Miss Saigon confirms first dates & venues for UK tour

First dates and venues have been announced for the upcoming UK tour of Miss Saigon by Boublil and Schönberg.

Following the show's recent West End revival, Miss Saigon will open at Leicester Curve on 3rd July before visiting the Birmingham Hippodrome, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Edinburgh Festival Theatre and Southampton Mayflower. Further dates and casting will be announced soon.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh says: "It’s hard to believe that it has been over 25 years since Miss Saigon first opened, but if anything, the tragic love story of the show has become even more relevant today. This new production, directed by Laurence Connor, takes a grittier, more realistic approach than the original production while still delivering the power and epic sweep of Boublil and Schönberg’s tremendous score. 

Miss Saigon confirms details for U.S. screening

Following the announcement that Miss Saigon will be screened in Australia on 14th October and in the UK on 15th October, it has been confirmed that the recording of the 25th anniversary will be screened in U.S. cinemas on 22nd September 2016.

After being screened around the world, Miss Saigon: The 25th Anniversary Performance is expected to become avaliable for purchase (details to be confirmed). The show will be screened in the U.S. ahead of being revived on Broadway. 

The majority of the footage was captured during the musical's 25th anniversary gala at the Prince Edward Theatre as well as from the show's final performance. The special 25th anniversary gala finale featuring original cast members will also be included.

Details confirmed for Broadway revival of Miss Saigon

Details have been confirmed for the upcoming Broadway revival of Miss Saigon. 

The musical will return to the Broadway Theatre, the same theatre where Miss Saigon made its New York premiere in 1991.

Eva Noblezada and Jon Jon Briones are set to reprise their performances as Kim and the Engineer from the recent West End revival.

Miss Saigon opens on Broadway on 23rd March 2017 (previews from 1st March) for a limited run to 14th January 2018. The show will then embark on a U.S. tour.

Trailer released for Miss Saigon cinema screening

The trailer has been released for the upcoming cinema screening of Miss Saigon featuring the original West End revival cast. Watch the trailer below!

The majority of the footage was captured during the musical's 25th anniversary gala at the Prince Edward Theatre as well as from the show's final performance. The special 25th anniversary gala finale featuring original cast members will also be included. 

Miss Saigon will be screened in cinemas for one night only starting on 15th October 2016. The show will be screened in Australia on 14th October 2016. The recording will then be avaliable for purchase (details to be confirmed). 

Miss Saigon to be screened in cinemas on 16th October

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has announced that a filmed version of the West End revival of Miss Saigon will be screened in cinemas worldwide on 16th October 2016. 

The majority of the footage was captured during the musical's 25th anniversary gala at the Prince Edward Theatre as well as from the show's final performance. The cast includes Eva Noblezada as Kim, Jon Jon Briones as the Engineer and Alistair Brammer as Chris.

Following the screening, the show will be available to purchase digitally as well as on DVD. Bamigboye also speculates that Danny Boyle may be interested in casting Noblezada in a major film adaptation of the musical which could begin filming in 2018. 

Big Interview: Chris Peluso

Chris Peluso is currently starring as Gaylord Ravenal in Show Boat at the New London Theatre.

Chris joined the cast when Daniel Evans’ production transferred from Sheffield to the West End. Last year Chris left New York to make his West End debut as Chris in Miss Saigon (Prince Edward). He understudied Barry Mann, Don Kirshner and Gerry Goffin in the original cast of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (San Francisco/Broadway). 

Chris’ theatre credits also include: Sky in Mamma Mia! (Broadway), Fiyero in Wicked (U.S. tour), Tony in West Side Story (Barrington Stage Company), Marius in Les Misérables (Marriott Lincolnshire), Assassins (Studio 54), Elton John’s Lestat (Palace), The Glorious Ones (Lincoln Center), Ted Hinton in Frank Wildhorn’s Bonnie and Clyde (La Jolla Playhouse) and Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (Gulfshore Playhouse).

I recently spoke to Chris about how his casting in Show Boat came about, growing a beard for the role and how the cast welcomed him into the company. We also discussed Miss Saigon, why he never thought he would star in a West End show, wanting to return to Beautiful and his amazing dog Peeti…

After Miss Saigon, did you want to stay in London? Or was the plan to go back to the U.S. until Show Boat came along?

Well as the clock was ticking on Miss Saigon I was thinking, ‘I love London and would love to be able to stay here’. I was thinking about finding an agent here and applying for a tier one visa once I got back. I called up a buddy of mine, Mike Bosner, who is a producer on Beautiful and asked him for agent recommendations. He said, “Talk to my casting director Jill Green”. So I sent her an email asking about agents, she came to see the show and we arranged to meet afterwards. We talked about agents, but then she said “We looking for a new Ravenal for Show Boat, would you be interested in coming in?” I was thinking of moving here anyway so it was perfect. 

Miss Saigon to open on Broadway in 2017

It's official! The London revival of Miss Saigon by Boublil and Schönberg will transfer to Broadway in 2017.

Directed by Laurence Connor, West End leads Eva Noblezada and Jon Jon Briones will reprise their performances as Kim and The Engineer on Broadway.

Cameron Mackintosh told the New York Times that the production will play a limited engagement from Spring 2017 until January 2018 before going on a national tour.

The West End production of Miss Saigon closes at the  Prince Edward Theatre on 27th February 2016.

Big Interview: Alistair Brammer

Alistair Brammer is currently preparing to star in Kings Of Broadway at the Palace Theatre.

The one-night-only show, which takes place on 29th November 2015, celebrates the music of legendary Broadway composers Jerry Herman, Stephen Sondheim and Jule Styne.

Marking the inaugural production from the newly formed Alex Parker Theatre Company, Alastair Knights directs with musical direction from the formidable Alex Parker. The line-up also features Janie Dee, Richard Fleeshman, Jamie Parker, Bradley Jaden, Celinde Schoenmaker, Fra Fee, Laura Pitt-Pulford and Anne Reid.

Marking his first major television role, Alistair is currently in Cardiff filming for BBC1’s Casualty. He is playing Jack Diamond, a receptionist who makes his first appearance in December and will be on screen for a six-month stint.

Alistair recently recreated the role of Chris in the first West End revival of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre. His credits also include: Billy in War Horse (New London), Marius in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), Young Benjamin Stone in Follies In Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Billy in Taboo (Brixton Club House), Jean Prouvaire in Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert (O2 Arena), alternate Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK tour) and Walter/understudy Claude in Hair (European tour). 

On screen Brammer played Eric in Episodes (BBC) and Jean Prouvaire in Tom Hooper's film adaptation of Les Miserables (Working Title).

I recently spoke to Alistair about why he wanted to be a part of Kings Of Broadway, the beauty of Herman, Sondheim and Styne’s work and why he loves working with Alex Parker. We also discussed his new role in Casualty, the pressure surrounding Miss Saigon and the Les Mis movie's hardcore fans... 

Why did you want to be involved in Kings Of Broadway?

[jokingly] Money [laughs] – I’m joking – I have done a concert for Alex (Parker) before in Guildford. I had such a good time working on it; I got to hang out with some of my best mates and sing some beautiful music with a fantastic orchestra. So when he asked me if I wanted to do another one I just said, “yes”.

Miss Saigon cancels performance following Soho power cut

Last night's performance (21st October) of Miss Saigon was cancelled due to power cuts in London.

Areas of central London, including Soho, Covent Garden and Leicester Square, were left in darkness when the power cut began at around 7.30pm. 

A UK Power Networks spokesman said there were various faults in the area. Power was restored by 10pm.

A message posted on Miss Saigon's official Twitter account apologised for the cancellation of the performance and advised ticket holders to contact their point of purchase to arrange a refund or ticket exchange.

Big Interview: Tamsin Carroll discusses her new roles in Casa Valentina & Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Tamsin Carroll is currently playing Rita in the European premiere of Casa Valentina by Harvey Fierstein which officially opens at the Southwark Playhouse tonight (16th September).

Based on real life events, Casa Valentina follows a group of heterosexual cross-dressers who leave their families, friends and city jobs behind to safely inhabit their female alter egos and release their inner woman.

It has recently been announced that after Casa Valentina, Tamsin will play Baroness Bomburst in James Brining's new production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which opens at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in December.

Most recently Tamsin recreated the role of Ellen in the first West End revival of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre. She premiered the English language version of 'Maybe', a new song written by Boublil and Schönberg for Ellen to sing in the second act. 

Her theatre credits also include: Chairy Barnum in Barnum (Chichester), The Magistrate (National), Emma Goldman in Ragtime & Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream (both Regent's Park), alternate Nancy in Oliver (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show (Sydney & Melbourne) and Dusty Springfield in Dusty (Australian Tour).

Tamsin is from Australia where just a few of her theatre credits include playing Marta in Company, Isabella in Measure for Measure, Rizzo in Grease, Tracy Lord in High Society, Rose in Bye Bye Birdie and Sheila in Hair. She played Nicole in three episodes of EastEnders.

I recently spoke to Tamsin about the beauty of Harvey Fierstein’s work, memories of sitting around at the piano with Boublil and Schönberg whilst working on Miss Saigon and why she’s so excited about working on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang…

Casa Valentina is an incredibly exciting play, what made you go ‘I want to do this’?

I’m a huge fan of the writer Harvey Fierstein, I think he’s an exceptional human being who has such a wonderful collection of work behind him. New work is always exciting and this is an ensemble piece which is one of the greatest things about it. It’s very rare that you get a cast of around nine or ten who all get their moment. It’s a real collaboration with big personalities and great stories! Also, it’s very topical at the moment. It’s a subject matter which has come to the limelight and deserves to be discussed in the limelight. It’s very interesting because it’s a topic some people may not have considered, I’ve learnt a great deal through being part of it. So for all those reasons I found it very appealing and, of course, the Southwark Playhouse has such a wonderful reputation and is a great venue to be at. We’re having a great time!

Carolyn Maitland takes over as Ellen in Miss Saigon for limited run

It has been announced that Carolyn Maitland will take over as Ellen in Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre for a limited run from Thursday 30th July until Saturday 17th October 2015.

Last year Maitland won West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award for understudying the role which she is now returning to play full time. Maitland recently finished starring as Kathy Selden in Singin' in the Rain at the Kilworth House Theatre.

Current Ellen Siobhan Dillon is taking a break from the show to undergo treatment following an operation. Maitland joins Jon Jon Briones as The Engineer, Eva Noblezada as Kim, Chris Peluso as Chris, Hugh Maynard as John, Sangwoong Jo as Thuy and Natalie Mendoza as Gigi. 

Miss Saigon confirms West End closure

Cameron Mackintosh has confirmed that the West End revival of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical Miss Saigon will close at the Prince Edward Theatre on Saturday 27th February 2016.

Mackintosh said today ‘"I'm delighted to announce a final extension of my hugely successful new production of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre.

"This record-breaking and award-winning production is already repeating its success in Japan and Korea and is planned to open in Germany, Australia and Broadway in the next two years. Our original stars Eva Noblezada and Jon Jon Briones continue to lead our wonderful international cast that has made this epic love story one of the greatest contemporary musicals of all time."

Feature: June round-up

Star of the Month

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel on her 2015 world tour

This month Broadway and Frozen star Idina Menzel brought her world tour to the UK. Menzel is a performer at the top of her game; during her performance in Wembley she showcased top notch vocals, gracing the stage with warmth and humour. Musical theatre doesn't create stars like it used to, but Menzel has certainly gone mainstream - playing Wembley Arena is an almighty achievement and she gave everyone a night to remember. Full 5* review of Idina Menzel at Wembley here.

Show of the Month

Miss Saigon

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

GOSSIP: Disney's Aladdin to replace Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre?

According to the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, Disney's Aladdin will open at the Prince Edward Theatre in the summer of 2016, replacing Miss Saigon.

Please note nothing has been officially confirmed by producers as of yet. Miss Saigon is expected to close in London and transfer to Broadway. More soon...

Aladdin was originally rumoured to be opening at the Prince Edward; however, following Miss Saigon's opening it was suggested Disney's show would instead open at the London Palladium or Dominion Theatre.

Review: Miss Saigon starring Chris Peluso, Eva Noblezada & Jon Jon Briones

Miss Saigon
Prince Edward Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 9th June 2015
★★★★★

When I first reviewed the West End revival of Miss Saigon in 2014 I said the show had landed in style; one year on a new cast have joined the production, and the heat is very much still on in Saigon.

Miss Saigon documentary 'The Heat Is Back On' confirms details of DVD release

A new documentary entitled The Heat Is Back On: The Remaking Of Miss Saigon will be released on DVD from 6th July 2015 (avaliable to pre-order now via Amazon).

Miss Saigon - which has been seen by over 40 million people worldwide - returned to the West End in May 2014, breaking box office records at the Prince Edward Theatre.

This new documentary will take audiences behind the scenes of the revival, from rehearsals right up to the star-studded opening night.

The documentary will also delve into the process of casting 40 actors from 18 different countries and the reinvention of the staging, including the famous helicopter scene.

Featuring interviews with producer Cameron Mackintosh, writers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and many of the award-winning cast and creative team, the film is said to be "one of the most revealing documentaries ever about how a major musical production comes to life."

Sunny Afternoon's John Dagleish wins Best Performance of a Song Award!

We are delighted to announced that John Dagleish has won West End Frame's Best Performance of a Song Award for his spellbinding rendition of 'Waterloo Sunset’ in Sunny Afternoon.

Speaking to West End Frame, Dagleish said: "This is such an amazing honour seeing as it was voted for by the public. We're not at the biggest theatre in the West End but we obviously have the best fans, and it's them I want to thank for making this happen. So thank you! You know who you are!

"Also, it can't have hurt my chances of winning when I was nominated for singing one of the greatest songs ever written. Thank you Ray!! Waterloo Sunset's fine!"

Sunny Afternoon, which tells the story of the early life of Ray Davies and the rise to stardom of The Kinks, transferred to the West End's Harold Pinter Theatre last year following its premiere at the Hampstead Theatre. Dagleish recently picked up the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Ray Davies in the show.

Full result announced for Best Performance of a Song 2015

John Dagleish has won West End Frame's Best Performance of a Song Award for his rendition of 'Waterloo Sunset’ in Sunny Afternoon. Jon Jon Briones finishes second for his performance of ‘American Dream’ in Miss Saigon whilst Kerry Ellis comes third for her rendition of ‘Memory’ in Cats. Check out the full result below!

WINNER

John Dagleish 

‘Waterloo Sunset’ in Sunny Afternoon 

21% of the final vote / Photo Credit: Kevin Cummins

Big Interview: Carolyn Maitland

Last year Carolyn Maitland won West End Frame’s Understudy of the Year Award for covering the role of Ellen in the West End revival of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre. 

Carolyn will depart the production next month to star as Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain at the Kilworth House Theatre.

Carolyn received huge acclaim for understudying Hannah Waddingham in Kiss Me, Kate at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Old Vic. She has understudied countless roles including Karen Holmes in From Here To Eternity (Shaftesbury), Vivienne & Serena in Legally Blonde (Savoy), Lucy Harris in Jekyll & Hyde (UK Tour), Gabriella & Taylor in High School Musical 2 (UK Tour) and Serena, Mabel & Miss Bell in Fame (UK Tour). 

I recently met with Carolyn to discuss her whirlwind year in Miss Saigon, going on as Ellen with no rehearsal and her experience in Kiss Me, Kate as well as why she was thrilled to win WEF’s Understudy of the Year Award plus much, much more…

How familiar were you with Miss Saigon before being cast in the show?

I had never, ever seen Miss Saigon! My fiancé had worked in the sound team in the original. When I was called in to be seen they had been auditioning for months and months. It was a last minute call in; when we found out From Here To Eternity was going to close they called me and a few other girls in for understudy Ellen, I think that they’d had trouble finding the fit for what they wanted. Everyone always goes on about Ellen but I had never seen it before so turned to YouTube and read about it. After my first audition – where I just did my own songs – they sent through the new song ‘Maybe’ which was actually in a different key to what they use in the show now. It was a very long and hard song to learn until you really broke down the text – I thought the song was just so beautiful. I fell in love with it and it was at that point I really started getting excited about the part. 

Hugh Maynard announces London Hippodrome concert to coincide with album release

Hugh Maynard will play the London Hippodrome on Wednesday 25th March to coincide with the release of his debut album Something Inside So Strong.

The actor, who is currently playing John in Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre, will be joined by two of his current co-stars, Kwang-Ho Hong and Rachelle Ann Go.

Maynard will perform songs from the album, a vibrant collection of rock, soul and musical theatre numbers.

Something Inside So Strong will be available the same day at the Prince Edward Theatre, Dress Circle Records and via Maynard’s official website. A digital version will be available to download on iTunes and Google Play.