Love, Heartbreak, A Fever Dream: 'Miss Saigon' Has It All

"Miss Saigon" last graced Singapore's shores at Kallang Theatre in 2001. And now, it's back in the heart of the Lion City.

The award-winning musical premiered in West End, London, in 1989, and is the second most successful musical by French creators Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, following "Les Misérables".

Inspired by Puccini’s 1904 opera "Madama Butterfly", "Miss Saigon" is an emotional love story set in the final days of the Vietnam War in 1975. Kim, a 17-year-old Vietnamese orphan who works at Dreamland, a nightclub-brothel run by The Engineer, falls in love with Chris, an American soldier, there. They even have a wedding ceremony, which is interrupted and the pair get separated. They (Kim, more than Chris) struggle to find their way back to each other, and it's apparent that they are doomed to be star-crossed lovers.

Abigail Adriano (left) as Kim and Nigel Huckle as Chris are well cast and have great chemistry. | IMAGE: DANIEL BOUD

The no-frills tl;dr: in slightly under three hours, an unlikely love story originates in a sleazy bar in 1970s Saigon. The lead character Kim gets ghosted by her angmoh boyfriend Chris (who is a bundle of 🚩🚩🚩). An adrenaline-pumping scene leads to a murder, forcing Kim to hustle hard in another shady establishment in Bangkok for her dreams of a better future. An iconic jaw-dropping helicopter scene (it was amazing) ends with the most heart-wrenching 💔 finale I've ever seen in a musical.

NGL, it was like a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs. I was fully immersed in every second of the musical, which had my complete attention; never once did my gaze leave the stage.

For a moment, it seemed like an entire helicopter had flown into the Sands Theatre. | IMAGE: DANIEL BOUD

The production's stunning set designs and impressive performances really capture the emotional depth of the story. A full 17-piece orchestra's rendition of Schönberg’s score also adds a layer of grandeur that enhances the whole experience.

And the numbers and accolades speak for themselves: Since its debut in 1989, "Miss Saigon" has won 70 major theatre awards, including three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and four Drama Desk Awards. It has been staged in 15 languages across 32 countries and 350 cities, reaching over 38 million people.

Seann Miley Moore plays the sleazy, yet charming Engineer with much poise and charisma - he's a riot! | IMAGE: DANIEL BOUD

Other than the spot-on chemistry between the star-crossed lovers, The Engineer was hands-down my favourite part of the show. From his endless yearning and scheming for his own American Dream, to acting as comic relief and plot propeller, he stole the spotlight again and again with his flamboyant performance.

The romance between the leads is believable, even if it developed after just one night of passion. | IMAGE: DANIEL BOUD

Some outstanding moments: The leads delivered soaring performances that were both compelling and heart-wrenching, especially in numbers like "The Last Night of the World" and "I'd Give My Life for You". "Sun and Moon" was giving "It is the east, and Juliet is the sun" – a veritable Vietnamese equivalent of Romeo and Juliet. I heard a few sniffles during "Room 317", which showed how a mother's love knows no bounds.

The character of Kim is the embodiment of perseverance. | IMAGE: DANIEL BOUD

“Miss Saigon” is not just a musical; it’s a window into a poignant historical moment and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you're a fan of musicals or simply looking for an engaging and emotional story, “Miss Saigon” is a must-see that will leave a lasting impression.

"Miss Saigon" runs until 29 Sep 2024 at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. Tickets here.

Hungry for more musicals? Check these out

"Dear Evan Hansen" by Pangdemonium Theatre Company

"Dear Evan Hansen" follows a high school student named Evan who struggles with social anxiety. When a classmate’s tragic death leads to a misunderstanding, Evan becomes caught in a web of lies that spirals out of control. The musical explores themes of identity, mental health, and the desire for connection, all set to a powerful, contemporary score.

Dates: From 11 Oct 2024

Venue: Victoria Theatre

Tickets and more info here.

"The Wizard of Oz" by Wild Rice

Quick, name a place in Singapore where all things peculiar take place 😉 In this innovative retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic by award-winning playwright Alfian Sa'at, Dorothy is transported by a cyclone from her home in Yishun to Oz. As she finds her way back to Singapore, expect a vibrant and quirky show (there's even a Hokkien-speaking Scarecrow) that will have you and your family singing and dancing all the way home with Dorothy.

Dates: From 14 Nov 2024

Venue: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan

Tickets and more info here.

"Six" by BASE Entertainment Asia

"Six" is a contemporary musical written by Tony Award Winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss that reimagines the lives of the six wives of King Henry VIII (King of England from 22 Apr 1509 until his death in 1547) as a pop concert. Each wife gets a chance to tell her story through catchy songs, transforming centuries of historical heartbreak into a dynamic showcase of 21st-century female empowerment.

Dates: 14 Nov to 1 Dec 2024

Venue: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands

Tickets and more info here.

"Wicked" by Base Entertainment Asia

This captivating multi-award winning musical reimagines the story of "The Wizard of Oz" from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and her unlikely friendship with Glinda the Good Witch. It explores themes of friendship, identity, and the impact of prejudice. The story delves into the witches' backstory, revealing how they became the iconic characters we know from Oz.

Dates: 19 Mar to 20 Apr 2025

Venue: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands

Tickets and more info here.

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