Opera Australia has announced the highly anticipated arrival of Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical sensation, “Miss Saigon,” at Melbourne’s prestigious Her Majesty’s Theatre. With an exceptional cast of performers hailing from the Asia-Pacific region, this captivating production is set to grace the stage from 29th October, offering a strictly limited engagement.
Tickets for the Melbourne season of “Miss Saigon” will go on sale on Tuesday, 6 June. To stay informed about the latest updates and secure priority booking, theater enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up for the waitlist at www.miss-saigon.com.au.
Taking on the lead roles in the Australian cast are Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer, Filipino-Australian Abigail Adriano as Kim, Nigel Huckle as Chris, Kerrie Anne Greenland as Ellen, Nick Afoa as John, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, and Kimberley Hodgson as Gigi.
Fiona Allan, CEO of Opera Australia, expressed her excitement about bringing another of Cameron Mackintosh’s renowned productions to Melbourne following the extraordinary success of “The Phantom of the Opera” earlier this year. Allan emphasised the enduring popularity of “Miss Saigon,” stating, “Regarded as one of the most critically-acclaimed and beloved musicals of all time, ‘Miss Saigon’ offers an incredible catalogue of music that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide.”
She continued, “This powerful and moving story explores the complex nature of love against the backdrop of destruction and violence in war, delving into the aftermath it leaves behind. What makes this production particularly thrilling is the opportunity to witness this story told by a predominantly Australian cast, showcasing the immense talent we have in this country. We have assembled a remarkable ensemble of 42 performers, singers, dancers, and acrobats from across the Asia-Pacific region, who will undoubtedly captivate audiences night after night.”
Cameron Mackintosh, the mastermind behind “Miss Saigon,” expressed his enthusiasm for the Melbourne production, stating, “Since its debut in 1989, ‘Miss Saigon’ has achieved phenomenal success worldwide. Its heartfelt and powerful story continues to move audiences in a unique way night after night. While we brought the original production to Australia over 25 years ago, this time Australian audiences will experience my latest production, which has been sensational in London, Broadway, and across America. Our brilliant Australian cast has truly captured the essence of ‘Miss Saigon’ and its contemporary resonance. I cannot wait to see them electrify the stage as they bring the heat back on.”
Conceived by the same creative minds behind the iconic musical “Les Misérables,” Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, “Miss Saigon” presents a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss set in war-torn Vietnam. The story revolves around Kim, a young Vietnamese woman who falls in love with Chris, an American G.I., only to be tragically separated by the fall of Saigon.
Since its premiere in London in 1989, “Miss Saigon” has amassed an impressive collection of 70 major theater awards, including two Olivier Awards, three Tony Awards, and four Drama Desk Awards. The musical has been witnessed by 38 million people worldwide, performed in 15 different languages, and captivated audiences in over 32 countries and 350 cities. With an unforgettable score, including timeless hits like “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “The Movie in My Mind,” “Last Night of the World,” and “American Dream,” “Miss Saigon” promises to transport audiences on an emotional journey. The original production also made its mark in Australia in 1995.
Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of “Miss Saigon” made its debut in London in May 2014, breaking advance sales records and garnering critical acclaim. It subsequently graced the Broadway stage and embarked on a highly successful tour across the United States. The New Yorker hailed it as “A Dynamite Broadway revival,” while The Daily Telegraph (UK) praised its ability to resonate with the times, describing it as a production that “spills out beyond theatre and speaks directly to the times we live in – magnificent performances.” The Daily Mail declared it “The greatest musical of all time just got even better!” The London Times raved, calling the production “thrilling, soaring, and spectacular.”
With music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from the original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, “Miss Saigon” is helmed by director Laurence Connor, with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt. The production design by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley, based on an original concept by Adrian Vaux, along with 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 all contribute to the visual and auditory splendor of the show. Music supervision is handled by Alfonso Casado Trigo and Guy Simpson.
As the anticipation builds for the Melbourne premiere, theatre enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly on June 6th. “Miss Saigon” promises to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience that will touch the hearts of all who witness it. Visit www.miss-saigon.com.au to join the waitlist and stay updated on the latest news and priority booking details.
