Esang de Torres Joins the Cast of Les Misérables Starting April 8
During legendary producer Cameron Mackintosh’s visit in Manila, another Filipina caught his attention.
“Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boublil and I came to Manila 28 years ago to look for the lead star of Miss Saigon and finding the Filipino talents was a miracle. Little did I know that I would return at a time to find more exciting performers. I am thrilled to announce that another Filipino, Esang de Torres,will join my highly acclaimed international cast of the Manila production of LES MISÉRABLES.”Cameron Mackintosh said.
(WATCH: TEAM TFM Interviews the Cast of Les Misérables)
Hailed as the Philippines’ Youngest Concert Performer, Esang de Torres caught the attention of the country and the world when she auditioned for The Voice Kids- Season 2 with her rendition of Home (from The Wiz), ultimately landing a spot in coach Lea Salonga’s team — Lea quickly introduced the young girl to Cameron Mackintosh when he was here for the Gala Night of LES MISÉRABLES and the rest is history. Esang is now going through rehearsals and is slated to join the star-studded cast of LES MISÉRABLES onstage as one of the alternates for Little Cosette beginning in April.
Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical LES MISÉRABLES is now playing to full houses night after night and continues to thrill Filipinos. Presented in Manila by Smart Infinity, the iconic musical playing at the Theatre at Solaire must close on 1 May, 2016. Final tickets have just been released!
This new production of LES MISÉRABLES has been praised by critics, fans and new audiences, breaking box office records internationally and inspiring filmmakers to make the outstandingly successful movie which went on to win 3 Oscar’s®, 3 Golden Globes® 4 BAFTAs.
(WATCH: Powerful Excerpts from Les Misérables Manila)
The international cast members include Simon Gleesonas Jean Valjean, Earl Carpenter as Javert and our very own Rachelle Ann Goas Fantine. They are joined by Cameron BlakelyandHelen Walshas Monsieur and Madame Thénardier, Kerrie Anne Greenlandas Éponine, Paul Wilkinsas Marius,Emily Langridgeas Cosetteand Chris Durlingas Enjolras.
Ensemble members are: Claudia Ballen, Daniel Belle, Billy Bourchier, Hugo Chiarella, Melanie Cornell, Jessica Daley, Chloe De Los Santos, Esang de Torres, Mischana Dellora-Cornish, Emilie du Leslay, Blake Erickson, David Francis, Venice Harris, Matt Harrop, Tamlyn Henderson, Callum Hobson, Nigel Huckle, Holly-Anne Hull, James Hume, Ciaran Joyce, Liam McIlwain, Sarah Murr, Adèle Parkinson, Joel Parnis, Kieran McGinlay, Michaela Powell, Lauren Soley, Mabel Tamone, Oscar Tollofsen, Natasha Veselinovic, Tom Vincent & Sebastian Witt.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century revolutionary France, LES MISÉRABLES is one of the most popular musicals of all time which has been seen by over 70 million people worldwide in 44 countries and in 22 languages. Having won more than 125 major awards around the world it has been hailed as the most stirring, moving musical ever. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, it is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”,“Stars”, “Bring Him Home”, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”,“One Day More”, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”, “Master of the House” and many more.
Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by HerbertKretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel. Adapted by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, it has additional material by James Fenton. The 25thAnniversary Production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell and designed by Matt Kinley. Original costumes are by Andreane Neofitou, additional costumes by Christine Rowland, lighting design by Paule Constable and sound design by Mick Potter. Executive Producer of the international production is Michael Cassel.
Esang de Torres
Esang De Torres as Little Cosette – Photo by Jasper Lucena
The Little Supernova.
Esang, the Philippines’ Youngest Concert Performer, was born Telesa Marie de Torres on February 12, 2007. She is the daughter of Mary Joyce Castillejo and Telesforo de Torres. Her parents are both Manileños.
At a very young age, Esang exhibited a gift, strong auditory skills and a golden voice. She learned her first song, “Akoay May Lobo”, at the age of 2. By the time she turned 3, she could sing anything she listened to. Surrounded by a musically inclined family, her talents have been very well supported. Her father was her first coach, who helped her nourish her gift.
Esang joined her first singing competition at the age of 4. At the age of 5, she became known as Little Annie with her beautiful rendition of “Tomorrow” at the SM Little Star Singing Contest where she placed 3rd.
Her star continued to shine brightly as she was named Best in Talent as Mini Lea Salonga in the noontime show It’s Showtime (ABS- CBN), then became the Grand Winner in Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent Camp 3(ABS-CBN), with Zsazsa Padilla as her coach.
Esang became a household name when she joined The Voice Kids- Season 2(ABS-CBN)with her rendition of “Home” (from The Wiz) during the blind auditions. She not only captured the hearts of the 3 coaches who vied for her YES, but also millions of people around the world. Her audition piece has over 9 million views to date. As she moved forward in the competition with the help of her coach Lea Salonga, her gift flourished giving the audience a virtuoso performance every time she was on stage. This secured her a spot at the Grand Finals.
Since The Voice Kids, Esang continues to conquer the music scene. On her 9thbirthday, she gifted her fans and family with a birthday concert at the Sky Dome, SM North EDSA. This earned her a title as the Youngest Concert Performer in the country. Her debut album, Esang De Torres: Ako ay Kakanta, was released shortly after the success of her concert.
She is paving her own way in the music industry and the Filipinos’ hearts have been smitten by The Little Supernova, Esang.
