REVIEW: Miss Saigon

© Danny Kaan

One of the most emotionally gripping shows in theatre history comes to Birmingham in a ‘Legend Reborn’ production that seduces the senses.

Miss Saigon is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre.

There are a handful of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Fiddler on the Roof whose very names conjure up the essence and spirit of musical theatre. Miss Saigon is one of those rare shows.

Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil proved they were not a one-hit wonder after the huge success of their musical Les Misérables. They took Puccini’a opera Madama Butterfly, about a young Japanese girl whose pure love is betrayed by an American naval officer, and produced a musical set in Saigon where an American marine on a tour of duty breaks the heart of a young South Vietnamese girl. 

When the show, which originally premiered in London, went across the pond to New York in 1999 the advance ticket sales on Broadway rocketed to nearly $40 million and set new box-office records.

The new production is already selling out fast in Birmingham as people flock to see the landmark show which is nearly 40 years old.

Make no mistake, this is the kind of show where the emotions strike the heart, the drama packs a punch and the theatricality sweeps you away right from the opening scene.

Yes, it’s that kind of show. Instant, powerful and totally captivating from start to finish. Despite the passing of decades the show remains fresh and vibrant, and this new ‘Legend Reborn’ version breathes new insights and magic into the material that will not only thrill those who have previously seen the show but also excite and amaze those coming to the show for the very first time.

Michael Harrison and Cameron Macintosh’s brand new production is a thing of wonder and beauty with gargantuan and epic sets that make excellent use of the vast space of The Alexandra’s stage.

Andrew D. Edwards glorious and epic looking sets, with gorgeous lighting by Bruno Poet (who lives up to his surname by producing some poetic lighting displays that evoke emotions and makes the heart race), bring alive the sights and sounds of Saigon as the city heaves and pulses with the red heat of love and war.

Now as to performances, the audience is in for a real treat here. The cast is out of this world, and everyone gels together beautifully.

Julianne Pundan, who is making her debut in the key role of Kim, is an absolute stunner in every sense of the word. She dazzles with her singing range which hits notes of such beauty and verbal clarity and nuance that every word is clear and succinct, and her acting is astounding. Pundan makes your heart ache for the trials and tribulations she faces at the hands of a man she loves at deep soul level.  

Jack Kane brings charm and wit to his role as Chris. The way he seduces the young Kim with his charisma is so hypnotic that he casts a spell over the audience.

While we’re on the subject of hypnosis and the audience, the raucous and passionate reaction to Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer was audible all around the theatre.   

The direction by Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy allows the performers the time and pacing to breathe and inhabit their roles convincingly and in an earthy manner that adds emotional textures and layers to the characters.

Miss Saigon is a spectacular show that soars like a legendary phoenix.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Miss Saigon is now running at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 29^th November