Miss Saigon is a tragedy of passion and beauty and is considered one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. Nominated for an incredible number of Olivier, Tony and Drama Desk Awards, Miss Saigon is the second massively successful offering from the creators of Les Misérables: Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil, and has now been adapted for high school performers in Miss Saigon School Edition.
Based loosely on the opera Madame Butterfly, the plot follows the destinies of an American soldier, Chris, and a Vietnamese girl, Kim, who fall in love and marry amid the chaos of the Vietnam War. The fall of Saigon results in their separation and fuels the ensuing tragedy. As years pass, Chris, unable to contact Kim, remarries and attempts to move on with his life. Kim, however, gives birth to Chris' son and waits faithfully for his return. When circumstances bring Chris back to Vietnam, he learns the truth, but before he is able to speak with Kim, she takes her own life to ensure that their son will be taken back to America with his father.
I chose to direct “Miss Saigon School Edition” because it’s a beautiful story, the music is incredibly moving and the setting has given the students the opportunity to learn about the Vietnam War from a human perspective. Miss Saigon is an epic, musical that is filled with emotional power. The music gives our cast ample opportunities to shine.
To prepare for their roles, I made sure that students read and discussed articles pertaining to the Vietnam war. I wanted the cast and crew to remove themselves from viewing war in terms of statistics but to enter the lives of those who have situations beyond their control.
I hope you enjoy this masterpiece performed by an incredible cast and brought to life technically be a talented crew.
Erick Crow, Director
