On July 17, Tony Awardee Lea Salonga went viral on social media after a fan uploaded a video of her setting some boundaries after fans tried to enter her dressing room despite not being on the guest list.
The netizen named Christopher Retokelly Carpila uploaded a video of their group after they watched the production of ‘Here Lies Love’ on Broadway. They tried entering Salonga’s dressing room to have a picture with the theater actress.
Salonga had to put her foot down and calmly explain to the fans that they were not allowed in the dressing room for security reasons. She then led the group to where they could take a picture with her beside the backstage door of the theater.
Carpila claimed that he felt they got unjustly thrown out of the theater house in front of the Filipino and American audience present.
He also remarked that they went to see ‘Here Lies Love,’ paid for the tickets, and hoped to get a picture with Salonga.
https://www.facebook.com/cristopher.carpila/videos/819358069714054/
Salonga responded to the post on social media, noting that she had boundaries as an artist.
Just a reminder… I have boundaries. Do not cross them. Thank you. https://t.co/LVziX55lDf
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) July 17, 2023
Celebrities and prominent theater personalities also reacted to the viral post.
Actor-director Topper Fabregas emphasized how a dressing room is a personal space for actors.
Apart from the fact that no artist owes anyone in the audience a photo after a show (binigay na po namin lahat sa stage para sa inyo)..
An actor’s dressing room is THEIR personal space. Their home away from home.
How would you feel if someone stepped into your house uninvited?
— Topper Fabregas (@topperwhere) July 17, 2023
Filipino-born Swedish fashion influencer and socialite Bryanboy noted that the fans ‘stalked’ Salonga and had ‘zero respect’ for the actress.
They stalked her to her PRIVATE dressing room. Zero respect and also where the hell is the security!!! https://t.co/2whaVHszXQ
— bryanboy (@bryanboy) July 17, 2023
Stage Manager-Director-Producer John Mark Yap echoed Fabregas’ point about the dressing room being a ‘private space’ for artists.
On the #LeaSalonga video:
DRESSING ROOMS are PRIVATE SPACES of the artists. You are only allowed to go inside the dressing rooms if you are part of the production or if the artist invited you to go inside it.
— John Mark Yap (@johninamillion) July 16, 2023
Filipino singer Bituin Escalante highlighted the value of asking permission from the production and respecting the artist’s bounds.
The very gracious @MsLeaSalonga with our family after a performance of Sweeney Todd in Singapore. We did ask permission from production, prior to the show, if there was an opportunity to meet the cast. Asking nicely, and within respectful bounds, goes a long way. pic.twitter.com/Q9MCafZ1mh
— bituin escalante (@gobituin) July 17, 2023
The talent manager and producer Girlie Rodis cited that some people lack an understanding of theater etiquette.
Some people just lack understanding theater etiquette. Being a fan doesn’t excuse bad behavior.I stand with @MsLeaSalonga https://t.co/I3qdBuwDPF
— Girlie Rodis (@ShowbizManila) July 17, 2023
Former COMELEC Commissioner Rowena Guanzon wrote similar concerns about respecting the artist and having good manners.
Lea Salonga is a world class artist. You dont just barge into her dressing room. Have some respect and good manners kahit excited kayo makita sya.
— Rowena Guanzon (@rowena_guanzon) July 18, 2023
Actor-Singer Janno Gibbs agreed that Salonga was right about her boundaries but noted that she could have conveyed her message to the fans better.
Artist Gab Pangilinan noted how entitlement poisons a person.
Lason talaga ang pagiging entitled.
Check yourself.— gab (@gabpangilinan) July 17, 2023
International actress Dolly De Leon emphasized respecting private spaces and boundaries.
Respect private spaces. Respect boundaries.
— Dolly de Leon (@DollyEdeLeon) July 17, 2023
One of the fans claimed they were friends with the theater show’s producer G Toengi. Salonga investigated such claim and tweeted on it.
Sooooooo here’s the kicker… the person whose name they were naming as their producer friend has no idea who they are. I asked her, and she’s seen the video (all our producers have, as well as company management, house management and security). She had no idea who they were. I…
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) July 17, 2023
And the fact that the person whose name they dropped had no idea who they were (of course I checked).
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) July 17, 2023
She also responded to some artists who tweeted their reactions on social media.
As for Carpila, he had posted a brief video addressing his side of the story.
https://www.facebook.com/cristopher.carpila/videos/1765618730541148/
As of this writing, the video uploaded by Carpila currently has 2.4 million views on Facebook.
As for ‘Here Lies Love,’ the musical features an all-Filipino cast led by Arielle Jacobs, Jose Llana, Conrad Ricamora, and Lea Salonga.
The theater production includes concept, music, and lyrics from David Byrne, music by Fatboy Slim, and choreography by Annie-B Parson. Under the direction and development of Alex Timbers, ‘Here Lies Love’ is currently showing on Broadway in New York City.
