'I started bawling!' Lea Salonga talks about 'Annie' return

Lea Salonga has come full circle.

After taking a final bow in the Broadway revival of “Once on This Island,” the Tony Award winner joins the cast of “Annie,” the musical that started her career in theater.

She played the titular role in Repertory Philippines’ production of “Annie” back in 1980, and is now part of the Hollywood Bowl’s production as Grace Farrell, the assistant of billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

In an interview with Broadway World, Salonga recalled the time she realized that her latest project would be such a huge deal for her.

“It hit me when I was singing along to ‘I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here’ in my car as part of my preparation, and I started bawling!” she said. “I couldn’t continue singing!”

“That’s when I realized how big of a deal this was going to be, so I have a feeling, I’ll start bawling at some point in rehearsal.”

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According to Salonga, she never thought she would get to revisit “Annie” in a grown-up role.

“Never. I never thought I’d ever get to revisit this show once my stint as Annie was done,” she said. “So when Michael (Arden, who also directed the ‘Once on This Island’ revival) asked me if I would be interested in playing Grace for the Hollywood Bowl production, I was thrilled!”

“This is a show that has great sentimental, professional, and personal value for me. So to say I’m excited is a huge understatement,” she added.

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“Annie” will run from July 27 to 29 at the Hollywood Bowl.

Meanwhile, Salonga said her fans can expect “lots and lots of touring” from her in the near future.

“Watch out for me in your neck of the woods,” she said.