Miss Saigon, in all its forms and interpretations, will always hold a dear place in my heart.
Earlier today, my friend and I went to watch UST Mediartrix's presentation of this special musical, upon the invitation of another friend who was one of the lead choreographers. Saving the date almost a month ahead, I was determined not to miss seeing it done by a legitimate theater/performance group.
I am proud that, almost six hears since we had it in our junior year in high school, I still know the words to almost all the songs. This time, I was also impressed by the performances of the actors of this adaptation--from the bargirls of Dreamland to the jaded American troop soldiers, to the over-the-top but sly Engineer. The amazing actress playing Kim possesses a voice that reminded me so much of Lea's--it's almost the same timbre, the same quality. She was so effective, and I can't help but applaud at her performance of the heart-wrenching song "I Still Believe" vis-a-vis the equally-amazing Ellen. The actor playing Thuy gave such an... electric, goosebumps-worthy performance as the malevolent cousin-lover of Kim.
Inside the Albertus Magnus Auditorium, I was feeling like a little kid giddy in my anticipation and excitement. I don't care if this musical is ethno-centric, cliché-ish, or has a lot of feminist issues. If I hear the familiar sound of the army chopper descending on the American Embassy in Vietnam sometime in the 1970's, followed by the quiet tinkling sound ascending to a heart-racing boom from the orchestra, I am bound to sing along: The Heat is On.
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