For Tony award-winner Lea Salonga, performing Stephen Sondheim’s “Loving You” means thinking of the person she loves most in this world. And that is none other than her only child, Nic Chien.
The two graced the cover of a U.S. magazine this April and opened up about how they navigate that mother and child dynamic amid Nic’s transition journey. At 18 years old, Nic is beginning to explore the world of musicals and theater on a broader scope. However, this wasn’t the first time Nic became certain of who he wanted to become.
He first figured out that he was transmasculine at 14 years old. Nic recalls the countless conversations he had with his parents. A lot of “you gotta tell me how you feel” and “I don’t know what I’m feeling” discussions.
When he first came out to his mom, he said Lea had an okay reaction, adding that his family, including his father, had been “very accepting.”
This sentiment comes from a place where Lea wanted her child to feel safe and strong, emphasizing that she didn’t want Nic’s life to be as hard as it would be.
“I want my child to feel safe and strong and ready to conquer the world on their own terms,” Lea said.
According to the actress, musical theater played a big part in helping her understand how to raise her child. She describes it as something unpredictable, a sometimes “think-on-your-feet” type of art form.
“I’ve learned how to raise a child is their own being, I mean, there are obviously expectations. I’m glad that this kid can cook and do his own laundry and doesn’t forget to feed the cat!” she said.
“But the one thing I’ve learned is that you have to raise your child the way your child needs to be raised. That goes for literally any kid,” she continued.
Queer or otherwise, as a parent, Lea wants to set her child up for success.
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Nic will portray Jack in the Philippine production of Into the Woods this coming August, alongside his mother as The Witch, Eugene Domingo as Jack’s Mother, and several other known personalities.
