MISS SAIGON Reviews — Page 6

Caught the matinee today and still not sure what to think - perhaps because my mind was still in Yonkers from Hello, Dolly! the night before. We had the Chris understudy (Colby) and Lianah as Kim. I am not sure if this was one of the first time Colby has gone on, but there were a few issues (particularly in The Confrontation). Also, some sound issues overall. I was still moved by the story and glad a new generation of theatre-goers are getting exposed to this show.

I saw the original back in the day and grew up singing the OBC too and was a bit thrown off by the new lyrics/songs (Please, Maybe). That said, there were many "new things" in this production that I loved. I really liked the opening - the added context with the overture for Kim. I also felt like I knew more about Gigi so the Movie in My Mind was even more haunting. I don't recall the Engineer wanting to go to America so badly in the original - I loved that focus in this production and it makes The American Dream more meaningful and it's heartbreaking at the end where he doesn't get there.

I asked this in the previews thread, but I think this may be the more appropriate place to ask. Do they sell window cards for this production at the theatre? I couldn't find any information about it online.

I caught the show last Wednesday night. Initially I was disappointed because it was supposed to the Kim alternate however for whatever reason (It was Pinoy Night) Eva was on. In fact the whole cast was on which I was happy about because it looked like Brammar had been out for most of the week. I thought the female leads was awesome. Eva is a fabulous Kim. Vulnerable yet strong and with a voice that hits the back wall of the theatre. Rachelle Ann Go also has a mean set of pipes and I really liked her Gigi. And for once I actually felt sorry for Ellen. Katie Rose Clarke made Ellen relatable and the new song really helped you understand where Ellen was coming from.

Jon Jon. What can I say, the guy is a great Engineer. He's slimy yet charming. You find yourself hating him and rooting for him at the same time.

The one person I was disappointed in was Nicholas Christopher. His John just felt flat to me and although he has an amazing voice I found his Bui Doi to be 'meh'.

Miss Saigon has been one of my favourites for a long time and this revival didn't disappoint.

A word of advice. I was seated in the aisle seat on the left side of the mezzanine. Although it was the front row the view wasn't the best as there is a bar at the bottom of the stairs that kind of restricted my view. Thankfully the centre front mezzanine was empty so I was able to sit smack dab centre for the second act.

Still disappointed Jon Jon Briones didn't get a Tony nomination yesterday. He was sensational.

BroadwayConcierge said: "Still disappointed Jon Jon Briones didn't get a Tony nomination yesterday. He was sensational.



"

Me too. Honestly the biggest shock of them all. I hadn't seen this show yet (trying to go by the end of the year), but by the clips I've seen, he looks perfect!