Lea Salonga, the actress-singer, is best known for creating the Tony Award-winning role of Kim in "Miss Saigon" in 1989 on Broadway at age 17.

Today, at 37, she's married and a mom. She challenges herself to find new depths to established characters, sets priorities on what roles or gigs to take, and adores living in the Philippines, where she retains her native citizenship.

Mostly, she puts family needs first.

Oh, and she'd like to learn to fly a kite.

So she says, in an e-mail interview, as she visits in a statewide concert tour, singing on Maui tonight, in Honolulu on Saturday and Sunday.

Listen up:

Q. How has motherhood and marriage impacted your show biz career? Do you travel often, elect shorter-run gigs, have Nicole (daughter) and Robert (Chien, her husband) with you when you're away from home?

A. My work schedule has become, if you can believe it, more busy than it's ever been. I've allowed for things to get more busy now that my daughter is a bit bigger and more hardy.

Nicole travels with me when I stay put in one spot for a couple of weeks at least, and stays home when I'm in and out of cities quickly or am away for a short period of time.

My husband isn't able to travel as much with me now because of work. So more often than not I go it alone or take my mother with me.

Although I am more busy now, I'm still very discriminating with which gigs to say yes to.

Q. Folks still cherish and remember you as Kim in "Miss Saigon," for which you were rewarded with applause and awards. Do you miss the character and the star-making vehicle? Is there a downside in your life after Kim — is there a challenge of finding another part on which you can put an imprint?

A. I'm just incredibly blessed to have played her, so I can't complain. It's a role of a lifetime, and there aren't parts that come in one's life quite like this one. It would be wonderful to have another role on which to put my imprint, but I really can't complain with how my life and career have gone so far.

Q. You remain a role model for Filipinas around the world; our mutual friend, Martin Nievera, has spoken fondly of you; our "American Idol" finalist, Jasmine Trias, also is a fan. What do you tell wannabes, specifically Filipinos, about approaching the hurdles that often confront minorities? Are you an activist in this area, or how do you perceive race in the quest for stardom?

A. Ideally, race shouldn't ever be an issue as far as stardom is concerned ... however, I'm also a realist, so I take my breaks where I can get them. So I'm extremely thankful when audiences come to see me perform, bolstering my faith that things are changing for performers of color.

My pieces of advice? Start growing a thick skin now: You're going to need it throughout your career. Remain faithful and prayerful ... and once success hits, remain humble. Always be professional, work hard and have a good time.

Q. What is the scope of your concert, like the one you're bringing to Hawai'i? Do you pull any surprises, in the realm of your singing? Are you acclimated into doing a casual but formatted show, with pacing like a Broadway musical, or do you kibitz and ad lib en route to having a good time?

A. For my Hawai'i concerts, I'll be singing and talking. I like a structured show, similar to the one I did the last time I performed here, talking about the music I'll be singing and relating to the audience as best as I can. I had a great time last time!

Q. Would you want your daughter, when the time is right, to seek a show-biz career, following your footsteps? What advice would you give her, based on your experiences?

A. Honestly? I'd rather she wanted to be a doctor! But seriously, if she wants to follow in my footsteps and be a performer, too, I can't stop her. The advice I'd give would be to just work hard and be a professional always. Start to gain the respect of your peers early, as that is very, very difficult to earn. Be nice to everyone as much as you can, and have a great time.

Q. What would you like to do that you haven't done yet? Could be an activity like skiing, or a juicy role that's new or one that you could sink your teeth into.

A. Hmmm ... I'd love to learn how to ski, roller skate, or fly a kite. Maybe if and when Nic learns all those things, Mommy can learn them, too.

I'd also like to revisit riding a bike ... it's been a long, long while.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.