By Chris Heide
Photo by Matthew Murphy
The best kind of art evokes an emotional and almost uncomfortable response from its audience. Considered one of the classic standards of musical theatre, Miss Saigon is exactly that kind of art. A musical that pushes uncomfortable themes and storylines to make a moving, and poignant, statement that resonates even today. Miss Saigon tells the story of a young woman in Saigon who falls in love with an American soldier. Set during the VIetnam War, this young woman is destitute and forced into sex work at an early age. While the narrative is a insurmountable love story between two people who are fated to be kept apart, the hsow is also a brutal depiction of non-consensual sex work and the realities of living in a war torn country.
Miss Saigon is one of those shows where the almost the entirety of the show is sung, ala Rent. It is a subset of musical theatre rarely seen- one is which the entire book is lyrical and filled with song after song after song. It is a difficult prospect for any musical theatre actor, especially given the length of this show.
Overall, this iteration of Miss Saigon, at the Paramount, is lush, brilliantly choreographed, visually stunning, and intimately moving. It is an alluring and intoxicating combination of bombastic set design and modernized choreography that breathes new life into this classic show. The show is expertly cast as well. Emily Bautista and is breathtaking as Kim, Anthony Festa delivers soaring vocals as Chris, and Red Concepcion is hilarious as The Engineer. There is not a weak link in this cast, with every single performer delivering engaging, emotional and appropriately dramatic performances.
What makes Miss Saigon so riveting is how modern it feels. In an era of our society, rife with social unrest and political calamity, Miss Saigon feels like a harsh and brutal look at the dark side of the world, ala The Handmaid's Tale. It is dark,triggering, and everything that modern theater should be. It may not be a show that every audience member will like, but it is undoubtedly important.