5th Avenue Theatre Produces New Miss Saigon
Dedication to Musical Authenticity for this Epic Requires Veteran Percussionist Paul Hansen To Remain 'On His Toes'
Spotlight Night: March 16, 2005 7 p.m.
Performances: April 10 — 30, 2005
Opening/Press Night: April 14, 2005 8 p.m.
SEATTLE — The "Heat is On in Saigon," and at The 5th Avenue Theatre! This production of MISS SAIGON revived by The 5th Avenue Theatre runs April 10-30, 2005 and coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 2005. MISS SAIGON is by the creators of the mega-hit musical Les MisÈrables and is based loosely on Puccini's Madame Butterfly. This pop-opera relocates the story to Saigon in the last days of the Vietnam War. Chris, An American soldier has a brief, torrid affair with an innocent Vietnamese girl named Kim. In the chaos of the U.S. exodus, they are tragically separated. Believing that Kim has died, Chris returns home and, eventually, marries. Kim begins a harrowing journey to escape her ravaged homeland and reunite with the man sheπs certain is waiting for her - and their son. The sweeping, impassioned score includes, "Why God, Why," "Sun and Moon," "The Last Night of the World," "I Still Believe," "I'd Give My Life for You" and "The American Dream."
To independently produce MISS SAIGON, and successfully relay the epic nature of the show, The 5th Avenue Theatre staff must first choreograph a complex series of "mini-productions" off-stage before the curtain ever rises in front of an audience. The difficulties in casting MISS SAIGON, while also coordinating the show's production (costume hair and make-up design; choreographing the famous helicopter scene, constructing the elaborate set), require months of staff preparation. For The 5th Avenue Theatre's new production of MISS SAIGON however, additional advance planning is required to incorporate the show's characteristically soaring romantic score.
The 5th Avenue chose not to rely on synthesized percussion. Instead they will incorporate dozens of Asian instruments, many of which are difficult to find and play. Some orchestra members, like percussionist Paul Hansen and flautist Dane Anderson, spent months researching, acquiring and learning to play a completely new instrument for the show. From the first moment, over one year ago, that Paul Hansen heard he was MISS SAIGON's percussionist; he began his own rehearsal process. Percussion is one of the key ingredients used to transport audiences to another time and place. For MISS SAIGON the sheer quantity of percussion instruments used in the show requires The 5th Avenue Theatre to expand the orchestra pit to accommodate the more than 70 individual percussion pieces.
Chinese Opera Gongs, Buddhist Temple Bells, a Japanese Taiko Drum and a Tibetan Skull Drum are just a few of the exotic percussion instruments used to set an authentic mood. Paul Hansen points out that, "quite often I find myself jumping and leaping from one side of the pit to another. I have choreographed everything, right down to turning the pages in my five different music books." Paul continues, "at any given moment I might find myself playing the xylophone with my left hand, the timpani with my right hand, while holding the triangle beater in my mouth!" In fact, there are so many percussion instruments to transport back and forth from the theatre that the musical director modified the entire rehearsal process. Some early rehearsals are being held at Paul's house. "It's much easier to bring the musicians to my house than all the drum gear to and from the theatre."
MISS SAIGON is by the creators of Les MisËrables. Music is by Claude-Michel Schˆnberg, lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Alain Boublil, and the book and original French lyrics are by Alain Boublil.
For this co-production, directed by David Bennett, The 5th Avenue Theatre is bringing in top talent from New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. MISS SAIGON stars: Emy Baysic (Bπway Miss Saigon, National Tour Mamma Mia) as Kim; Raul Aranas (Bπway The King and I, Flower Drum Song) as the Engineer; Louis Hobson (5th Ave. The Wizard of Oz, The Rocky Horror Show, Hair, My Fair Lady) as Chris; Kingsley Leggs (Bπway Miss Saigon, Seattle Rep It Ainπt Nothing But the Blues) as John, Candice Donehoo (Bπway The King and I, Jekyll and Hyde) as Ellen and Brandon O'Neill (5th Ave Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Rocky Horror Show, Man of La Mancha) as Thuy.
Tickets to MISS SAIGON are on sale now and range in price from $18-$70. Subscribers can purchase tickets at a discount. Tickets are available over the phone through Ticketmaster at (206) 292-ARTS (2787), online at ticketmaster.com or in person at any Ticketmaster Ticket Center as well as The 5th Avenue Theatre Box Office, 1308 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle. There is no service charge when purchasing tickets in person at The 5th Avenue Theatre Box Office.
The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company was established in 1989 by The 5th Avenue Theatre Association, a not-for-profit organization, as a resident theater company, dedicated to producing and presenting the best in musical theater in a subscription series for Northwest audiences. Audi dealers of the Puget Sound area are the official automobile sponsor of the 5th Avenue Theatre's 2004-2005 season. The 5th Avenue Theatre continues its season in 2005 with the world premiere musical PRINCESSES August 9- 28, 2005. A special "season extra," GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES starring Faith Prince and Lucy Lawless will run May 13-15, 2005.
Please contact Jennifer Rice, Public Relations Manager, at 206-625-1418 with questions or to schedule individual interviews. Photos available upon request.
Miss Saigon Showtimes
Tuesday Evening 7:30 pm
Wednesday Evening 7:30 pm
Thursday Evening 8:00 pm
Friday Evening 8:00 pm
Saturday Matinee 2:00 pm
Saturday Evening 8:00 pm
Sunday Matinee 1:30 pm
Sunday Evening 7:00 pm*
*There is no evening performance on Sunday April 10th
MISS SAIGON SHOW SPONSORS: The Harbor Steps, The Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, The City of Seattle
2004-2005 SEASON SPONSOR: Audi Dealers of the Puget Sound area