‘Miss Saigon’ Review: A Captivating Theatrical Spectacle Not To Be Missed
Back in Singapore after 23 years, the acclaimed musical brings a fresh take on love and loss.
By Shermin Ng - published
It’s been 23 years since prolific theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh’s Miss Saigon was last in Singapore. While I didn’t catch the first run staged at the Kallang Theatre in 2001, I was excited to witness the theatrical spectacle firsthand at Marina Bay Sands’ Sands Theatre this time around. It’s safe to say that the beloved musical didn’t disappoint.
Since it first premiered in the West End in 1989, Miss Saigon has been staged in over 350 cities with 70 major theatre awards under its belt, including three Tony Awards, two Olivier awards and four Drama Desk Awards. The critically acclaimed production is French creators Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil’s second most successful musical after Les Miserables.
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Set in the 1970s during the Vietnam War, Miss Saigon follows Kim (Abigail Adriano), a young Vietnamese girl forced to work at nightclub-brothel Dreamland, owned by The Engineer (Seann Miley Moore); and Chris (Nigel Huckle), an American Marine sergeant. They fall in love, but are soon torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For three years—along with her young son fathered by Chris—Kim relentlessly tries to find her way back to Chris, who has married an American woman, Ellen (Sarah Morrison). Female empowerment takes centre stage as Kim and Ellen display strength and resilience in their own ways in the face of adversity.
Opening with ‘The Heat Is On In Saigon’, the energetic curtain raiser immerses you in the tumultuous world of war-torn Vietnam. It paves the way for a romance that develops at whirlwind speed, which, coupled with a sung-through score, made it challenging at times to fully grasp the context and rollercoaster of emotions conveyed by the main characters.
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Yet, the cast more than made up for it with their soaring vocals and impressive performances. Adriano’s professional lead role debut is highly commendable, and her chemistry with Huckle, intensely palpable. The scene-stealer has to be Moore, who redefined the role of The Engineer as ‘Engin-Queer’ in this latest iteration of Miss Saigon. He delivered sleaze, charisma and comic relief with ease; his flamboyant solo rendition of “American Dream” was definitely one of the highlights for me.
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An unrivalled favourite was the helicopter scene in which Kim is left behind—an arresting visual spectacle unlike any other that left the audience in awe. From Dreamland to the streets of Bangkok, the constantly evolving backdrop creates a mesmerising world in which the riveting love story unfolds.
A powerful classic that has stood the test of time, Miss Saigon has certainly left a deep impression on popular culture. This time around, the stunning and intricate set design, emotive performances, poignant themes of love and loss, as well as a fresh perspective on gender roles and female empowerment, collectively make for an experience not to be missed.
Miss Saigon is playing at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands from now till 29 September. Ticket prices range from $60 to $250. Get your tickets here.