NEWSFLASH

---

LEAH NAVARRO DUMPED, DEPRESSED

Manila, July 16, 1998 - Canada-based singer Leah Navarro is described by her manager as very depressed after being dumped from the main lead role in the musical staging of the Filipino classic "Larawan" which will be restaged at the Cultural Center this weekend. Director Tony Mabesa reportedly said Leah is not fit for the role, which was immediately taken over by Rachel Alejandro.

Butch Dans told show business writers that "Leah is so professional about it, although she is hurt and a bit angry."

"If the producers did not have any confidence in Leah, they should have at least given her the benefit of an audition. Leah never went for the job nor did she solicit the role. She only returned to the Philippines this last trip to do "Larawan" only to be told that Rachel Alejandro had replaced her."

"I think the producers should have a little more responsibility. Nobody has any right to cut the career of a person. With what they did to Leah, they are almost closing the doors to her in the business," Dans said.

"Larawan" is being re-staged by Music Theater Philippines; Rachel is part of the corporation.

Dans said Leah was informed last Saturday that she would not open the show. Leah only found out last Monday that she had been dropped completely from the cast. She would have played Paula, one of the main characters in the musical. The other character is Candida, who is being played by Celeste Legaspi.

---