I've often written about my love for musical theatre. I've enjoyed working with some wonderful people and on incredible shows. But there will always be one show that eclipses all the others. This week I was welcomed back in to the loving arms of Miss Saigon and the company from 25 years ago.
Cameron Mackintosh hosted a gala celebration to wish Miss Saigon a happy birthday. I was fortunate enough to be invited as a guest by one of my best friends. Claire Moore who created the role of Ellen.
A group of us met after their rehearsal and before the show to share a glass of good wine and fun conversation. I felt as I did 25 years ago that this production and the people involved was and still is special.
At 7.00 before winding our way through crowds and old friends on Old Compton Street, snapping pictures and signing autographs (the cast not me) I took my seat alongside Claire and the original cast members. Claire and I took one look at each other, wiped a tear from our eyes then immersed ourselves in the updated version of Miss Saigon.
The stage at The Prince Edward Theatre is much smaller than Drury Lane and the set accommodated this fact. Rather than trucks moving in and out there are different levels at play. This gives the show a darker and more intriguing look and atmosphere.
The new cast were passionate and exciting just as the original but I have to say that Jon Jon Briones as The Engineer, stole the show for me. His balance of humour and darkness was perfect, and his (shhhhh) wigs worked a treat. (I couldn't resist a mention.)
If you would like a taster I suggest that you listen to Radio 2 on Friday 3rd October, I promise, you will want to be booking your tickets asap.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yfwCFw0s7U&sns=tw
Cameron Mackintosh hosted a gala celebration to wish Miss Saigon a happy birthday. I was fortunate enough to be invited as a guest by one of my best friends. Claire Moore who created the role of Ellen.
A group of us met after their rehearsal and before the show to share a glass of good wine and fun conversation. I felt as I did 25 years ago that this production and the people involved was and still is special.
At 7.00 before winding our way through crowds and old friends on Old Compton Street, snapping pictures and signing autographs (the cast not me) I took my seat alongside Claire and the original cast members. Claire and I took one look at each other, wiped a tear from our eyes then immersed ourselves in the updated version of Miss Saigon.
The stage at The Prince Edward Theatre is much smaller than Drury Lane and the set accommodated this fact. Rather than trucks moving in and out there are different levels at play. This gives the show a darker and more intriguing look and atmosphere.
The new cast were passionate and exciting just as the original but I have to say that Jon Jon Briones as The Engineer, stole the show for me. His balance of humour and darkness was perfect, and his (shhhhh) wigs worked a treat. (I couldn't resist a mention.)
If you would like a taster I suggest that you listen to Radio 2 on Friday 3rd October, I promise, you will want to be booking your tickets asap.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yfwCFw0s7U&sns=tw