There are only 7 performances left of Miss Saigon! Reviewers came opening weekend and loved the show! See below for highlights from each review, and click on their links for the full story!
Roy Dicks of The News & Observer said, "The gritty reality of this Vietnam-era drama takes special understanding and commitment to make it work. Such is the case for NC Theatre's current riveting, emotionally gripping staging."
Zack Smith of the Independent Weekly states, "On a technical level, this is perhaps one of the most impressive productions ever seen at Memorial..." and went on to say "This is a huge hit for NC Theatre."
Robert McDowell of the Classical Voice of North Carolina said, "With stellar performances of Jennifer Paz, Eric Kunze, and Kevin Gray and its outstanding supporting cast, the North Carolina Theatre’s gala presentation of Miss Saigon proves once again that the Raleigh-based regional theater can create must-see musicals that rival the best of the bus-and-truck series. Don’t miss it."
Showing posts with label miss saigon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label miss saigon. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
New Saigon Videos on YouTube!
Be sure to visit North Carolina Theatre's YouTube channel for the latest clips from Miss Saigon!
- Miss Saigon leading man, Kevin Gray, as "The Engineer" performing "If You Want to Die in Bed" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J32sqsDAzM&feature=channel
- Clips of Saigon stars Eric Kunze and Jennifer Paz! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFUbhnA6C14&feature=channel
- Josh Tower and the mens ensemble sing Act II opener, "Bui Doi" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSYASba9T8E&feature=channel
- NCT hair/wig/makeup designer, Patti DelSordo, showing her station back stage! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmwrpV0wh1k&feature=channel
- The NCT orchestra led by Edward G. Robinson rehearse during tech week http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFs8MaV9zYU&feature=channel_page
If you haven't seen Miss Saigon yet, you must come see this show! Check out our videos which speak for themselves and remember, we are offering 20% OFF ticket prices when you buy four or more tickets! There are only 8 performances left!
Tuesday, March 24-Friday, March 27: 8 PM
Saturday, March 28: 2 and 8 PM
Sunday, March 29: 2 and 7 PM
Miss Saigon Production Photos
Kevin Gray in "The American Dream"
Jennifer Shrader as "Ellen"
Jennifer Paz as "Kim"
Kevin Gray as "The Engineer"
Jennifer Paz, Marc delaCruz & Timothy Gunawan
Jennifer Paz - "I Still Believe"
Jennifer Paz and Jennifer Shrader sing "I Still Believe"Photo Credit: Curtis Brown Photography
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Miss Saigon & The Vietnam War
The story of Miss Saigon is set during the Vietnam War. The year is 1975 and the fall of Saigon is looming. Chris, an American soldier, meets Kim, a young Vietnamese woman in 'Dreamland' - a nightclub in Saigon run by The Engineer. They meet weeks before the Americans are forced out of Vietnam during the largest helicopter evaucation recorded in history.
Below is a complete timeline of events leading up to and surrounding the Vietnam War with some references to Miss Saigon!
1890: Nguyen Sinh Cung is born in Central Vietnam; he would grow up to be the leader of the revolt against the French. He took the name Ho Chi Minh ("Bringer of Light") and became a legend among his people
1932: The French government sets up leadership with Vietnamese representatives under their control.
1941: Ho Chi Minh returns to Vietnam to form the Vietminh or Vietnam Independence League, later known as the Vietcong
1946: War begins between French forces and Vietminh
1950: Ho Chi Minh declares that the area under his leadership, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, is the only legal government. His government is now seen as "North Vietnam" and is recognized by the Soviet Union and China. The US and Britain continue to recognize the government in "South Vietnam." The lines for international conflict are drawn - On June 26, President Truman grants $15 million in military aid to the French.
1954: The French forces are badly defeated by the Vietminh at the battle of Dienbienphu. President Eisenhower reaffirms support of South Vietnam with $100 million in aid. US agrees to train South Vietnamese army.
1961-62: US supplies South Vietnam with more equipment and advisers. American advisers increase from 7,000 to 12,000.
1963: President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, TX. Lyndon Johnson is now president. By the end of the year 15,000 American military advisers are in South Vietnam and $500 million in aid is given to the South Vietnamese government.
1964: North Vietnamese patrol boats attack the American destroyer Maddox two times in the Tonkin Gulf (the second attack is later disputed). Congress passes Tonkin Gulf resolutions on August 7, giving Johnson extraordinary power to act in Vietnam.
1965: President Johnson initiates Operation Rolling Thunder, which is a sustained bombing of North Vietnam. First troops land in Vietnam on March 8; by December, American troops in Vietnam reach 200,000.
1966-67: Bombing of North Vietnam continues. American troop strength reaches 500,000. Sustained bombing and fighting destroy much of Vietnam, creating a large population of poor and homeless people. Many flee to other cities, where as shown in the first act of Miss Saigon, women are often forced into prostitution. Nguyen Van Thieu, trained in France and the US, becomes President of South Vietnam.
1968: Tet Offensive begins as Vietcong attack South Vietnamese cities and towns. Richard Nixon is elected as US President.
1969: Ho Chi Minh dies in Hanoi at age 79. Massive anti-war demonstrations begin in Washington, DC. Nixon begins gradual withdrawal of American troops.
1970-71: Protests continue in US, while American troop withdrawal continues in Vietnam.
1972: North Vietnam launches increased offensive against South Vietnam. Nixon announces intensification of American bombing of North Vietnam. Nixon is re-elected in a landslide victory.
1973: After nearly 2 years of negotiations, many held in secret, cease-fire agreements between the US and the North Vietnam government, are signed in Paris. The last American troops leave Vietnam on March 29, leaving extensive embassy personnel.
1974: Thieu declares that war has begun again. With American troops gone, Communist forces plan to resume fighting. On August 9, President Nixon resigns in the mist of the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford becomes President.
1975: Communist forces begin to capture provinces in South Vietnam, moving toward Saigon. President Ford says the war is "finished." Thieu leaves Saigon on April 25.
On April 29, the last Americans leave Saigon in the largest helicopter evacuation ever recorded. A fleet of 70 helicopters fly 1,000 Americans and 6,000 Vietnamese out of Saigon, leaving thousands left behind. This is shown during Act 2 of Miss Saigon.
April 30 - Communist forces take over Saigon, changing the name to "Ho Chi Minh City."
1976: Jimmy Carter is elected US President, pardons most of the 10,000 Vietnam War draft evaders.
1978: North Vietnamese forces, still in control of Saigon, celebrate the Third Anniversary of Reunification, as shown in Act 1 of Miss Saigon.
1982: Vietnam veteran memorial unveiled in Washington, DC on November 11.
Below is a complete timeline of events leading up to and surrounding the Vietnam War with some references to Miss Saigon!
1890: Nguyen Sinh Cung is born in Central Vietnam; he would grow up to be the leader of the revolt against the French. He took the name Ho Chi Minh ("Bringer of Light") and became a legend among his people
1932: The French government sets up leadership with Vietnamese representatives under their control.
1941: Ho Chi Minh returns to Vietnam to form the Vietminh or Vietnam Independence League, later known as the Vietcong
1946: War begins between French forces and Vietminh
1950: Ho Chi Minh declares that the area under his leadership, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, is the only legal government. His government is now seen as "North Vietnam" and is recognized by the Soviet Union and China. The US and Britain continue to recognize the government in "South Vietnam." The lines for international conflict are drawn - On June 26, President Truman grants $15 million in military aid to the French.
1954: The French forces are badly defeated by the Vietminh at the battle of Dienbienphu. President Eisenhower reaffirms support of South Vietnam with $100 million in aid. US agrees to train South Vietnamese army.
1961-62: US supplies South Vietnam with more equipment and advisers. American advisers increase from 7,000 to 12,000.
1963: President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas, TX. Lyndon Johnson is now president. By the end of the year 15,000 American military advisers are in South Vietnam and $500 million in aid is given to the South Vietnamese government.
1964: North Vietnamese patrol boats attack the American destroyer Maddox two times in the Tonkin Gulf (the second attack is later disputed). Congress passes Tonkin Gulf resolutions on August 7, giving Johnson extraordinary power to act in Vietnam.
1965: President Johnson initiates Operation Rolling Thunder, which is a sustained bombing of North Vietnam. First troops land in Vietnam on March 8; by December, American troops in Vietnam reach 200,000.
1966-67: Bombing of North Vietnam continues. American troop strength reaches 500,000. Sustained bombing and fighting destroy much of Vietnam, creating a large population of poor and homeless people. Many flee to other cities, where as shown in the first act of Miss Saigon, women are often forced into prostitution. Nguyen Van Thieu, trained in France and the US, becomes President of South Vietnam.
1968: Tet Offensive begins as Vietcong attack South Vietnamese cities and towns. Richard Nixon is elected as US President.
1969: Ho Chi Minh dies in Hanoi at age 79. Massive anti-war demonstrations begin in Washington, DC. Nixon begins gradual withdrawal of American troops.
1970-71: Protests continue in US, while American troop withdrawal continues in Vietnam.
1972: North Vietnam launches increased offensive against South Vietnam. Nixon announces intensification of American bombing of North Vietnam. Nixon is re-elected in a landslide victory.
1973: After nearly 2 years of negotiations, many held in secret, cease-fire agreements between the US and the North Vietnam government, are signed in Paris. The last American troops leave Vietnam on March 29, leaving extensive embassy personnel.
1974: Thieu declares that war has begun again. With American troops gone, Communist forces plan to resume fighting. On August 9, President Nixon resigns in the mist of the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford becomes President.
1975: Communist forces begin to capture provinces in South Vietnam, moving toward Saigon. President Ford says the war is "finished." Thieu leaves Saigon on April 25.
On April 29, the last Americans leave Saigon in the largest helicopter evacuation ever recorded. A fleet of 70 helicopters fly 1,000 Americans and 6,000 Vietnamese out of Saigon, leaving thousands left behind. This is shown during Act 2 of Miss Saigon.
April 30 - Communist forces take over Saigon, changing the name to "Ho Chi Minh City."
1976: Jimmy Carter is elected US President, pardons most of the 10,000 Vietnam War draft evaders.
1978: North Vietnamese forces, still in control of Saigon, celebrate the Third Anniversary of Reunification, as shown in Act 1 of Miss Saigon.
1982: Vietnam veteran memorial unveiled in Washington, DC on November 11.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Miss Saigon from the Director's Point of View
Robert McDowell of The Classical Voice of North Carolina interviewed Miss Saigon director, Richard Stafford - see below for the complete interview and detailed information about the show from the director's perspective!
1. When did you first see or read or hear about this musical? Have you ever worked on a previous production of this musical? If so, when and where?
RS: I saw Miss Saigon shortly after it opened on Broadway in 1991. Willie Falk, the original "Chris" was a very good friend of mine which gave the whole experience much more resonance. This will be the first production of Miss Saigon that I have directed.
2. What do you like BEST about this musical? What made you
RS: The year is 1975 and Kim (Jennifer Paz) has fled her hometown in rural Vietnam for Saigon where she is lured into work as a bar girl in "Dreamland" owned by The Engineer (Kevin Gray). There she meets Chris (Eric Kunze) a Marine who works in the Embassy. They fall in love and Chris vows to take Kim back to America. Saigon is on the verge of invasion by the North Vietnamese Communist regime and Kim and Chris are separated by the ensuing chaos. Chris is airlifted out of Saigon but Kim is left behind where she gives birth to Tam--Chris' son. Three years pass and Chris, with no news of Kim, has married Ellen (Jennifer Shrader). He is plagued with nightmares that he cannot share with Ellen. Through his friend John (Josh Tower) who was with Chris at the Embassy but now works to reunite children of mixed-race left behind in Vietnam, Chris learns that Kim survived and now lives in Bangkok with their son, Tam. Chris and Ellen travel to make contact with Kim and Tam. Kim in learning that Chris is married makes the ultimate sacrifice a mother can make to keep her promise to her son of a better life for him.
4. What MAJOR CHALLENGES does staging this musical present to you as a director -- and to your cast and creative team?
1. When did you first see or read or hear about this musical? Have you ever worked on a previous production of this musical? If so, when and where?RS: I saw Miss Saigon shortly after it opened on Broadway in 1991. Willie Falk, the original "Chris" was a very good friend of mine which gave the whole experience much more resonance. This will be the first production of Miss Saigon that I have directed.
2. What do you like BEST about this musical? What made you
WANT to direct it?
RS: I've wanted to direct Miss Saigon for a long time now. It is a director's dream show because there's so much to it--epic sweeping story, stunning score and amazing visuals. I'm drawn to the historical back drop of the Vietnam War and the period of great change (the 70's) in our country. Our whole attitude towards war changed because of our experience in Vietnam. It is easy for me to imagine something like the Chris and Kim story being played over and over in different people's lives during that period. All this makes for great theater.
3. Briefly summarize the PLOT of this musical in your own words. Please explain the SITUATION at the start of the musical and how the various CHARACTERS fit in.
3. Briefly summarize the PLOT of this musical in your own words. Please explain the SITUATION at the start of the musical and how the various CHARACTERS fit in.
RS: The year is 1975 and Kim (Jennifer Paz) has fled her hometown in rural Vietnam for Saigon where she is lured into work as a bar girl in "Dreamland" owned by The Engineer (Kevin Gray). There she meets Chris (Eric Kunze) a Marine who works in the Embassy. They fall in love and Chris vows to take Kim back to America. Saigon is on the verge of invasion by the North Vietnamese Communist regime and Kim and Chris are separated by the ensuing chaos. Chris is airlifted out of Saigon but Kim is left behind where she gives birth to Tam--Chris' son. Three years pass and Chris, with no news of Kim, has married Ellen (Jennifer Shrader). He is plagued with nightmares that he cannot share with Ellen. Through his friend John (Josh Tower) who was with Chris at the Embassy but now works to reunite children of mixed-race left behind in Vietnam, Chris learns that Kim survived and now lives in Bangkok with their son, Tam. Chris and Ellen travel to make contact with Kim and Tam. Kim in learning that Chris is married makes the ultimate sacrifice a mother can make to keep her promise to her son of a better life for him.
4. What MAJOR CHALLENGES does staging this musical present to you as a director -- and to your cast and creative team?
RS: This is a huge show both technically and artistically. Our cast size is 38 and there are 20 different locations. Also, part of the original design is the creation of a 3 sided "box" made of shades that lower and raise to create different looks throughout the show. The timing of these moves will be time consuming. And to recreate the evacuation of Saigon we have a helicopter landing onstage--again a huge technical effect that is very difficult to time and program. The cast must adapt to the stage set in a remarkably short amount of time
5. Please name YOUR CREATIVE TEAM:
Producer: Carolee Baxter
Director: Richard Stafford
Choreographer: Marc Oka
Musical director: Edward G. Robinson
Technical director: Bill Yates, Jr.
Set designer: Scenery designed by Dustin J. Cardwell
Lighting designer: John Bartenstein
Costume designer: Mela Hoyt-Heydon; Costumer: Ann M. Bruskiewitz
Properties master/mistress: La urie Johnson
Sound designer: Nathaniel Hare
Stage manager: Gary Breitbach
Original music by: Claude-Michel Schonberg
and lyrics by: Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil
Other: m. Originally Produced on the stage by Cameron Mackintosh
6. Please describe the SET:
5. Please name YOUR CREATIVE TEAM:
Producer: Carolee Baxter
Director: Richard Stafford
Choreographer: Marc Oka
Musical director: Edward G. Robinson
Technical director: Bill Yates, Jr.
Set designer: Scenery designed by Dustin J. Cardwell
Lighting designer: John Bartenstein
Costume designer: Mela Hoyt-Heydon; Costumer: Ann M. Bruskiewitz
Properties master/mistress: La urie Johnson
Sound designer: Nathaniel Hare
Stage manager: Gary Breitbach
Original music by: Claude-Michel Schonberg
and lyrics by: Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil
Other: m. Originally Produced on the stage by Cameron Mackintosh
6. Please describe the SET:
RS: In addition to the description above, the set pieces are stylistic and moveable by actors throughout. These pieces represent bars, Saigon streets, hotel rooms, bedrooms, ceremony houses, inside and outside the American embassy.
7. Please describe the LIGHTING:
7. Please describe the LIGHTING:
RS: The lighting will be an integral element to the design of the show. It will be naturalistic in some scenes and showy and excitingly theatrical in others. We will be using smoke, haze and dry ice effects.
8. Please describe the COSTUMES:
8. Please describe the COSTUMES:
RS: The costumes are all based on the traditional Vietnamese garments worn by the people of the time as well as American military clothes and American outfits of the 70s.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Kevin Gray Interview on Y102.9
On Thursday morning, Kevin Gray who is starring as "The Engineer" in Miss Saigon was interviewed by Jim Harrison on Y102.9's morning show. To hear the full interview, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwDBLdBNVZI!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Saigon Stars Eric Kunze & Jennifer Paz on the Radio
Dave Kent of 93.9 KISS FM interviewed Eric Kunze and Jennifer Paz yesterday morning! An excerpt of the interview can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe25nGHt87A.
In case you need a refresher, Eric Kunze is starring as Chris and Jennifer Paz is starring as Kim in Miss Saigon. They are currently in rehearsals with the full company and open next Saturday, March 21st in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium!
For show details, visit http://www.nctheatre.com/.
In case you need a refresher, Eric Kunze is starring as Chris and Jennifer Paz is starring as Kim in Miss Saigon. They are currently in rehearsals with the full company and open next Saturday, March 21st in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium!
For show details, visit http://www.nctheatre.com/.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Miss Saigon Load-in Pictures
Full company reherasals for Miss Saigon start today! The cast is here and ready to start putting the show together. On Saturday, the set arrived from Fullerton Civic Light Opera. Check out the pictures below as our crew gets out some exciting set pieces - including the 'copter and the original 1959 pink Cadillac car! The set will stay in the warehouse until Monday, March 16th and from there will be taken to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
The actors will rehearse at our studios this week and will move to the theatre on Tuesday, March 17th - where they will only rehearse for 3 full days before Student Preview Night on Friday, March 20th!
Playing on the peddicab
Putting the helicopter together
warehouse shot
shot of the helicopter
another helicopter picture
the helicopter coming off the truck!
more helicopter
the helicopter before it comes off the truck
the embassy fence
Bill Yates, Jr. - our fabulous technical director
The actors will rehearse at our studios this week and will move to the theatre on Tuesday, March 17th - where they will only rehearse for 3 full days before Student Preview Night on Friday, March 20th!
Playing on the peddicab
Putting the helicopter together
warehouse shot
shot of the helicopter
another helicopter picture
the helicopter coming off the truck!
more helicopter
the helicopter before it comes off the truck
the embassy fence
the crew!
Bill Yates, Jr. - our fabulous technical director
the car!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Student Preview Night @ North Carolina Theatre
If you don't already know, NC Theatre offers a special Student Preview Night for students and teachers on the Friday night before each show opens. Our first Student Preview Night for 2009 is Friday, March 20th at 7 PM for Miss Saigon! Tickets are only $10 for ANY student or teacher - all you have to do is bring your student or teacher ID and you are good to go!
You may purchase tickets at the NC Theatre Box Office located in the basement of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in downtown Raleigh (One East South Street, 27601) OR the night of the show in the box office in the lobby of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium beginning at 6 PM.
We also have made a study guide to go along with each show in our 2009 season. To download it, please click here. Show this to your teacher and maybe they will give you extra credit for coming to the show!
Season tickets for Student Preview Night are only $46 for the entire year - and you get to keep your same seats! Call the NCT Box Office at 919-831-6941 x6944 to buy season tickets!
Upcoming Student Preview Nights:
Disney's High School Musical 2: Friday, June 12th at 7 PM ($16/ticket)
The Sound of Music: Friday, July 24th at 7 PM ($10/ticket)
West Side Story: Friday, October 16th at 7 PM ($10/ticket)
You may purchase tickets at the NC Theatre Box Office located in the basement of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in downtown Raleigh (One East South Street, 27601) OR the night of the show in the box office in the lobby of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium beginning at 6 PM.
We also have made a study guide to go along with each show in our 2009 season. To download it, please click here. Show this to your teacher and maybe they will give you extra credit for coming to the show!
Season tickets for Student Preview Night are only $46 for the entire year - and you get to keep your same seats! Call the NCT Box Office at 919-831-6941 x6944 to buy season tickets!
Upcoming Student Preview Nights:
Disney's High School Musical 2: Friday, June 12th at 7 PM ($16/ticket)
The Sound of Music: Friday, July 24th at 7 PM ($10/ticket)
West Side Story: Friday, October 16th at 7 PM ($10/ticket)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Miss Saigon on RaleighBroadwayWorld.com!
MISS SAIGON Flies Into Raleigh Memorial Auditorium March 21
North Carolina Theatre and Progress Energy are thrilled to present Miss Saigon, the classic love story of our time based on Puccini’s opera, Madame Butterfly. The show will run Saturday, March 21st through Sunday, March 29th in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
From the creators of the Broadway smash-hit Les Miserables comes a story of love, loss and sacrifice during the fall of Saigon. The story of Miss Saigon centers on the romance between a strong-willed Vietnamese woman, Kim, and an American soldier, Chris, during the Vietnam War. The Chicago Sun-Times raves “Miss Saigon – the musical epic. Grand in ambition, lushly melodic, extravagant in emotion, formidable in stagecraft, consistently fascinating.”
To continue reading, please click here.
North Carolina Theatre and Progress Energy are thrilled to present Miss Saigon, the classic love story of our time based on Puccini’s opera, Madame Butterfly. The show will run Saturday, March 21st through Sunday, March 29th in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
From the creators of the Broadway smash-hit Les Miserables comes a story of love, loss and sacrifice during the fall of Saigon. The story of Miss Saigon centers on the romance between a strong-willed Vietnamese woman, Kim, and an American soldier, Chris, during the Vietnam War. The Chicago Sun-Times raves “Miss Saigon – the musical epic. Grand in ambition, lushly melodic, extravagant in emotion, formidable in stagecraft, consistently fascinating.”
To continue reading, please click here.
NC Theatre's Miss Saigon on Playbill.com!
Gray, Paz, Kunze, Shrader and Tower to Star in North Carolina Miss Saigon
Principal casting has been announced for the North Carolina Theatre and Progress Energy production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Miss Saigon, which runs March 21-29 in the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
To read the full article, click here.
Principal casting has been announced for the North Carolina Theatre and Progress Energy production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Miss Saigon, which runs March 21-29 in the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
To read the full article, click here.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Cast Announced for Miss Saigon!
We are very excited to announce our cast for Miss Saigon! After holding auditions in New York and Raleigh, we are confident that this is going to be one of the most amazing casts ever assembled on the Raleigh Memorial stage! Under the direction of Richard Stafford, Marc Oka as the choreographer and Edward G. Robinson as conductor, this show is a one you don't want to miss! Below is the cast list with snapshot of their credits. For more information on Miss Saigon, please visit http://www.nctheatre.com/.
- Kevin Gray (The Engineer) His Broadway credits include the Phantom and Raul in The Phantom of the Opera. He is also one of three actors to star on Broadway as “The King” in The King & I. Gray also starred as “The Engineer” in the Toronto and LA productions of Miss Saigon, and can be heard in the complete symphonic recording of Miss Saigon as “The Engineer.”
- Jennifer Paz (Kim) She is famously known for this role where she starred as “Kim” in the First National Tour of Miss Saigon.
- Eric Kunze (Chris) He starred as “Chris” on Broadway and the First National Tour, and recently was in the production last summer at the St. Louis MUNY. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxGIMca9FoQ) His other Broadway credits include Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees and Marius in Les Miserables. He was last seen as Jesus in NC Theatre’s Jesus Christ Superstar.
- Josh Tower (John) He starred on Broadway as Simba in The Lion King. He is best known to Raleigh audiences as Curtis Taylor Jr. in NC Theatre’s Dreamgirls and as the Arbitor in Chess.
- Jennifer Shrader (Ellen) She starred as “Belle” in the National Tour of Beauty and the Beast and was the Belle understudy on Broadway. Shrader also appeared in the National Tours of Sunset Boulevard, Annie and Joseph…Dreamcoat!
- Marc delaCruz (Thuy) Tour: High School Musical. NC Theatre's Jesus Christ Superstar. Regional: Pippin, Making Tracks, Wonderful Town, My Fair Lady, Cats.
- Olivia Oguma (Gigi/Chorus) Broadway & National Tour of Disney's High School Musical, Mamma Mia!, Les Miserables and A Christmas Carol.
- Francis Cruz (Owner of Moulin Rouge/Chorus) is a ten year veteran of Miss Saigon from Broadway to several regional productions.
- Doan Mackenzie (Assistant Commissar) Broadway: You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, The King & I. Off-Broadway: Nunsense A-Men!. Regional: Miss Saigon, M. Butterfly, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cabaret.
- Ryan Bauer-Walsh (Chorus) Broadway: Girl Crazy, Bye Bye Birdie, Side Show.
- Todd Beasley (Chorus) NC Theatre's Chess. Theatre credits: Evita National Tour, Beauty and the Beast, Aida, Cats, Annie.
- J. Michael Beech (Chorus) National Tour: Forever Plaid. NC Theatre's Ragtime, Pirates of Penzance, South Pacific.
- Kristine Bendul (Chorus) Broadway: Camelot, Movin' Out, Man of La Mancha, Swing!, On The Town and The King & I. Miss Saigon at the MUNY.
- Josie Bodie (Chorus) Theatre credits include The Music Man, Once on this Island, A Chorus Line, Annie, Hello Dolly.
- Marcus Calderon (Chorus) National Tour: Miss Saigon. Regional: The King & I, Miss Saigon, Singin in the Rain.
- Catherine Cheng Jones (Chorus) New York Philharmonic's Camelot. NC Theatre's Jesus Christ Superstar, Dreamgirls and Beauty and the Beast.
- Larry Cox Jr. (Chorus) NC Theatre's Phantom. Other credits: Bat Boy, Forever Plaid, Big River, Parade.
- Jason Durst (Chorus) NC Theatre's Peter Pan and Man of La Mancha. Other credits: Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Sweeney Todd, A Chorus Line, Mame.
- Matthew Glover (Chorus) Theatre: Joseph...Dreamcoat, American Jukebox, A Chorus Line, Singin' in the Rain.
- Natalie Griffie (Chorus) NC Theatre's Peter Pan and High School Musical. Theatre credits: A Chorus Line.
- Tim Hunter (Chorus) Broadway/Tours: Aida, Miss Saigon, Fascinating Rhythm, The Lion King, Cats, Sarafina.
- Johnny Kim (Chorus) Cirque De la Mar, Les Folies Bergere.
- Achiamar Lee-Rivera (Chorus) Theatre credits include Pippin, Joseph...Dreamcoat, Once on this Island.
- Jaygee Macapugay (Chorus) New York Theatre: Emerald Man, Children of Eden (reading). Regional: Miss Saigon, Aida, Smokey Joe's Cafe.
- Mel Maghuyop (Chorus) Theatre: The Long Season, Honor, Miss Saigon, The King & I.
- Aaron Pratt (Chorus) Credits include An Ideal Husband, A Christmas Carol, Chicago, The Pajama Game.
- Enrico Rodriguez (Chorus) Broadway/Off-Broadway: Rent, Zanna Don't, FAME on 42nd Street, Big-The Musical. National Tours: Mamma Mia! and Rent.
- Jonathan Stahl (Chorus) Broadway: Cats, Swing! National Tours: Ragtime, Cinderella, Cats. NC Theatre's Annie Get Your Gun.
- Aaron Velthouse (Chorus) Theatre: West Side Story, Les Miserables, Joseph...Dreamcoat, Oklahoma.
- Kiyoko Williams (Chorus) NC Theatre's Chess and The King & I starring Lou Diamond Phillips. Regional credits: The King & I, South Pacific.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Miss Saigon: NYC Auditions
Two weeks ago (January 6-9), I went to New York City with Carolee Baxter, our producer, and Tricia McCoy, our business manager, for Miss Saigon auditions. We got there on Tuesday morning and had a few hours to get settled into the city before we headed over to the Actor's Equity Association Building for the Equity Principal Auditions, or EPAs as they are called in NYC. There we met Miss Saigon director Richard Stafford, music director Eddy Robinson, choreographer Marc Oka and Jonathan Stahl, Richard's assistant.
From 1:30 to 5:30 we saw around 90 actors, and they came in to audition for any one of the principal roles in the show. In Miss Saigon's case, these roles include Kim, Chris, John, Ellen, Thuy and a few others. For four hours we listened to the same songs over and over again and heard some talented people. Some of the songs you may know - "Movie in My Mind," "Bui-Doi," "Why God" and several others!
On Wednesday we held the Equity Chorus Calls, or ECCs. This day there were over a hundred actors who showed up. This was pretty much the same drill as the day before, except they are auditioning to be a part of the ensemble. Since Miss Saigon has a lot of dancing in it, we held a dance call on Wednesday as well. The ensemble is made up of mostly men, who are soldiers in the show, and they do most of the dancing. This was probably my favorite part - watching everyone learn the routine that choreographer Marc Oka taught them! They learned a section of the dance in the song, "The American Dream." Since so many people showed up to the dance call, Marc had to split them up into smaller groups and teach them the choreography and then have them do the dance as their audition. After they got through all of the dancers, Richard, Eddy, Marc and Jonathan called back a smaller group to sing for them. It was definitely an interesting process to watch!
Thursday we held appointments for the roles of Kim, Chris, John, Ellen and Thuy. On this particular day I was the audition monitor for most of the day. The day started at 10AM and as the monitor I had to make sure that everyone who showed up to audition for Miss Saigon had checked in with me, and then send them in to audition for Richard, Eddy, Marc and Jonathan. It was a bit hectic that day because other theatres were holding auditions in other studios in the building and it was very crowded, but almost everyone who scheduled an appointment showed up for their appropriate time!
I was so glad that I was able to go be a part of the process to see how it all works! Casting a show does not seem to be an easy task...I don't know how they pick the perfect people for each role! Right now they are in the process of choosing the cast, and once it is finalized check back for a post!
From 1:30 to 5:30 we saw around 90 actors, and they came in to audition for any one of the principal roles in the show. In Miss Saigon's case, these roles include Kim, Chris, John, Ellen, Thuy and a few others. For four hours we listened to the same songs over and over again and heard some talented people. Some of the songs you may know - "Movie in My Mind," "Bui-Doi," "Why God" and several others!
On Wednesday we held the Equity Chorus Calls, or ECCs. This day there were over a hundred actors who showed up. This was pretty much the same drill as the day before, except they are auditioning to be a part of the ensemble. Since Miss Saigon has a lot of dancing in it, we held a dance call on Wednesday as well. The ensemble is made up of mostly men, who are soldiers in the show, and they do most of the dancing. This was probably my favorite part - watching everyone learn the routine that choreographer Marc Oka taught them! They learned a section of the dance in the song, "The American Dream." Since so many people showed up to the dance call, Marc had to split them up into smaller groups and teach them the choreography and then have them do the dance as their audition. After they got through all of the dancers, Richard, Eddy, Marc and Jonathan called back a smaller group to sing for them. It was definitely an interesting process to watch!
Thursday we held appointments for the roles of Kim, Chris, John, Ellen and Thuy. On this particular day I was the audition monitor for most of the day. The day started at 10AM and as the monitor I had to make sure that everyone who showed up to audition for Miss Saigon had checked in with me, and then send them in to audition for Richard, Eddy, Marc and Jonathan. It was a bit hectic that day because other theatres were holding auditions in other studios in the building and it was very crowded, but almost everyone who scheduled an appointment showed up for their appropriate time!
I was so glad that I was able to go be a part of the process to see how it all works! Casting a show does not seem to be an easy task...I don't know how they pick the perfect people for each role! Right now they are in the process of choosing the cast, and once it is finalized check back for a post!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Local Auditions for Miss Saigon
AUDITION DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 11th
12:00pm – Dance audition (Jazz)
1:30pm – Vocal auditions
SEEKING TO CAST THE FOLLOWING:
• Male singers and dancers ages 18+ for American G.I.s and Vietnamese/Asian ensemble.
• Female singers and dancers ages 18+ for Vietnamese/Asian ensemble.
All auditioning must sing. Please bring sheet music (musical theatre selection) in your key and prepare to sing 16 bars only unless asked to sing more. Please bring headshot (or photo) and resume. Photos will not be returned.
No appointments are taken for the above auditions; please sign in at audition site on day of auditions no earlier than 11:30am. Dancers go in as a group promptly at noon; singers audition on a first come basis beginning at 1:30pm. No sign ins accepted after 3:00pm.
ALSO SEEKING TO CAST:
•TAM - Kim's young son. Actor/actress must look like a four to six year old, dark-complected boy. Please call for appointment. This is a non-singing/non-speaking role integral to the show. Requirements: Ability to take direction, remain focused and “in character” on stage, be comfortable around adults and tolerate loud noises (yelling and gunshots.)
•ELLEN - the Caucasian-American wife of Chris. Singers interested in this role must send headshot/resume in advance to: Carolee Baxter, North Carolina Theatre, 1 E. South St., Raleigh, NC 27601. Auditions for this role are by appointment only.
Audition location: NC Theatre Conservatory, 3043 Barrow Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616. Callbacks are the same day. Performers cast will be notified by phone. All roles are paid. Non-Equity and Equity performers are welcome; all ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
Rehearsals begin Saturday, March 7th. Production runs March 20th through 29th. NO CONFLICTS ALLOWED FOR ANY REHEARSALS. Please do not audition if any conflicts exist; please download the Rehearsal and Performance Schedule for more details. Rehearsals are held at NC Theatre Studios and Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. All performances are held at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
If you have additional questions please email Carolee Baxter at cbaxter@nctheatre.com or phone 919/831-6941 ext. 6945.
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