Miss Saigon

Opera Australia has partnered once again with Cameron Mackintosh, for his new production of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s award-winning musical Miss Saigon. Directed by the critically acclaimed Laurence Connor, Miss Saigon follows the tragic story of Kim, an orphan of the Vietnam War, and her doomed relationship with an American GI. Based on Giacomo Puccini’s 1904 opera Madame Butterfly, Mackintosh transports the audience into the middle of a war-torn country, and the bustling streets of a city that never sleeps.

Featuring a predominantly Asian-Australian cast, Miss Saigon introduces us to Abigail Adriano as Kim, in her first leading role. Adriano’s flawless performance makes it hard to believe this is the first time the 18-year-old is leading – and it is sure to be the start of a successful career onstage. The incredible Seann Miley Moore stars as the Engineer, who is an instant crowd favourite. Moore’s impressive background saw the artist captivating the audience with each word and wave of their hand, and was a scene stealer in every moment. Starring as Kim’s American lover, Chris, was Nigel Huckle, whose onstage chemistry with Adriano is undeniable – especially in their first duet together, ‘Sun and Moon’. In supporting roles are Nick Afoa as Chris’ fellow soldier John, Kerrie Anne Greenland as Ellen, Chris’ wife, Laurence Mossman as Kim’s betrothed, Thuy, and Kimberley Hodgson as Gigi – a veteran Saigon sex worker. Each cast member, swing included, pull out all the stops to make their performance nothing less than perfect, in an awe-inspiring production that will stick with you for a long time.

Minor modifications have been made to Schönberg and Boublil’s score, along with Richard Maltby Jr’s lyrics, as Michael Mahler has added in a few modern references that’ll have the audience smiling. With all characters each getting their time in the spotlight, there are plenty of songs that showcase the cast’s talent and vocal skills. Highlights for us included Gigi’s solo ‘The Movie in My Mind’, Kim’s raw, emotion-driven ‘You Will Not Touch Him’ and ‘Room 317’, and the Engineer’s fanfare-ish ‘The American Dream’ – complete with showgirls and a hotrod.

Miss Saigon‘s production appears to spare no costs, with rich backdrops and props brilliantly executed by Matt Kinley and Totie Driver. The various scenes paint the stage with rich tradition, and later, neon lighting, as Act 2 sees the production’s setting move to Bangkok. A major highlight in Miss Saigon is its flashback scene, which features a show-stopping helicopter, which further drives home the heartbreak and tragedy felt by the war and its victims.

Miss Saigon is running at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne from 29 October – 16 December 2023, before it moves to Adelaide’s Festival Theatre from 2 January – 28 January 2024. This is a must-see for musical lovers and theatre-goers alike – just make sure you bring the tissues.

Get your tickets here before Miss Saigon leaves Australia!

Photo Credit: Daniel Boud