The anticipation is palpable, the excitement undeniable, and the heartbeat of Manila’s theater scene is quickening! Riding the wave of international accolades and roaring applause, GMG Productions, in association with GWB Entertainment, has announced that Cameron Mackintosh’s globally acclaimed production of Boublil & Schönberg’s “Miss Saigon” is coming straight from its phenomenal run at the Sydney Opera House to Manila’s The Theatre at Solaire this March 2024.
A String of Acclaimed Performances
Having made its stellar debut in London in May 2014, “Miss Saigon” has been setting benchmarks with record-breaking advance sales and critical acclaim. It collected a whopping 9 Whatsonstage Awards. It then opened on Broadway, followed by a hugely successful US Tour. The New Yorker called it “A Dynamite Broadway revival.” The UK’s The Daily Telegraph wrote, “This thrilling new production spills out beyond the theatre and speaks directly to the times we live in – magnificent performances.” The Daily Mail said, “The greatest musical of all time just got even better!” And now, Manila, a city with a profound bond with this legendary musical, gears up for this theatrical marvel in March 2024.
A Timeless Tale of Love and Sacrifice
Rooted in the heart-wrenching narrative of Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly,” “Miss Saigon” shifts the setting to the turmoil of 1970s Vietnam. Audiences are swept off their feet following the poignant saga of Kim, a resilient Vietnamese woman, as she navigates the chaos of Saigon during the Vietnam War, falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, and embarks on an extraordinary three-year quest for reunion, all while harboring a heart-wrenching secret.
Her love story, punctuated by war’s chaos, heartache, and a glimmer of hope, sets the stage for an epic narrative that transcends time.
A Homecoming of Sorts: ‘Miss Saigon’ and the Philippines
Sir Cameron Mackintosh‘s delight is palpable, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing my spectacular new production of Miss Saigon to Manila. Without a doubt, it is the best production of Saigon I have ever produced, with one of the most brilliant casts that have ever performed the show around the world. I can’t envisage another show of this scale being done in Manila for the foreseeable future.”
Indeed, Manila’s bond with “Miss Saigon” is profound, having paved the way for Filipino luminaries like Lea Salonga and Rachelle Ann Go.
The Filipino Connection: A Deep-Seated Bond
Carlos Candal, the dynamic CEO of GMG Productions, added that “Following the incredible success of Hamilton, and continuing with GMGP’s commitment to bringing the absolute pinnacle of musical entertainment to Manila, I could not be more excited to be presenting “Miss Saigon” at the Theater at Solaire. Filipinos have a deep connection with “Miss Saigon” because it has been the stage where countless Filipino artists have had their moment to shine.” “The production has given talents like Lea Salonga, Jon Jon Briones, Joanna Ampil, Rachelle Ann Go, and countless others a platform to showcase their extraordinary skills and passion, and we’re excited to welcome a new company of world-class performers to share the new staging of this phenomenal production.”
Torben Brookman, Director of GWB Entertainment, shares “After witnessing the Opening Night of this production in Sydney recently, audiences are in for an absolute treat with the best production of this incredible show that I’ve ever seen – the heat will be on in Manila! Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Boublil and Schönberg’s classic musical first premiered in London’s West End in 1989. The Tony® and Olivier award-winning musical has been seen by 38 million people worldwide, staged in 32 countries, in over 350 cities, and in 15 different languages for the past 34 years
Miss Saigon has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler. The new production is directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt. The production design is by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley based on an original concept by Adrian Vaux; costume design by Andreane Neofitou; lighting design by Bruno Poet; projections by Luke Halls; sound design by Mick Potter; and orchestrations by William David Brohn. Music supervision is by Alfonso Casado Trigo and Guy Simpson.
The Manila season is presented at The Theatre at Solaire by GMG Productions, with tickets on sale on November 6 only through TicketWorld. Theatre fans can also enjoy exclusive first access to the show with UnionBank of the Philippines as the show’s official sponsor and pre-sale partner or through the GMG Miss Saigon waitlist atwww.gmg-productions.com. Pre-sale period will run from October 23 to November 3.
Mark Your Calendars!
Witness Miss Saigon at The Theatre at Solaire in March 2024. With tickets going live on November 6 exclusively via TicketWorld, it’s time to set those reminders! Exclusive early-bird access? UnionBank of the Philippines, the show’s prestigious sponsor, has got you covered. And if the anticipation gets too much, hop onto the GMG Miss Saigon waitlist at www.gmg-productions.com, starting October 23. Stay tuned and follow @gmg.productions on social media. Don’t let the sun go down on this spectacular event!
