Today, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of West End and Broadway mega-musical MISS SAIGON.
This Is The Hour The follow-up to worldwide smash LES MISERABLES by composing team Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil was eagerly anticipated throughout the late 80s, and, on September 20, 1989, the mega-musical finally premiered at the West End's Theatre Royal Drury Lane - and MISS SAIGON, like its predecessor, was a sensation. Taking on material seemingly as distant and as far removed from Victor Hugo's famous source material as possible, Boublil & Schonberg broached a touchy contemporary topic by directly addressing America's involvement in Vietnam with MISS SAIGON, never shying away from the gritty and gruesome elements of the real-life history. Newcomer Lea Salonga made veritable modern musical theatre magic before the world's eyes with her debut in the title role and Jonathan Pryce excelled, scoring many major awards for his compelling and charismatic turn as the flamboyant CABARET-esque, Emcee-like Engineer. Additionally, Nicholas Hytner's original production was a spectacle on the scale of LES MIZ, PHANTOM, CATS and the other Cameron Mackintosh entertainment supremes of the era, complete with an onstage levitating helicopter, a several story high gold statue, a life-sized Cadillac and much more. Yet, it was the achingly mournful, enormously epic music and the hard scrabble, rough-and-tumble lyrics married with the equal-parts hard-hitting, thrillingly bracing and passionately romantic story at the core that made MISS SAIGON a truly special and note-worthy musical in the great pantheon.For example, featured player Gigi's "The Movie In My Mind", is as movingly presented and as effectively musically realized as "I Dreamed A Dream" in LES MIZ, to cite but one instance of many. Then, too, the haunting and unforgettable "Last Night Of The World" is just about as romantic a musical theatre number this side of SOUTH PACIFIC's "Some Enchanted Evening" as achievable - and a vast achievement it and the rest of this remarkable score it most assuredly is. The Engineer's "The American Dream" is a show-stopper unlike any other in Boublil & Schonberg's catalog, while Kim's searing "I'd Give My Life For You" is among the finest Act One closers of the period. So, too, is "Bui Doi" a sensationally moving anthem with a socially conscious edge. And, who could forget "I Still Believe", one of the finest female duets in the musical theatre canon? It's unquestionably a stirring and distinguished score worth returning to repeatedly.
Now, enjoy Salonga and Liz Callaway's "I Still Believe".
Salonga returned to the iconic title role for a Manilla production of MISS SAIGON in 2001, co-starring Broadway notable Will Chase. Experience their sensual "Sun & Moon".
Three alternate endings have been attempted for MISS SAIGON - choose your favorite of all below.
The West End Men - that is, Ramin Karimloo, Stephen Rahman-Hughes and Lee Mead - sing an exceptional trio version of "Bui Doi" in a live concert.
Take a listen to the new song penned for the character of Chris's wife, Ellen, as performed by Stephanie J. Block, titled "Maybe". A tantalizing sneak peek of Patrick Wilson as Chris is available to peruse in this clip of "Why God Why". Wow! What a superb revival lead - or movie player - he would be! Lastly, view the flashy and visually inspired trailer for the 2014 West End revival of MISS SAIGON.
Hear the very first version of Ellen's solo, here titled "Who Says I'm Hurt?" as performed by Claire Moore at the first London preview on August 1, 1989.
So, what song is your absolute favorite in the riveting and emotionally charged score for Boublil & Schonberg's MISS SAIGON? Furthermore, what moment are looking forward to experiencing live in a theater the most with the brand new revival? Whatever the case, let's hope MISS SAIGON plans a return to Broadway following her West End revival bow and this week's gala 25th anniversary celebration. Until then, we've still got all of these incredible songs to cherish... and a solo saxophone.
Photo Credits: Dewynters, etc.
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