Miss Saigon at New Theatre, Oxford

Miss Saigon, a musical by the same composers as Les Misérables, has become something of a modern classic. And the touring production showing in Oxford until 3rd January leaves no doubt about what creates its enduring popularity. 

   A love story between two people divided by nationality, culture and every possible circumstance, set moreover in the middle of a bitter, prolonged war: a story that juxtaposes East and West, brutality and and poignancy, it has all the right ingredients for drama.

     While the outline of the plot owes a lot to Puccini's Madam Butterfly, in this story Chris (Chris Peluso) the American GI, is far more sincere and likeable than Lieutenant Pinkerton. He sincerely loves Kim (Eva Noblezada), a young Vietnamese girl who has been drawn into the sex trade because the war has destroyed her country's way of life. When he realizes he has fallen in love with her just when he must leave, he sings "Why, God, Why?"

  Together, the pair have the touching duet "Sun and Moon".

Almost as soon as they marry he is forced to leave her, being evacuated with other American troops when Saigon falls. It is a heartbreaking moment - and given greater impact by the use of a real helicopter in the production! Its terrifying power seems to symbolize inescapable fate.

   In this production, Kiara Dario took the role of Gigi, the bargirl who like so many others, dreams of escaping to a better life in the USA, singing the hit song "The Movie in My Mind" that sums up the aspirations of girls like her. Sadly, for Kim, it will only be her son, not herself, who ever lives to attain this dream. 

This show has won a string of awards including Best Actress in a Musical given to Eva Noblezada. So go and see it yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

https://www.oxford-theatre.com/shows/new-theatre-oxford/miss-saigon

https://miss-saigon.com/cast-creative/