Miss Saigon is a bold, confrontational, and intense musical, brimming with heart, warmth, and profound emotion. The Adelaide opening night certainly lived up to its reputation, with a packed house and a standing ovation that spoke volumes.
Praised as one of the greatest musicals ever, Miss Saigon has garnered 70 major theatre awards, including two Olivier Awards, three Tony Awards, and four Drama Desk Awards. Created by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the team behind Les Misérables, it has captivated 38 million people worldwide and has been performed in 15 languages across 32 countries and 350 cities.
The musical reimagines Puccini’s 1904 opera Madama Butterfly, setting its story against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. It tells the poignant and powerful tale of love amidst the turmoil of Saigon’s fall in 1975. The narrative follows Chris, an American GI (Nigel Huckle), who falls for Kim (Abigail Adriano), a young Vietnamese orphan working as a bar-girl in The Engineer’s (Seann Miley Moore) nightclub, Dreamland. When the city collapses, the lovers are torn apart, and Chris returns to the U.S. Years later, he revisits Bangkok with his American wife, Ellen (Kerrie Anne Greenland).
It’s challenging to capture the emotional power of this show in words. Every element—from the cast and sets to the costumes, lighting, orchestra, and audio—blends flawlessly to take the audience on a profound emotional journey, revealing the harrowing impact of the Vietnam War. Laurence Connor’s direction is masterful, presenting a raw and gritty portrayal of wartime Vietnam. The staging can be intense, but it deepens the audience’s understanding of the trauma and devastation experienced by those affected.
The casting in Miss Saigon is exceptional, with a flawless ensemble that delivers both precision and passion. The female ensemble handles intricate harmonies in songs like “The Wedding Ceremony” and “The Movie in My Mind” with finesse, while also delivering powerful vocal performances when required. The male ensemble is equally impressive, with “Bui Doi” in Act 2 making a profound impact. Their vocal blend is spine-tingling, and their energy drives the performance forward. The choreography, vocals, and attention to detail in the background are so well-executed that a second viewing might be necessary just to catch all the subtle interactions.
Nigel Huckle’s portrayal of Chris is stunning, with a voice that navigates the complex score effortlessly. His performance of “Why God Why?” left the reviewer with goosebumps, combining remarkable vocal prowess with compelling storytelling. Huckle excels in conveying the character’s journey from camaraderie with his American peers to the tender moments with Kim and his wife, Ellen.
Abigail Adriano’s portrayal of Kim is breathtaking. She masterfully transitions from the character’s innocence to her passionate love and the anguish leading to the show’s climax. Adriano’s voice delivers a range of emotions with remarkable clarity and strength, from her resonant lower register to her delicate high notes. Her performance of “I’d Give My Life For You” in Act 1 is particularly sublime, with impeccable diction and emotional depth.
The duets between Huckle and Adriano are electrifying, especially in “Sun and Moon,” where their vocal chemistry and storytelling make Kim and Chris’s love story truly believable.
Seann Miley Moore is unforgettable as The Engineer. Their unique, slightly camp but still gritty portrayal brings a fresh and captivating energy to the role. Moore’s performance is magnetic, blending sex appeal with a commanding presence. Vocally, Moore is exceptional, with a gravelly undertone that enhances their portrayal. “The American Dream” is both an auditory and visual treat, showcasing Moore’s star power in full force.
In supporting roles, Kerrie Anne Greenland (Ellen), Lewis Francis (John), Laurence Mossman (Thuy), and Kimberley Hodgson (Gigi) are all perfectly cast. It’s a pleasure to see Greenland performing in Adelaide once more. Her portrayal of Ellen is refreshingly warm and unique, offering a new dimension to the character. Greenland’s vocal performance is exceptional, with her duet with Adriano, “I Still Believe,” delivering a powerful emotional impact. Francis brings a compelling strength to John, with his outstanding voice and poignant storytelling in “Bui Doi” making it one of the highlights of the production. Mossman and Hodgson also bring notable depth to their roles as Thuy and Gigi, respectively.
Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s score is vocally demanding and presents a challenge for the musicians. It masterfully blends Western and Eastern instruments, creating a rich and evocative accompaniment for the performers. Geoffrey Castles’ work with both the cast and orchestra is exemplary. His deep understanding and passion for the score shine through in the meticulous attention to detail. The orchestra’s performance is enchanting—there were moments when I simply wanted to close my eyes and savor the sound.
The staging of Saigon’s fall, especially the iconic helicopter scene, is a theatrical marvel. I won’t reveal any spoilers—this is something you need to experience for yourself. The set design for Miss Saigon is as impressive as the cast, seamlessly moving across the stage, enhanced by Bruno Poet’s brilliant lighting design.
On opening night, Michael Nguyen Chang portrayed Tam, Kim’s young son, and his innocence occasionally stole the spotlight. The creative team deserves praise for their thoughtful blocking, ensuring that Tam is positioned with his back to any violent or distressing scenes. This considerate approach acknowledges how challenging it can be for a young performer to distinguish between acting and reality.
Miss Saigon is a masterful example of theatrical brilliance, tapping into the full spectrum of emotions. With its limited run in Adelaide, it’s a must-see. Be sure to bring tissues, as this emotionally charged production will surely tug at your heartstrings.
Frequently Asked Question
What is Miss Saigon about?
Miss Saigon is a powerful musical that tells the story of a tragic love affair set during the Vietnam War. It follows Chris, an American GI, and Kim, a young Vietnamese orphan who works as a bar-girl. Their love story unfolds amidst the chaos and devastation of Saigon’s fall in 1975. The musical explores themes of love, loss, and the impact of war on individuals.
Who are the main characters in Miss Saigon?
The central characters include:
- Chris: An American GI who falls in love with Kim.
- Kim: A Vietnamese orphan and bar-girl who falls in love with Chris.
- The Engineer: A nightclub owner who profits from the war.
- Ellen: Chris’s American wife, who later joins him in Bangkok.
- Thuy: Kim’s former fiancé, who becomes an antagonist.
- John: Chris’s fellow GI and friend.
How is the cast described in the review?
The cast is praised for their exceptional performances. Michael Nguyen Chang, who played Tam, Kim’s young son, is noted for his touching innocence. Kerrie Anne Greenland as Ellen, Lewis Francis as John, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, and Kimberley Hodgson as Gigi are all highlighted for their strong and nuanced performances. The leads, Nigel Huckle and Abigail Adriano, receive particular acclaim for their powerful portrayals of Chris and Kim.
What is said about the musical’s direction and staging?
The direction by Laurence Connor is described as brilliant and fresh, capturing the gritty reality of wartime Vietnam. The staging, including the iconic helicopter scene, is noted as a theatrical highlight. The review commends the creative team for their thoughtful blocking, especially in scenes involving young Tam, ensuring that he is shielded from any distressing moments.
How does the review describe the musical’s score and orchestration?
The score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg is praised for its demanding and beautifully blended Western and Eastern instrumentation. Geoffrey Castles’ work with the cast and orchestra is highlighted for its excellence, creating a lush and evocative accompaniment that enhances the emotional impact of the musical.
What are the visual and design aspects of the production like?
The set design is described as impressive and versatile, moving seamlessly across the stage. Bruno Poet’s lighting design is also praised for complementing the set and adding to the overall visual impact of the production.
Is Miss Saigon recommended for audiences?
Yes, the review strongly recommends Miss Saigon for its emotional depth and theatrical brilliance. It is noted as a must-see with a limited season in Adelaide. The review advises bringing tissues, as the emotionally driven production is expected to deeply affect viewers.
Conclusion
Miss Saigon stands as a testament to the power of theatre to evoke deep emotions and deliver a compelling narrative. The production excels in its portrayal of love and loss amidst the turmoil of war, with standout performances from its talented cast. Laurence Connor’s direction and the thoughtful staging enhance the emotional impact, while the score by Boublil and Schönberg, along with Geoffrey Castles’ orchestration, adds a rich musical dimension to the experience. The impressive set and lighting design further elevate the production, making it a visual and auditory feast. With its limited run in Adelaide, this production is a must-see for theatre enthusiasts, offering a moving and memorable experience that will resonate long after the final curtain falls.