Australian audiences are in for a theatrical treat as Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's award-winning musical Miss Saigon is set to grace Melbourne's Her Majesty’s Theatre.
The show is scheduled to run from Sunday, October 29, for a strictly limited seven-week season, concluding on December 16.
Miss Saigon has already wowed audiences in Sydney Opera House, where it garnered glowing reviews and critical acclaim. This return to Melbourne marks the first time the production will be staged on the same platform in 16 years, promising a memorable experience for theatergoers.
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Featuring a magnificent full 24-piece orchestra and a sensational local cast of 42, the show includes some of the most promising talents from the Australian stage, hailing from across the Asia-Pacific region.
The musical, a winner of Tony and Olivier Awards, tells a deeply moving story of survival and love set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Its captivating score includes memorable tunes like The Heat is On in Saigon, The Movie in My Mind, Last Night of the World, and The American Dream.
The leading roles in this production are portrayed by a talented ensemble of performers. Seann Miley Moore, an internationally acclaimed artist, takes on the role of The Engineer, while 19-year-old Abigail Adriano shines as Kim. Newcomer Adriano’s performance has been hailed for her star-making voice. Nigel Huckle, who plays Chris, has been noted as a standout by critics. Other cast members include Kerrie Anne Greenland as Ellen, Nick Afoa as John, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, and Kimberley Hodgson as Gigi.
The show’s captivating plot follows the journey of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim, orphaned by war and forced to work in a bar run by the notorious Engineer. There, she falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, only to be separated by the fall of Saigon. The story unfolds over three years, tracing Kim’s epic journey to reunite with Chris, who remains unaware that he has fathered a son.
Miss Saigon, which first premiered on London’s West End, has won 70 major theatre awards, including three Tonys and two Oliviers. It has been performed in 15 different languages in over 32 countries and 350 cities.
Cameron Mackintosh’s new production opened in London in May 2014, setting records for advance sales and receiving widespread critical acclaim. It subsequently opened on Broadway, followed by a successful U.S. tour. The show has been praised as a dynamite Broadway revival and a thrilling new production that speaks directly to the times we live in.
Miss Saigon’s music, composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from the original French lyrics by Alain Boublil with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler. Laurence Connor directs the new production, with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt.
Production design is by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley, based on an original concept by Adrian Vaux. The show features costume design by Andreane Neofitou, lighting design by Bruno Poet, projections by Luke Halls, sound design by Mick Potter, and orchestrations by William David Brohn. Music supervision is by Alfonso Casado Trigo and Guy Simpson.
Tickets for Miss Saigon are currently available at www.miss-saigon.com.au
