Originally scheduled to return to Broadway March 6, Salonga is joining the company at the Broadhurst Theatre a few days early, a production spokesperson confirmed.

Salonga succeeds Daphne Rubin-Vega, who departed Les Miz Feb. 18 to star in Jack Goes Boating with Philip Seymour Hoffman. Ensemble member Nikki Renée Daniels has performed the role of the ill-fated Fantine since that time.

Salonga is no stranger to Les Miz. She played Eponine in 1993 in the original Broadway run.

Due to strong box-office and enthusiastic audiences, Les Miz recently announced an extension through at least the summer of 2007, and Salonga will stay with the production through the entire period.

Salonga catapulted to international stage stardom when she was chosen to star as Kim in the 1989 London world premiere of Boublil and Schonberg's Miss Saigon, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. Only 17 at the time, Philippines native Salonga received critical acclaim and went on to win the Olivier Award as Best Actress in a Musical. In 1991 she reprised her performance on Broadway, again earning rave reviews and winning the Tony Award as Best Actress in a Musical, along with Best Actress honors from the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics' Circle.

Salonga returned to Broadway in 2002, starring in the revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song. The new mother also recently made her solo debut at Carnegie Hall.

For tickets and performance information, please call telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200 or on-line at www.telecharge.com, or www.lesmiserables.com.