Miss Saigon- Page 3

[JGLEN]

Posted: 2/26/05 at 2:37pm

'chanced upon this site--had to clarify some things said about the Fullerton production of 'Saigon' for people to have a better 'behind-the-scenes' idea of the process of the staging and, hopefully, have a better appreciation of the finished product, flaws and all.

1. The production was staged in THREE WEEKS without the benefit of any staging guidelines that should have come together with the rented show materials. The ensemble (with the exception of about 2 or 3) has not seen the production before (B'way, Nat'l tours, Non-union, regional, etc.) and was working on a blank slate. The original B'way and National Touring companies had the benefit of rehearsing the show 8 hours per day for an entire month--complete with preset staging materials, prepared artistic personnel, and pre-planned technical setups BEFORE starting PREVIEWS (not actual performances)--all these were lacking when the FCLO rehearsals started. The aforementioned reasons alone would probably answer everyone's queries on why staging and choreo weren't as crisp as they should have been during the first few shows. Of course, the fact that there was a budget of about $11 million to mount the productions on the B'way/Nat'l tours should already answer the question why there is a seemingly flawless smoothness to the changing sets and scenery and why there is a helluva lot of other technological marvels of the original Equity companies of 'Saigon'. Oh, and going back to the previews, there was one, mind you, ONE dress/tech rehearsal/preview before opening night for the FCLO production. That's only one full performance before the press opening the very next night! I think that it's a feat in itself that this company was able to pull off GREAT press reviews with the obvious lack of rehearsals to make the show as seamless as it can possibly be! So, considering all factors involved, maybe we can cut the cast some slack and even consider their efforts quite exemplary by coming up with a product that's certainly MOSTLY good in most aspects than bad.


2. To Kristine's voice student: No, Kristine did NOT stage all her scenes with 'Chris' and, no, the entire cast did not look to her for directions. All 4 prior 'Saigon' veterans in the show were asked to HELP stage scenes but not at the expense of the Director not having to finalize anything. Jan Duncan, the director, certainly tied all things together eventually. Ray Rochelle (choreographer), a veteran of the 1st Nat'l tour, handled most of the staging based on the B'way production. If anything at all, the collaboration of several minds in staging this production should be looked at as a creative way of approaching the direction--not as a desperate, confused effort at just coming up with something. Kristine certainly helped out a lot in the staging (voluntarily), but so did EVERYBODY else. The credit certainly isn't due just her. If it was another former 'Kim' that ended up playing the role, she certainly would have extended the same courtesy that would just have been as helpful in staging the show.

3. At the risk of sounding biased, the FCLO cast is amazingly vocally gifted. In the original companies, there were 44 cast members which accounted for strong ensemble vocals based on quality AND quantity. However, in the FCLO production, the 33 cast members certainly make up for quality in the absence of quantity. The principals in this show can arguably be considered at the top of their numbers regardless of some technical sound glitches that occurred in the first couple of performances. The Broadway veterans among them certainly maintain the standards all of us Broadway aficionados expect them to be.

On a personal note, there will always be flaws that will come up based on individual preferences, however, the FCLO production has got to be one of the very, very few powerful renditions of this show that have stayed true to their original Broadway predecessor.

So far, all reviews on this production have been nothing short of excellent (not that they really count).

Peace! Updated On: 2/27/05 at 02:37 PM

[Falsettoland]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 12:15pm

Love4Cheno, you are SO right about Too Much For One Heart. It's incredibly, incredibly beautiful. I've loved it since I saw the Doco, before they changed it.

[eslgr8]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 12:29pm

Thanks for the backstage info JGlen. FCLO's production is quite outstanding (as my previous posts have mentioned), and knowing how they put it together in record time without any staging guidelines is truly amazing and commendable. I do have the feeling that Miss Remigio may have a different take on her own contributions than your own, though, judging from what appear to be her comments to one of her students. Regardless of that, the current production is one to be proud of, and whatever first night glitches there may have been, they were gone by last Thursday's performance.

[JGLEN]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 1:30pm

Let's just say that Miss Remigio finds the comment "the cast and crew were looking to her for direction because they didn't know what they were doing"--(quote from a previous post)--somewhat embarrassing since it puts her in a position where she seems to think the artistic team is utterly useless and that she may give out the impression that she's somewhat complaining. She's not. In fact, she's so proud of the people in this company. If she did let go of any statements like that, I do believe that they were said in confidence--not meant to be divulged in a public forum. I think it's misleading to put such things on the board since it does lead people to speculate--in this case, at the expense of both Miss Remigio and the cast and crew. Why not just talk to the actors themselves backstage after the show and find out the truth for yourselves (eatlasagna, for one)?

And in defense of the cast and crew, they did NOT solely look to her for direction, although her VOLUNTARY help was certainly instrumental in the final product. Let's give credit to whom credit is due.





Updated On: 2/27/05 at 01:30 PM

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:58pm

JGLEN-

I don't need to find out the truth for myself... i know what my truth is... and that this show was wonderful and i loved every minute of it (ok well besides the guy playing chris who irked the crap out of me)... and my comment on what Kristine did or didn't say to her student about the rehearsal process... i was saying that when i saw the production... it felt like most of the ensemble was lost... and since it was only the 2nd show... i wasn't holding anything against them which is why i'm REALLY excited to see the show again tonight!!!!! if anything... i just really hated the blackouts and the too much clapping... i'm so used to not clapping after the songs: Please, Sun and Moon Reprise, The Confrontation (after Chris' meltdown)... it just kind of ruined the emotional impact of what is going on and i wanted the director to fix that... but like i also said... i've see the show 17 times and i'm really critical about how it's done... eh now i'm just rambling

[theatermom4]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 5:37pm

Jglen: I can't believe that Miss Saigon was put together with only 3 weeks to rehearse! Unbelievable! I loved it!

And, thanks for your comment, eslgr8...I guess I'll go ahead and get tix for Flower Drum Song at FCLO.

[workmanarts]

Posted: 2/28/05 at 6:51pm

I know the FCLO group well....have had friends who've directed there, or worked on the production staff for shows....

I was invited to the preview performance and returned a week later. Lets just say that the production improved. Critics, rumors and normal regioanl theatre politics have abounded....BUT

Let's give credit where credit is due....FCLO attempted to stage this show in its original intent (with the helicpoter and '57 Chevy.....) and they pulled it off. Special kudos to Franc.....to see a Non-Equity performer succeed so well, is wonderful

Problematic in spots....yes....but new generations will enjoy this show (and if you want to hear my proof on that one, just ask).

Best to All on a great closing weekend....

Esl8....I know you.....I think we did a show together

[JGLEN]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 1:50am

To eatlasagna:

Simple query: how do you expect the director to fix audience response (clapping) to every scene if that's a choice they make?

In all sincerity, do you have any suggestions that may fix that (factoring in the aforementioned info that scene and set changes are manually done...)? Updated On: 3/1/05 at 01:50 AM

[Musetta1957]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 2:06am

I've seen Eatlasagna on various boards for the past few years. You won't get anywhere.

But good luck anyway, JGLEN.

[JGLEN]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 2:31am

LOL--good luck with what? Can't I just inquire and get a civil reply in return?

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 3:52pm

exactly Musetta1957... i'm a pretty stubborn individual when it comes to my opinions and stuff... and i always like

JGLEN... how did i expect the director to fix audience response? simple... keep the show running and moving... it felt like after EVERY scene, there would be gaps so as to have the audience clap... i've always like this show to be fast paced with the music keeping the emotinal intensity if the show evened... for example Sun and Moon Reprise and The Confrontation, i really don't like the clapping after those songs and i just want the scene to continue... when i went to see the show last Sunday night (Feb. 27), which by the way was so beautiful and the cast fixed everything that I noted irked me during their 2nd show... I give them huge kudos for getting this show so perfect and recreating the broadway staging and stuff in so little time... i'm so sad to see this show close because i would have loved to see it again and again... the current tour of the show i love so much because it's so different from the original... and for me gives the original a run for its money because it got some things right that i also felt the original got wrong... but that's beside the point...

oh and going back... there were numerous times during the show when people wanted to clap but only like a few people did... to me it just looked like the show should have just kept moving... and also... like i also said... this is a show i've seen 19 times now because i love it so much and i am critical about how it's staged... yes i know it's not going to be like the original and i didn't expect it to be... but there are some things that they did that i think displaces the audience member for like a few seconds from the show (and my friends agreed with me because they would turn to me during the show and ask me why people had to clap after everything)

but anyways... it does irk me somewhat because i have praised this show and loved it and brought 4 people to see it... and i loved the cast and almost everything about this but i make one type of negative comment on a show that i PRAISED and some people go nuts and get all defensive (and then I get defensive)... and going back to Musetta... much like those other boards that I post on... people do the exact same thing... i write a review but get crapped on because i use elipses or because i used a word incorrectly... in general... people need to really stop being jerks if someone says something you don't like... i only respond if i feel i have to... otherwise... i would told off half the people on this board... but you know what... that's their OPINION...

i'm done... and just in case some of you still don't get it... I loved this production and they did this show proud

[Elphaba]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 6:29pm

I saw it with the original Canadian cast in Toronto, and then some years later in San Francisco.
Both times I was moved beyond belief.
Friends I went with hated it.
I think, in the end, it was because they were very young, and just didn't understand the whole Vietnam thing. I think having lived through that era, made it all the better for me.
Yes children, Elphie is no Spring Chicken.

Now having said all of the above, I have never been able to stay awake the three times I've seen Madame Butterfly.....

[eslgr8]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 7:59pm

Eatlasagna, I'm so glad you noticed the improvements (which I'd already seen when I saw the show on Thursday). And you are right to feel a bit put upon. I also thought that several of the comments made by others here did not take into account the fact that you did enjoy the show (as did I). Several posts were written as if in response to negative reviews, which neither yours or mine were. FCLO has done a marvelous job, and both the Equity and the non-Equity cast members have bonded together to create a really memorable evening of regional theater.

[KRLIN]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 3:54am

Hey Everyone.....Kristine Remigio here. I play the role of Kim in Fullerton Civic Light Opera's production of Miss Saigon.
WELL........first things first, thank you to those of you who have supported us in Fullerton. This experience has been a truly amazing experience for me and I'm sure for the rest of the cast, crew, and production team. It has been 2 1/2 years since I have been back onstage and I couldn't have been blessed with a more enriching experience and loving group of people that make up our cast, crew, and production team. I hope this show touched you as much as it has touched me.
With that being said, I am here to address a particular comment made about me by one of my students. I can't tell you how upset and shocked I was to find all of these things being said about me in this arena and not having the ability to properly defend myself. I went back and forth all yesterday afternoon on whether or not to post a comment, but tonight I just have to!
The comment that was posted by my student is false and out of context. She happened to be at a lesson when I was on the phone with our director. We were discussing a particular scene in great detail, my director asked me for some clarification, there was some conflicting information and much confusion because there was no stage direction included with the script, and to tell you the truth, many things were said and I was totally engrossed in our converstion that I'm not sure exactly what was overheard or understood by my student. I'm sure she sensed some frustration and confusion however, the comment that she posted is NOT true.
It has to be known that in any show you are in whether Broadway or community theatre, there will be times during the rehearsal process where things are needing to be worked out. Well, we did encounter those times during this process and we eventually worked them out. And according to the reviews, our hard worked payed off. At any time when I was asked to comment or collaborate, I did just that and was happy to. Like JGLEN commented, any former Kim would and could have done that. This show means so much to me and I feel that there is a certain sense of integrity that has to upheld. I am also the kind of person that speaks up and if at any time during the process I felt uncomfortable, I spoke up.
I am just hurt by the comment made because I felt as though my character had been attacked. It's a very violating feeling when you read others commenting on you and what you DID or DIDN'T say especially when they don't really know you.
I hope this sheds some truth on this whole discussion.
To everyone in general: You all are entitled to your opinion and this is a public forum so you may post what you want...I guess thats the great thing about our country...however, these are real people in this show and there was a tremendous amount of heart put into it. Maybe next time you feel like you want to bash a person or a show in a public forum you'll first take the time to talk to someone in the show and get the REAL story behind it all. One comment, however small, or insignificant you may think it might be, could shatter someone. If you're totally insensitive then you might not care, but if you enjoy a show like Miss Saigon, then I know that you have a heart!

[eslgr8]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 11:01am

Kristine, you were wonderful in Miss Saigon as was the entire production (as I posted here earlier). I'm sure your student didn't mean any harm with her comments. She is young and obviously admires you a great deal, and what she posted was doubtlessly done with a certain amount of awe for you as a teacher and for your contributions to the production. I really don't understand why a number of the posts ended up with a negative tone. If you reread the majority of them (including my own) you will see that what was expressed was mostly great admiration and appreciation for the FCLO production of Miss Saigon and for your performance and contributions to the show, recognizing that the opening performances may not have been quite as polished as the later ones (such as the one I saw on Thursday the 24th). As an actor with Asian friends and fellow performers, I was really pleased to see so many opportunities offered for all of you in this production. I'm very excited that this will continue with the next production of Flower Drum Song. And if you get the chance, please tell Samuel Chen for me that he was my very favorite Seymore in Little Shop of Horrors, and that I hope he soon gets another leading role, as he is most deserving of being center stage.

[WickedElphie85]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 11:30am

To everyone on this thread –

I wanted to apologize for the comments I made earlier. Not only were they generalized and taken out of context, but it was not my place to discuss the matter at all. I did not take the consequences of my actions into consideration and I apologize to everyone affected. I posted without thinking and I didn’t mean for this to get so out of hand; and obviously I regret ever posting it at all. Again, I am very sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused.

[elvenprincess971]

Posted: 3/13/05 at 5:53pm

Does anyone know whos going to be in the Seattle production of Miss Saigon? just curious.

[theatermom4]

Posted: 3/13/05 at 6:50pm

to wickedelphie,

trust me,we've all done or said things we would like to take back. it was very clear that you were proud of your teacher and wanted to let others know how much she put into the FCLO production...you did not intend to cause her any harm. you've apologized for any hurt feelings, and i hope all is going well for you with your voice lessons. what you said certainly was not "bashing" anyone or their talents...now you (and many others) may have learned something...i hope your apology was accepted...time to move forward.

[eslgr8]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 2:44am

I agree with theatermom. You shouldn't feel bad because we all say things we regret. I know you were just so proud that Kristine was great in the show and that she was your teacher. It kind of got out of hand here, but don't feel you have to take the blame for it. FCLO put on a great show, and Kristine was wonderful in it, as was the entire cast! You are lucky to have her as your teacher!

[rhymeswithorANGE]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 3:29am

my theater group did miss saigon last summer, so i thought i'd share some of the things we had/did.

we did have a helicopter, although it was really just the "face" of it. as in, if you were off-stage looking on, you could see people.

we didn't have a statue of ho chi minh.

we didn't have the "chain". as in the line, "get back on the chain," or whatever it is.

we didn't have a caddy because it is a small theater (just over 500 seats).

we did have to change some lyrics, like some of the racial slurs, use of "f***" and "s***", lines that didn't make sense because we changed them (like above, we didn't have the chain, so "chain" was changed to "floor", and the girls didn't wear bikinis, so "see my bikini..." wouldn't have made sense), etc.

we did have an guy who played the sax wonderfully.

i recruited my voice teacher's 2 sons to be tam, and the youngest was a boat person's kid.

i loved it: the music, the story, the chance to be in it.

[bjivie2]

Posted: 3/14/05 at 1:18pm

Elven, the Seattle production will be starring Seattle-fave Louis Hobson as Chris, Brandon O'Neill as one of the supporting characters (can't remember his name), Eric Ankrim, Kari-Lee Cartwright, Ty Willis, Mark Chenovick, Jadd Davis, Emjoy Gavino. I don't know who's playing The Engineer or Kim, because they're from out of town.

I'm excited for the production at 5th Avenue. It's a new take on the show directed by David Bennett, whom I LOVE. Very excited!

[francanton]

Posted: 3/21/05 at 12:19am

Hello all,

Franc-Anton Harwart here (aka Engineer FCLO Miss Saigon). Thank you all for taking the time to enjoy and support local theater. FCLO was blessed with a wonderful cast and production team who turned 3 short weeks of rehearsal into the following 3 amazing weeks of magic. With no written direction to help our fantastic production team, the show was recreated in a collaborative labor of love, by show veterans, a great musical director, Todd Helm, who allowed individuality and personal pizzazz to fuse with the awesome score, an incredible director, Jan Duncan, who possesses a wonderful flair for big theater married with great sensitivity, an always inspiring choreographer/assistant to the director, Ray Rochelle, whose love and knowledge of/for the show premeated it's every rehearsal moment, and not to mention an amazing crew and eager,enthusiastic, and incredibly talented new cast members.

Thank you again and especially to all of you who came to watch us do what we love to do and for letting us share, even just an evening with you, allowing us the priviledge of calling this our job and continuing to do so.

All the best to all of you and may your God always bless you!

Franc

Updated On: 3/21/05 at 12:19 AM

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 3/21/05 at 12:36am

rhymeswithorANGE, did MTI really agree to all those lyric changes?

[theatermom4]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:45am

francanton, i wanted to tell you how much i enjoyed your incredible performance in Miss Saigon. as i said when i started this thread, i had never seen this musical before; and i truly loved it! i'm glad to be able to compliment you on this board!