Miss Saigon is a must-see. This extravaganza has it all. It’s a love story. It’s a political story. It’s funny. It’s emotional. It’s breathtaking.
All of it.
The story packs an unavoidable emotional punch, even if you do see it coming.
The show is set during the end of the Vietnam War, the musical portrays Chris (Anthony Festa), an American marine, and Kim (Emily Bautista), a Vietnamese girl, who fall in love at a sleazy strip club but get separated during the fall of Saigon. For 3 years, Kim goes on a journey of survival to find her way back to her love, Chris, who has no idea he’s fathered a son.
Their separation is both exhilarating and heartbreaking – taking place in the musical’s famous helicopter sequence as the last Americans in Saigon are evacuated from the Embassy roof by helicopter. A crowd of abandoned Vietnamese screams and cries in anguish as they are left behind. It is loud as the score competes with the sounds of the chopper – you can feel the heartache.
The show picks up three years later as Chris learns that his beloved Kim is still alive – and more – that he has a son. Chris and his wife – along with John – another former Marine who was with Chris in Saigon – take a trip to find Kim and the boy.
The entire cast is phenomenal – it is a true ensemble. The design elements are impressive and appear to be very authentic. The beautiful scores have you on the edge of your seat, captured by every word, every emotion felt. The opera-meets-rock mega-musical simply captivates and has you rooting for the characters – rooting for love.
This revival of the original 1991 Broadway show is stunning. The tale of lost love and heartbreak shares the effects of the war and the complexities of the American Dream.
It’s moving, dynamic and remarkable.
Miss Saigon is playing at Sheas Performing Arts Center through March 3rd. Tickets run $60 and up. You can find more information and purchase tickets HERE.
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