KC Concepcion gets nostalgic over playing Belle, cherishes lessons from Lea Salonga

KC Concepcion took a trip down memory lane as she recalled her experience playing Belle in the Manila staging of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” sharing throwback photos and anecdotes from the production.

“Once upon a time, I had the incredible honor of stepping into Belle's shoes for the Manila Cast of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast.’ 

“Thanks to #D23 bringing back all the Disney magic, I found myself going through these old photos and feeling a little emotional and super grateful,” KC wrote in her social media post.

The actress also expressed how grateful she was to Broadway icon Lea Salonga, who coached and mentored her and other members of the Manila cast. KC affectionately calls Salonga “Mama Lei” and recalled the many lessons she learned from her.

“One of the greatest gifts of that chapter was being coached by the GOAT—one of my fav Disney Legends Lea Salonga—my mama lei, who so generously guided, mentored, and shared her brilliance with us,” KC shared.

“She taught me the value of attention to detail, precision, and preparation.” She also shared one lesson that has stayed with her ever since: “You will sound like that because of the way in which you prepared.”

Her training went beyond simply learning how to sing like a Disney princess. KC said Salonga taught her how to shape vowels, seal them with consonants, make every movement intentional, and tell a story through music.

More importantly, KC said Salonga taught her to respect the work, bring heart and brightness to a character, and understand the responsibility that comes with leading a cast.

“She, and that entire Disney production, gave me lessons I still super carry with me today,” she added.

KC also remembered the excitement—and nerves—she felt whenever Disney executives visited the Manila production.

“I can still hear the backstage announcement: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, the Mouse is in the house!’ whenever Disney executives came to watch our Manila cast perform. And wow, did I get nervous... but SO excited!!” she recalled.

The old photos also reminded KC of another dream she continues to hold close.

“Do you see Mickey on the back of the CD? Somehow, somewhere in me, that little dream is still secretly alive... to one day be the speaking or singing voice in a legendary animation! Haha.” 

Taking inspiration from Belle, KC ended her post with a line from the "Beauty and the Beast" song: “And maybe Belle said it best: ‘I want adventure in the great wide somewhere.’”

“Here's to faith, a lot of love, and a big sprinkle of pixie dust!! Let's keep making memories worth treasuring!” she added.

“Beauty and the Beast” was KC’s second musical and her first lead role. She made her theater debut as Princess Sapphire in “The Little Mermaid.” As a teenager, she auditioned for theater roles and eventually landed the lead role in the musical.

Salonga was the original singing voices of Disney princesses Jasmine in 1992's  “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan in 1998's “Mulan.”

Beyond theater, KC has built a career as an actress and singer. She has recorded several singles, movie theme songs, and full-length studio albums, including her eponymous sophomore record.

She has also starred in romance films such as “For the First Time” and “When I Met U,” both alongside actor Richard Gutierrez. Her most recent film was the 2023 American rom-com “Asian Persuasion,” after which she took a break from showbiz.

KC has previously shared her plans to return to showbiz. She said she misses being in front of the camera and hopes to make her comeback when the right project comes along and when she feels ready.