince, are just outrageous and hilarious.

Do you like the costume?

It's spectacular with sequins and beading, but I dread having to climb the stairs with that heavy wedding dress.

How's acting with Peter Saide?

He's tall, dark and handsome, with the emphasis on tall. We're talking six-feet-four here - he could change a light bulb without a ladder! It's an interesting combination, we're defying the laws of physics.

Who's your dream actor for the prince?

I'm 37 so the actors I find myself attracted to are men like George Clooney, Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Gerard Butler and people like that. Every grey hair tells a story!