Miss Saigon Previews Thread- Page 10

[BwayDreamer00]

Posted: 3/7/17 at 7:00pm

A Director said: "This is no reason to revive this show.  Why do we need to see this show in 2017?

What??????????????? Every year broadway brings back shows as revivals so audiences who never got to see the show from a while ago can now see it??? Also this was revived in London as well and this production transferred over to here.....asking this is like asking "Why do we need Hamilton in 2015?"

 

[LesWickedly]

Posted: 3/7/17 at 7:03pm

Is Eva on tonight?

[Broadwaystar2]

Posted: 3/7/17 at 9:10pm

Harpz2006 said: "I haven't seen a lot on here about Lianah Sta. Ana- I saw her at last week's Saturday matinee. My sister and I love Miss Saigon since seeing it as kids at our local dinner theatre. I thought Lianah did a great job and was emotional and heartbreaking and committed, but she just sounded like she had a cold/didn't her full voice. She was pretty soft and her voice had a very covered sound. My sister who is not as theatre-obsessed, made similar comments, commenting at intermission that the girl who played Gigi had a much stronger voice. To me it kinda felt like she knew she didn't have 100% of her voice but the director probably wanted her to just do it and get comfortable since she is new to the production. I watched her "Kim reel" on youtube from a local production she did in the fall and she was much more powerful vocally. We were in rear mezz seats- my sister also commented that no one was really loud enough besides Gigi, Thuy, and Engineer, and that Chris was fine but seemed more like an understudy. I would agree. The singing usually didn't like "fill" the theatre other than Gigi belting her face off at the end of her song. I would definitely overall describe Liahna's singing as pretty soft and just sounded like someone with a great voice getting over a cold or vocal overuse. 

 

STRONGLY agree that Kim should have last bow. People around us were asking why Engineer had the last bow. Kim is the title character and the heroine of the story. Her strength and resilience were remarkable.. I was more moved by those aspects seeing it as an adult now. Jon Jon was phenomenal as the Engineer but his character isn't the hero; there were references to him even kind of raping/fondling Kim if I interpreted them right ("she's kinda sorta a virgin, mostly" "I washed her myself" etc.) and overall he symbolizes greed. Giving him the final bow seems to like almost celebrate his character as the star of the show. Especially in our current political state, I think the audience wants to reward the female who survived in the face of so much adversity and protected her son selflessly while surviving against all odds. That is who we want to be cheering for as we leave.  

 

"

What do you mean "sounded like an understudy"? Do they have a different sound? That comment is rude and silly. In many cases the understudy is better than the actual person in the role. 

[Harpz2006]

Posted: 3/7/17 at 11:32pm

I don't think my sister meant anything hurtful or derogatory toward understudies by the comment. I think that she thought he was just "fine," someone capable of singing the role but not bringing a unique quality to it. Does that apply to understudies as a rule? Absolutely not. I am simply quoting my theatre-going partner and saying I agreed that he wasn't the strongest Chris I've seen, not that her wording was perfect. Sorry to offend. 

Updated On: 3/7/17 at 11:32 PM

[little_sally]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 10:04am

I was there last night. It's a strong production but not revolutionary; if you're a fan of the show itself, I can see you enjoying this revival. The set and lighting, however, are gorgeous.

The cast was uneven for me; with the except of Jon Jon Briones, it felt like a second or third replacement cast, not one opening a show. Lianah Sta. Ana was Kim, and I didn't think her voice was very powerful but her acting was strong. Nicholas Christopher and Katie Rose Clarke were fine but "Maybe" is such a bland song. I didn't care for Alister Brammer at all, and don't understand the need to bring him over from the UK. There are plenty of NY actors who could've played the role, and do a better job of it. I did love Rachelle Ann Go's voice and wish she had more to do in the show.

Yes, Jon Jon Briones is excellent. The show really wakes up whenever he's on stage. I don't expect him to beat Ben Platt (Platt just has the momentum behind him) but I really hope he's nominated come award season.

Updated On: 3/8/17 at 10:04 AM

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 10:41am

little_sally said: "Yes, Jon Jon Briones is excellent. I don't expect him to beat Ben Platt (Platt just has the momentum behind him) but I really hope he's nominated come award season."

Since Platt won't be eligible by the Outer Critics Circle nor Drama Desk Awards this year due to the fact that Dear Evan Hansen was already eligible by those groups last year when it was off-Broadway, it should be interesting to see which of his fellow nominees could end up winning their fair share of the gold.

[Kimbo]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 11:00am

Boy you raise a good point, Jeffrey. Not to threadjack... but If Platt didn't win the Outer Critics, Lucille Lortel OR Drama Desk Awards last year (Steven Pasquale won the Lortel, if memory serves, while Danny Burstein won the Drama Desk and Outer Critics - Danny Burstein, for crying out loud, who didn't then go on to win the Tony) - heck, actually I see now that Platt wasn't even NOMINATED for the Drama Desk - are people overestimating his chances here? 

I've always thought he'd be in contention, and as of now is probably the frontrunner - but with Andy Karl, David Hyde Pierce, Jon Jon Briones, Josh Groban, and Christian Borle (eligible for 2 shows, no less) - to say nothing of possible others from Anastasia, Bandstand, etc... - is it possible these boards are filled with a lot of Fan-sens who are just jumping the gun a bit, and erroneously assuming the award is Platt's to lose?

[little_sally]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 11:04am

Kimbo said: "Boy you raise a good point, Jeffrey. Not to threadjack... but If Platt didn't win the Outer Critics, Lucille Lortel OR Drama Desk Awards last year (Steven Pasquale won the Lortel, if memory serves, while Danny Burstein won the Drama Desk and Outer Critics - Danny Burstein, for crying out loud, who didn't then go on to win the Tony) - heck, actually I see now that Platt wasn't even NOMINATED for the Drama Desk - are people overestimating his chances here? 

I've always thought he'd be in contention, and as of now is probably the frontrunner - but with Andy Karl, David Hyde Pierce, Jon Jon Briones, Josh Groban, and Christian Borle (eligible for 2 shows, no less) - to say nothing of possible others from Anastasia, Bandstand, etc... - is it possible these boards are filled with a lot of Fan-sens who are just jumping the gun a bit, and erroneously assuming the award is Platt's to lose?

 

I don't think so. I'm not a big fan of DEH but it got raves across the board, especially for Platt. It's also the big, hit show of the season so far.

 

[Kimbo]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 11:10am

I don't know.. sounds like I liked the show itself better than you.  But it's such a passive character (one of the critics, can't remember which one, called him "pathologically passive".  And while yes, it's a hit, is there really any precedent for the Tony for Best Actor going to a performance that didn't win a single award, or even get nominated for most, during its off-Broadway run?

I wonder... anyway, this is best meant for a different thread.

[little_sally]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 11:17am

Kimbo said: "I don't know.. sounds like I liked the show itself better than you.  But it's such a passive character (one of the critics, can't remember which one, called him "pathologically passive".  And while yes, it's a hit, is there really any precedent for the Tony for Best Actor going to a performance that didn't win a single award, or even get nominated for most, during its off-Broadway run?

I wonder... anyway, this is best meant for a different thread.

I don't recall Alice Ripley winning any of the other awards the year she won the Tony, and if I'm not mistaken, neither did Leslie Odom Jr. You have to remember that the same people aren't voting for these awards, so it's all arbitrary.

 

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 12:04pm

Don't forget that Steve Kazee and Kelli O'Hara won nothing leading up to their Tonys.

[carolinaguy]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 12:12pm

Idina Menzel didn't win any of the precursors either, but the show made her a star (even beyond the notoriety for Rent) just like DEH is doing for Platt and she got the Tony. With tough competition, like Platt will have, as well.

Updated On: 3/8/17 at 12:12 PM

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 12:36pm

DEAR EVAN HANSEN is a sensation, and Ben Platt is the driving force behind it. Even if the show doesn't win in all of its nominated categories, Ben Platt will win the Tony. His performance is in a league of its own, and I would be completely and utterly shocked if he lost.

[Kimbo]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 2:00pm

It is in a league of its own.  There may yet be other performances this season that are in a league of THEIR own, too.  So far 6 musicals have opened on Broadway this season (over the last 10 months).  In the next 7 weeks, there are still at least 9 to go.   That means at least 60% of this year's Broadway musicals will be opening in the last 8% of the season.  I don't doubt that were the Tonys handed out tomorrow, Ben Platt would beat (probably) Josh Groban, Michael Xavier, Bobby Conte Thornton and Christian Borle for "Falsettos".  With so many shows yet to open, it's very possible that none of the people I just mentioned - yes, including Groban - will even be nominated aside from Platt.   So let's see how the critics, audiences, nominators and voters respond to the majority of the musicals this year that haven't even started yet before any of us get stunned about anything.   I think everyone's sort of been assuming that Bette Midler, for example, will also win the Tony for a performance which in that case no one has yet seen.  Is it still highly possible she will?  Sure.  But if she turns out to be disappointingly received, as say Bernadette Peters was in Gypsy, then it's not out of the realm of possibility that Christy Altomare, Phillipa Soo, Laura Osnes, Patti or Christine, or even Eva Noblezada will slip in and sneak past her.  By the same token, without all the performances having been seen, it is just as conceivable that some huge surprise will happen in the Best Actor race.

 

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 2:21pm

This is no reason to revive this show.  Why do we need to see this show in 2017?

I'm trying to figure out if you're trying to sound smart and failing, or trying to sound stupid and succeeding.  Either way, you sound pretty arrogant.  What reason do you require?  What is the need that must be fulfilled for every show you see?  And why should it matter to anyone but you?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 2:25pm

I'm not sure I'm buying their, "the epic love story of our time" tag line.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 2:39pm

Does anyone ever buy those sort of tag lines?  Oh wait...never mind.  I forgot about our new "President".

[little_sally]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 2:47pm

DottieD'Luscia said: "I'm not sure I'm buying their, "the epic love story of our time" tag line.

You know, I had that same thought last night. We see so little of Chris and Kim together and their love is really told, not shown so I really don't think it's "epic" at all.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 2:58pm

It's LITERALLY EPIC in that neo-English kind of way.

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 3:30pm

Neither Patti or Christine will be winning the Tony this year. After seeing the show I think it's entirely possible neither will even be nominated. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 3:48pm

Of the two I think Patti has a chance for a nomination.

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 4:14pm

Just got seat H11 from TKTS for tonight's show. $81.00, including service charges. Since Eva was out last night, and she's confirmed on Twitter that she's on tonight, I figured I should take advantage of the sure thing. 

[A Director]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 6:23pm

Mister Matt and others -  I have no problem with reviving shows.  It's great there is going to be a new production of Hello Dolly!  It's a fun show written to entertain which it does in spades.  On the other hand, I have a problem with bringing back Miss Saigon.

Let me say up front, I don't support censorship, but it appears the producers and creators have given any thought about the objections well meaning have about this show.  The tag, "the epic love story of our time, is in line with the authors thinking.  In an interview posted a few days ago on this site, they say Miss Saigon is not a musical about Vietnam; it's "just another." love story.

Back in 2013, there was a controversial production of Miss Saigon in Minnesota.  Here's a link to blog about the show and production.  Please read and think about David Mura's comments.

https://blog.davidmura.com/2013/09/11/the-problem-with-miss-saigon-or-how-many-stereotypes-can-you-cram-into-one-broadway-musical/

[Fosse76]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 6:31pm

So, producers can bring back any show they want, unless YOU don't like it. Got it.

[A Director]

Posted: 3/8/17 at 6:38pm

Fosse76 said: "So, producers can bring back any show they want, unless YOU don't like it. Got it.

I didn't say that.   I have a problem with this show because it traffics in stereotypes.