Review: Miss Saigon, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
ALAIN Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's production of Miss Saigon, based on Puccini’s 1903 opera Madame Butterfly, has embarked on a new UK tour stopping at the Wales Millennium Centre over the Christmas period. Attending the show last night, I was blown away by this fantastic musical.
Based on a doomed relationship formed during the Vietnam war, between an Asian woman, Kim, and an American GI, Chris, the audience watches as they are both torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years, Kim fights her way back to find Chris with many expected turns along the way.
Kim, Sooha Kim, was outstanding in her role, portraying the raw emotion and desperation in her character spot on. Her singing emphasised this even further with I Still Believe and Ide Give My Life For You.
Excellently choreographed soldier dances combined with dramatic sets really represented the harsh reality of the war with The Morning of the Dragon. A giant statue of Ho Chi Minh, a flying helicopter are some surprises of many that make this show set something special.
The Engineer, Red Concepcion, is a sleazy hustler who created many laughs throughout the show. The Heat Is On In Saigon and The American Dream are two songs to look forward to with The Engineer as the lead.
And lastly, a mention must be made to the classic song The Movie in My Mind which was amazing to witness live.
This show continues at the Wales Millennium Centre until January 6, 2018.
Samantha Newman
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