A Rising Star
From Miss Saigon to Les Misérables, Joan Almedilla is redefining theater for a new generation
By Tom Lee

Joan Almedilla did not want to be an actress. But through her love of music, she stumbled upon the much-coveted role of Kim in the Broadway production of Miss Saigon and the rest, as they say, is history.

Born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines, Almedilla came to the United States in 1993 to pursue a college education. Little did she know that her formal voice training and previous performing experience in the Philippines would lead her on the road to stardom.

Unlike most theater actors who spend years honing their craft, Almedilla never had formal drama instruction, yet she is now one of the most sought-after actresses in the theater. She has just landed the role of Fantine in Les Misérables (starting June 28 at the Curran Theater in San Francisco), billed as one of the longest running and the “world’s most popular musical.”

Here in an exclusive AsianWeek interview, Almedilla talks candidly about the rewards as well as challenges facing a Broadway star.

AsianWeek: How does it feel to be acting in the “world’s most popular musical,” Les Misérables?

Joan Almedilla: It’s a great feeling, a great opportunity. At first it’s overwhelming because it’s so different. It’s quite more challenging because the part of Fantine has been played by so many people. You have to live up to the role and bring something different to it.

AW: How have you interpreted the role of Fantine? What new elements did you bring to the character?

Almedilla: Well, an example would be the song, “I Dreamed a Dream.” I thought it was about anger. That’s how I used to play it. But now I think it’s about hope. I realized the song was full of hope and shouldn’t be played in an angry way.

AW: How did you get started in acting?

Almedilla: At first I auditioned for Miss Saigon because I loved the songs, not even considering the acting that was involved. I didn’t know[about] the hard work that was involved.

AW: Did you always want to be an actor?

Almedilla: No, I just fell into it. I’ve always wanted to sing.

AW: What did you take away with you from your Miss Saigon experience?

Almedilla: That’s a hard question. I’ve learned so much. But I think I’ve learned discipline. Discipline as an actor, as a person. With acting, you have to be not only technically prepared but spiritually ready as well. Doing the same performance every single day for two years, you really have to be psychologically healthy.

AW: What is the most difficult hardship you’ve had to endure as an actor?

Almedilla: In theater, it’s very important to be very flexible. The directors or choreographers could change the concept, the dance moves or other things at any time. It’s all from memory so if I want to change a move I have to tell my body and my entire system to change. That can be very difficult when your entire system is used to one set of moves.

AW: How has constantly being on tour affected your relationships with your family and friends?

Almedilla: I do miss my family a lot. I thought it would be hard but I realized I have family and friends in every state. It seems like I have relatives everywhere I go. I try to stay in touch with all my friends from all over, but the people I truly miss the most are my parents in New York.

AW: Have the people you toured with become your family in the process?

Almedilla: I don’t know if it’s a women thing but I’ve become very attached with the people I tour with, especially the kids. We’re always together every day; it’s just us. So yeah, they have become a family to me along the way.

AW: Do you feel being of Asian descent has limited you in getting good roles?

Almedilla: I thought it was hopeless when I auditioned for [the Fantine] role. I thought they were going to say, “You don’t even look French at all, or even American. Why are you auditioning?” But it goes back to that faith I had, that attitude of “I don’t care, I’m just going to do it.” The theater has been more flexible in casting people of all ethnicities. I’m very lucky to be living in this generation where that is happening.

AW: Have you ever considered a film or music career?

Almedilla: Hey, why not? I would love to but I’m just being very cautious right now, picking out my options.

AW: Have you ever thought about going back to the Philippines to act?

Almedilla: Yeah, though I would like to continue what I’m doing in the states right now. But when I have kids—if I ever get married (laughs)—I would like to raise them back in the Philippines and continue my career there.

AW: I’ve heard you won’t be renewing your contract with Les Misérables after October. What’s in store for you next?

Almedilla: I really just want to rest for awhile, for a few months. My body is telling me to rest. And I want to continue my education in economics. After that—I don’t know.