After 23 years, the sweeping epic “Miss Saigon” has returned to Singapore, now staged at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands.
Since its first run at the Kallang Theatre in 2001, the musical, created by the legendary team of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, has continued to captivate audiences worldwide with its tragic love story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.
This time, the production stars Filipino-Australian actress Abigail Adriano as Kim and Australian-American actor Nigel Huckle as Chris, with Singaporean Louisa Vilinne stepping into the role of Kim as an alternate.
From the first scene, it’s clear that this revival is not just a retelling but a reinvigoration of the beloved classic. Abigail Adriano’s portrayal of Kim is a nuanced performance that takes the audience on a journey from innocence to desperation, and finally, to heartbreaking resolve.
Adriano’s voice soars with purity and strength, particularly in numbers like “I’d Give My Life for You” and “Sun and Moon”, bringing both fragility and ferocity to her role.
Nigel Huckle as Chris, her American GI lover, complements her beautifully. Their chemistry is electric, and the intensity of their romantic scenes grips the audience from the start. Huckle conveys Chris’s emotional turmoil with depth, struggling between duty, guilt, and a yearning for happiness that seems always just out of reach.
The production’s technical achievements are equally noteworthy. The “Fall of Saigon” scene, a climactic moment in the musical, is visually and emotionally stunning.
The addition of the helicopter, descending on stage amidst the chaos, creates a visceral sense of dread and urgency. It’s a powerful reminder of the harrowing historical context in which this love story is set, and the impeccable sound and lighting design amplify the tension, making the scene one of the production’s highlights.
The use of lighting throughout the show deserves special mention. From the intimate glow of Kim and Chris’s love scenes to the harsh, glaring lights during the scenes of conflict and despair, the lighting design plays a crucial role in shaping the audience’s emotional response.
Sound design, too, is expertly crafted. Every explosion, every bullet fired, and every soft note of a love song is rendered with clarity and precision. The balance between the orchestra and the performers is well-maintained, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the emotional weight of each scene without overwhelming the senses.
And it goes beyond sight and sound, the production engages the senses so deeply that I could actually smell the gunpowder and candles used in some of the scenes, adding an intense layer of engagement to the show.
One of the most beloved characters in “Miss Saigon” is the Engineer, and in this production, he is once again the standout source of comic relief and dark charm.
The Engineer, a cunning and morally ambiguous hustler, dreams of escaping to America, and his flamboyant performance provides some much-needed levity amidst the darker themes of war and loss.
His show-stopping number, “The American Dream”, is filled with energy, charisma, and biting satire, offering a memorable contrast to the otherwise tragic narrative.
The Engineer’s cheeky antics and larger-than-life presence make him one of the most memorable characters of the night, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
The final act of “Miss Saigon” brings the story to its tragic conclusion, and it is here that the emotional impact truly hits. Kim’s final moments with her son Tam are devastating to watch.
Adriano portrays a mother’s love and sacrifice with heartrending poignancy. As a mother myself, I was deeply affected by this scene, and it left me in tears as Kim’s ultimate sacrifice reverberated throughout the theatre. The entire audience seemed to share in this collective moment of sorrow, a testament to the emotional power of both the performance and the story itself.
However, while the performances and production values are undeniably strong, one area where “Miss Saigon” falls short is in its music.
Unlike other major Broadway shows such as “Les Misérables” or “The Phantom of the Opera”, which have spawned countless iconic songs that remain etched in the minds of audiences, the music of “Miss Saigon” does not have the same staying power. While the songs are beautiful in the moment, none leave a lasting earworm effect after the show ends. This lack of musical memorability is a notable drawback in an otherwise impactful production.
Despite this, “Miss Saigon” at Sands Theatre is a powerful and emotionally charged revival that does justice to the original while bringing fresh energy to the stage. With its exceptional performances, particularly from Abigail Adriano and Nigel Huckle, and its impressive technical achievements, this production offers a compelling theatre experience.
While the music may not linger in your mind, the emotional depth and tragic beauty of the story certainly will. For those who have not yet experienced this iconic musical, or for those who wish to revisit it, this is a production that shouldn’t be missed.
Miss Saigon runs from now till 29 September. Ticket prices are from S$60 to S$250. The show has an Advisory 16 rating. Book your tickets here.
