Lea Salonga sightings at the Broadway Theatre lend weight to rumors the original "Kim" of Miss Saigon is poised for a January return to the Broadway musical spectacle.

A source close to the Broadway production told Playbill On-Line Oct. 4 that Salonga had been in the Broadway Theatre for musical rehearsals in the past few weeks, and that there is talk in the company of a more extensive Salonga rehearsal period -- perhaps two weeks -- in November.

November rehearsals for the January return would allow Salonga time to be with her family in the Philippines over the holidays, according to the source.

There has been no official announcement.

However, Salonga lawyer and spokesman Robert Perlstein told Playbill On Line (Oct. 1) Salonga will "probably" return to the role that made her famous and a deal may be imminent. Salonga would begin her Broadway stay Jan. 18, 1999, and the initial commitment would be four months. Salonga found fame as the original Kim in both the London and New York premieres of Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil's retelling of the Madame Butterfly story. Miss Saigon opened on Apr. 11, 1991. Salonga went on to win a Tony for her performance.

The actress recently lent her voice to the animated Disney film Mulan.

Marc Thibodeau of The Publicity Office (which reps Miss Saigon ) said (Oct. 1), "Discussions have taken place and we're hopeful, but there's no confirmation yet."