will miss saigon tour in the uk again

Miss Saigon announces full cast

The iconic musical returns

Sheffield Theatres have announced the full cast and creative team for the first non-replica regional production of Miss Saigon. By special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh, Boublil and Schönberg’s hit musical retelling of Madame Butterfly set during the Vietnam war.

The musical which retells the story of Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfy against the backdrop of the Vietnam War will run at the Cruicible Theatre from 8th July to 12th August 2023.

The previously announced Joanna Ampil, who has previously played Kim in the London, Sydney, UK touring and 10th anniversary productions of Miss Saigon, will play The Engineer.

She is joined by a full cast, including: Desmonda Cathabel as Mimi and Alternate Kim, Aynrand Ferrer as Gigi; Shanay Holmes as Ellen, Jessica Lee as Kim and Alternate Mimi, Ethan Le Phong as Thuy, Christian Maynard as Chris, Emily Ooi as Yvonne and Understudy Gigi, Shane O’Riordan as John, Ericka Posadas as Fifi and Understudy The Engineer.

Making up the ensemble and GIs will be: Adam Colbeck-Dunn as GI and Understudy John, Andrew Davison as GI and Ensemble, Oscar Kong as Ensemble, Abel Law as Ensemble, Lavinia Mai as Ensemble, Patrick Munday as Ensemble and Understudy Thuy, Rachel Jayne Picar as Ensemble, Aharon Rayner as GI and Understudy Chris, Ernest Stroud as GI and Ensemble, Rumi Sutton as Ensemble and Understudy Ellen, Callum Tempest as GI and Ensemble, Danny Whelan as GI and Ensemble, Riley Woodford as GI and Ensemble, and Iverson Yabut as Ensemble.

All members of the cast make their Sheffield Theatres debut with Miss Saigon.

The new production will be co-directed by Artistic Director Robert Hastie and RTYDS Associate Artistic Director Anthony Lau.

Robert Hastie said: ‘As we reach the culmination of our 50th anniversary year we are proud to announce new productions that continue our quest to give Sheffield audiences thrilling experiences they can only get in the theatre. A new production of Miss Saigon – the first in the UK to be given permission to explore new approaches to staging and casting since the original 1989 production – will light up the Crucible in Summer 2023. Anthony and I are thrilled to be co-directing Boublil and Schönberg’s iconic show, and could not be more excited to be welcoming Joanna Ampil to Sheffield to play The Engineer.

These are some of the musicals announced for 2023:

The bodyguard.

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 28th January 2023 Based on the hit 90's film and packed with the hit music of Whitney Huston, The Bodyguard will be back in UK theatres as the musical heads on tour. The UK and Ireland tour will open at King's Theatre in Glasgow on 28th January 2023 and star former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton as Rachel Marron.

Where: Wyndhams Theatre, London When: 16th February - 2nd September 2023 Following a sell-out run at the Young Vic, Daniel Fish's revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! will get a West End run at the Wyndhams Theatre.

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 25th February 2023 The musical many of us watched on the screen as kids will be back on the stage in 2023 as Annie heads on another UK tour. The tour will open at the Curve Theatre in Leicester on 25th February 2023.

Guys & Dolls

Where: The Bridge Theatre, London When: From 3rd March 2023 The Bridge Theatre in London will are putting on their first musical with an immersive production of Guys & Dolls. The brand new production is currently booking through until 24th February 2024.

Titanic The Musical

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 16th March Ten years after its UK premiere, Titanic The Musical returns for a UK tour in 2023. The musical will open at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 16th March 2023.

Winnie the Pooh the Musical

Where: Riverside Studios, London; UK and Ireland tour When: From 17th March 2023 One of the most adorable musicals to ever be on Broadway is arriving in the UK in 2023. Based on the children's book and the Disney animation, Winnie the Pooh the Musical will run a limited season in Hammersmith, London before heading on a UK and Ireland tour beginning in June.

Operation Mincemeat

Where: Fortune Theatre, London When: 29th March to 23rd September 2023 Set in 1943 and following the true story of the twisted secret mission that helped win World War II. Following several successful runs over the past few years, Operation Mincemeat will get its West End debut this March.

Ain't Too Proud

Where: Prince Edward Theatre, London When: From 31st March After a successful run on Broadway, Ain't Too Proud , the jukebox musical about The Temptations will run in the West End.

The SpongeBob Musical

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 5th April 2023 Are you ready kids? The SpongeBob Musical is getting its UK premiere in April as it kicks off a UK and Ireland tour. The tour will feature a summer run at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The production will star Gareth Gates as Squidward (at some venues) and Divina de Campo as Plankton.

Greatest Days

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 5th May 2023 The official Take That musical returns with a brand new name! The Band is now titled Greatest Days as the musical returns for a new UK and Ireland tour this year, the same year the musical's film adaptation - also titled Greatest Days - will be released.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Where: Shaftesbury Theatre, London When: From 12th May 2023 Based on the beloved Robin Williams film, the musical adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire arrives in the West End following a run on Broadway and a tryout in Manchester.

Aspects of Love

Where: Lyric Theatre, London When: 12th May to 19th August 2023 Michael Ball will star in a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Charles Hart's Aspects of Love in 2023. Michael starred in the original production in 1989.

42nd Street

Where: Curve Theatre, Leicester; Sadlers Wells, London; UK tour When: From 17th May 2023 A brand new revival of 42nd Street will arrive in 2023 in a joint production by Leicester's Curve Theatre and Sadler's Wells in London. 42nd Street will first run at the Curve Theatre from 17th May 2023 before a summer run at Sadler's Wells from 7th June 2023. But if you can't get to Leicester or London worry not as the production will then be heading on a UK tour!

Groundhog Day

Where: The Old Vic, London When: 20th May to 20th August 2023 Based on the hit film that starred Bill Murray, the musical adaptation of Groundhog Day is returning to The Old Vic in 2023. The musical features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and Andy Karl will reprise his Olivier Award-winning role as TV weatherman Phil Connors.

Where: Dominion Theatre, London When: 2nd June to 28th October 2023 After Grease's return to the West End was such a hit in 2022, the iconic musical is returning to the Dominion Theatre for another summer run in 2023!

We Will Rock You

Where: London Coliseum, London When: 2nd June to 27th August 2023 Almost a decade after they bid farewell to the Dominion Theatre, Queen and Ben Elton's We Will Rock You is returning to the West End with a brand new production coming to the London Coliseum for a limited run.

A Strange Loop

Where: Barbican Theatre, London When: 17th June to 9th September Having just finished its Broadway run earlier this year, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical A Strange Loop will get its London debut at the Barbican in summer 2023. Written by Michael R. Jackson, A Strange Loop tells the story of Usher - a young, gay, Black writer. He hates his day job so her writes a musical about a young, gay, Black writer who's writing a musical about a young, gay, Black writer…a strange loop.

The Wizard of Oz

Where: The London Palladium, London When: 23rd June to 3rd September 2023 There's no place like the Palladium this summer as the Curve Theatre's production of The Wizard of Oz is following the yellow brick road all the way to the West End. The production features songs from the 1939 film alongside the new music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The production will then be heading on tour later this year.

Crazy For You

Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre, London When: 24th June 2023 to 20th January 2024 After a sold-out run at the Chichester Festival Theatre last year, Crazy For You comes to the West End for a six month run with Charlie Stemp and Carly Anderson reprising their roles.

Miss Saigon

Where: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield When: 8th July to 12th August 2023 The first regional, non-replica production of Miss Saigon is being produced by Sheffield Theatres and will feature Joanna Ampil - who has played Kim in previous productions - as The Engineer.

The Sound of Music

Where: Festival Theatre, Chichester When: 10th July to 3rd September 2023 Rodgers & Hammerstein's beloved musical The Sound of Music is back this year with a production by the Chichester Festival Theatre, Gina Beck will play the role of Maria.

Shrek the Musical

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 21st July 2023 Freak flags will be flying when a brand-new production of Shrek the Musical will head on a UK and Ireland tour in 2023! The tour will begin at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on 21st July 2023.

Rock Follies

Where: Minerva Theatre, Chichester When: 24th July to 26th August 2023 Based on the 70s TV show of the same name, a new musical Rock Follies will run as a part of the Chichester Festival Theatre's 2023 season.

The Lord of the Rings

Where: Watermill Theatre, Newbury When: 25th July to 15th October 2023 The Watermill Theatre are bringing Bag End to Bagnor this summer with their revival of the musical adaptation of The Lord of the Rings . Audiences are set to be immersed in the magical landscape of Tolkien as both the Watermill's auditorium and gardens will be used.

La Cage aux Folles

Where: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London When: 29th July to 16th September 2023 Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman's La Cage aux Folles will close the 2023 season at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre running from 29th July to 16th September.

Next to Normal

Where: Donmar Warehouse, London When: 12th August to 7th October 2023 14 years after opening on Broadway, Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's Next to Normal will get its UK premiere at the Donmar Warehouse a part of their 30th anniversary season.

Where: Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester; Tour When 1st to 30th September 2023 (Manchester) Based on the story of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892, LIZZIE will run at the Hope Mill Theatre before heading on tour.

Where: Charing Cross Theatre, London When: 4th September to 18th November 2023 After several successful productions across the world, the musical adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca will finally be getting its English language premiere when it opens at the Charing Cross Theatre in 2023.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Where: UK tour When: From 7th September 2023 Having only finished their first tour in 2022, Jamie's coming back to a city near you in 2023/24! Everybody's Talking About Jamie will set off on their second tour from 7th September 2023 starting with The Lowry in Salford.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Where: UK tour When: From 11th September 2023 The Olivier Award-winning Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar returns to the UK for a tour beginning later this year.

The Drifters Girl

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 12th September 2023 The story of The Drifters and their incredible manager Faye Treadwell will return to the stage in 2023 following the West End production's closure in October 2022. The Drifters Girl will head on a UK tour from September 2023 starting at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.

Sunset Boulevard

Where: Savoy Theatre, London When: 18th September 2023 to 6th January 2024 Three decades after the original production first ran in London, a brand-new revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard comes to the Savoy Theatre for a limited run. Nicole Scherzinger will play the iconic role of Norma Desmond.

Sinatra The Musical

Where: Birmingham Rep, Birmingham When 23rd September to 18th October 2023 A brand-new musical focusing on the life and work of Frank Sinatra will debut in Birmingham this year. The creative team od Sinatra The Musical features Tony Award-winning writer Joe DiPietro and Olivier and Tony-winner director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall.

The Time Traveller's Wife

Where: Apollo theatre, London When: From 8th October 2023 Based on Audrey Niffenegger's best-selling novel and its 2009 film adaptation, the musical adaptation of The Time Traveller's Wife will get its West End debut this autumn. This follows a successful run that took place last year in Chester.

Pretty Woman

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 17th October 2023 With a successful run in the West End, Pretty Woman is heading on tour across the UK and Ireland with the tour kicking off in Birmingham.

To Wong Foo The Musical

Where: Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester When: 21st October to 17th December 2023 Based on the cult classic, To Wong Foo is getting its s musical theatre premiere this year when the production opens at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre. Douglas Carter Beane, who wrote the film's screenplay returns to write the book and direct the production.

Disney's Aladdin

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 24th October 2023 The beloved stage adaptation of Disney's Aladdin will be running in the UK once again as the musical will head on its first ever UK and Ireland tour beginning in Edinburgh in October.

I Should Be So Lucky

Where: UK tour When: From 1st November 2023 A new jukebox musical featuring the work of Stock Aitken Waterman will get its world premiere in November as it heads on tour. I Should Be So Lucky will feature songs made famous by Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Jason Donovan and Bananarama.

Where: UK tour When: From 11th November 2023 Lin-Manuel Miranda's Olivier, Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Hamilton is heading on its first ever UK tour this year. Kicking off at the Manchester Opera House in November with more venues on the route in 2024.

Elf the Musical

Where: Dominion Theatre, London When: 15th November 2023 to 6th January 2024 Based on the beloved Christmas film that starred Will Ferrell, the musical adaptation of Elf returns the Dominion for another Christmas season.

Where: Leeds Playhouse, Leeds When: 27th November 2023 to 27th January 2024 Lionel Bart's iconic musical adaptation of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens returns to the UK with a brand-new revival by the Leeds Playhouse.

Where: UK and Ireland tour When: From 7th December 2023 Whilst Wicked continues to run in the West End, the musical will embark on another UK and Ireland tour beginning with the Edinburgh Playhouse in December 2023.

Roman Holiday

Where: Theatre Royal Bath When: 10th June to 1st July 2023(CLOSED) A new Cole Porter musical is coming this summer with the stage adaptation of Roman Holiday which is based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name that starred Audrey Hepburn.

Where: Festival Theatre, Chichester When: 3rd to 24th June 2023(CLOSED) The boom of Sondheim revivals continues with Chichester bringing back his tale of Presidential murderers (and those that tried to be), Assassins .

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Where: Southwark Playhouse, London When: 12th May to 17th June 2023 (CLOSED) Based on the novel of the same name, Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows' How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is coming to London with Drag Race royalty Michelle Visage featuring as the voice of 'The Book'.

Head Over Heels

Where: Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester When: 26th January to 4th March 2023 (Closed) Featuring the music of 80s band The Go-Go's, Head Over Heels had its UK premiere in 2023 when a production opened at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre. While the music is made up of 80s hits by the all-female rock band, the plot is based on The Arcadia which was written by Sir Philip Sidney in the 16th century.

Where: The Old Vic, London When: 27th January to 1st April 2023 (CLOSED) The highly-anticipated hip hop musical Sylvia, - which tells the story Sylvia Pankhurst - will get its world premiere at the Old Vic next year. The musical starred Sharon Rose as Sylvia Pankhurst and Beverley Knight as Emmeline Pankhurst.

Betty Blue Eyes

Where: Union Theatre, London When: 29th March to 22nd April 2023 (CLOSED) The 2011 stage musical comedy Betty Blue Eyes returned for a limited run in London this year at the Union Theatre. Set in 1947, war has ended but Britain's citizens are suffering under the burden of food rationing, high unemployment and the coldest winter for decades. Featuring a retro contemporary score by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, with a book by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, adapted and expanded from Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray's hilariously funny and sharply observed comic film 'A Private Function'.

The Great British Bake Off Musical

Where: Noël Coward Theatre, London When: 25th February until 13th May 2023 (CLOSED) Following a run in Cheltenham, The Great British Bake Off Musical is getting a 12 week run at the Noël Coward Theatre with John Owen-Jones reprising his role as judge Phil Hollinghurst.

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical

Where: Garrick Theatre, London When: 4th March to 21st May 2023 (CLOSED) After a run at the Arts Theatre in 2022, Bonnie & Clyde will be making a return to the West End with a limited run at the Garrick Theatre with Jordan Luke Gage and Frances Mayli McCann reprising their roles. The production will head on tour in 2024.

Where: Turbine Theatre, London When: 17th March to 28th May 2023 (CLOSED) After becoming a cult favourite following its earlier run at The Other Palace, a new, reworked version of the show will come to the Turbine Theatre in Battersea in the spring of 2023.

Once on This Island

Where: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London When: 10th May to 10th June 2023 (CLOSED) Regent's Park Open Air Theatre are kicking off their 2023 season with a revival of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' Once on This Island running from 10th May to 10th June 2023.

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”Miss Saigon” to be revived in 2023

A new production of Miss Saigon will be presented in the Crucible Theatre from Saturday 8 July 2023 to Saturday 12 August 2023.

The first regional non-replica production of Boublil and Schönberg’s hit musical (which is set during the Vietnam War and follows a tragic love story) will feature a reimagined staging by Sheffield Theatres’ artistic director Robert Hastie and RTYDS associate artistic director Anthony Lau as co-directors, with design by Ben Stones and lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun.

Joanna Ampil ( South Pacific ) will play The Engineer, with additional casting to be announced.

Also in the season will be Wildfire Road , a new environmental thriller by Eve Leigh and directed by Laura Keefe. It runs from 4 to 18 March.

Hastie said today: “As we reach the culmination of our 50th anniversary year we are proud to announce new productions that continue our quest to give Sheffield audiences thrilling experiences they can only get in the theatre. A new production of Miss Saigon – the first in the UK to be given permission to explore new approaches to staging and casting since the original 1989 production – will light up the Crucible in Summer 2023. Anthony and I are thrilled to be co-directing Boublil and Schönberg’s iconic show, and could not be more excited to be welcoming Joanna Ampil to Sheffield to play The Engineer.

“And as ever at Sheffield Theatres the classic sits alongside the brand new, with a mind-bending new play from Eve Leigh taking audiences to new heights in the Playhouse, our flexible, intimate space recently renamed in honour of our founding designer, Tanya Moiseiwitsch.

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Miss Saigon to be revived in 2023

Sheffield Theatres has announced that A new production of  Miss Saigon running in 2023. The revived show will be playing at the Crucible Theatre from Saturday 8 July 2023 to Saturday 12 August 2023.

Miss Saigon , which is set during the Vietnam War and follows a tragic love story, will have artistic Director Robert Hastie and RTYDS Associate Artistic Director Anthony Lau as co-directors, with design by Ben Stones and lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun.

Joanna Ampil , who has previously played Kim in the London, Sydney, UK touring and 10th anniversary productions of Miss Saigon , will be cast as The Engineer. Further casting and creative team will be announced in due course.

Hastie said today: “As we reach the culmination of our 50th anniversary year we are proud to announce new productions that continue our quest to give Sheffield audiences thrilling experiences they can only get in the theatre. A new production of  Miss Saigon  – the first in the UK to be given permission to explore new approaches to staging and casting since the original 1989 production – will light up the Crucible in Summer 2023. Anthony and I are thrilled to be co-directing Boublil and Schönberg’s iconic show, and could not be more excited to be welcoming Joanna Ampil to Sheffield to play The Engineer.

Tickets for Miss Saigon go on general sale at 10am on Saturday 1 October 2022. You can book tickets here!

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Miss Saigon revival to play Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in 2023

The the first regional non-replica production of Miss Saigon is to debut in Sheffield in 2023.

Sheffield Theatres will present a brand new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s hit musical retelling of Madame Butterfly set during the Vietnam war.

In special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh, the show will run from 8 July – 12 August 2023 at the venue’s Crucible Theatre.

Joanna Ampil, who has previously played Kim in the London, Sydney, UK touring and 10th anniversary productions of Miss Saigon, will be cast as The Engineer

Miss Saigon will be reimagined by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director Robert Hastie and RTYDS Associate Artistic Director Anthony Lau as co-directors, with design by Ben Stones and lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun.

Full casting and creative teams are to be announced.

Also in 2023, Sheffield Theatres will welcome new play Wildfire Road to its newly renamed Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse Written by Eve Leigh and directed by Laura Keefe, the piece is an environmental thriller about a highjacked plane and a disparate group of passengers who try to make sense of their situation as the world burns below.

Robert Hastie, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, said: “As we reach the culmination of our 50th anniversary year we are proud to announce new productions that continue our quest to give Sheffield audiences thrilling experiences they can only get in the theatre. A new production of Miss Saigon – the first in the UK to be given permission to explore new approaches to staging and casting since the original 1989 production – will light up the Crucible in Summer 2023. Anthony and I are thrilled to be co-directing Boublil and Schönberg’s iconic show, and could not be more excited to be welcoming Joanna Ampil to Sheffield to play The Engineer.

“And as ever at Sheffield Theatres the classic sits alongside the brand new, with a mind-bending new play from Eve Leigh taking audiences to new heights in the Playhouse, our flexible, intimate space recently renamed in honour of our founding designer, Tanya Moiseiwitsch.”

For more information and tickets, visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

More on: Joanna Ampil Miss Saigon Sheffield Theatres Musical Theatre News

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.

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Miss Saigon

Dates announced for Miss Saigon’s return

First Published 22 August 2013, Last Updated 27 August 2013

Following this summer’s announcement that Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s legendary musical Miss Saigon would return to the West End in its 25th anniversary year, dates have been announced for the eagerly awaited production.

Miss Saigon, which made its world premiere in London in 1989 winning two Olivier Awards before enjoying an impressive 10 year run, will play at the Prince Edward theatre from 3 May. Booking will go on sale on 9 September with tickets available for performances until 25 October.

Based on Giacomo Puccini’s famous opera Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon transports the classic love story to the final days of the American occupation of Saigon in 1975. There American GI John buys the services of 17-year-old Kim, an orphan who has been forced to work as a bar girl in a sleazy nightclub, for fellow soldier Chris. As the pair falls in love, but find themselves tragically separated when the war ends, their night together unexpectedly leads to life-changing consequences.

Speaking about the much-anticipated return of the show to the West End, the show’s producer Cameron Mackintosh said: “10 years ago I decided to reconceive the show in a completely re-imagined physical production that could play a far greater number of theatres than the original, but still retains Bob Avian’s legendary musical staging and the same scale of cast.  As well as touring the UK with enormous success the new production directed by Laurence Connor has been seen in numerous countries around the world where it has been embraced by audiences and critics alike with as much enthusiasm as the original.

Featuring a brand new song that will appear in the production amongst classics including Movie In My Mind, Why, God, Why?, Sun And Moon and Last Night Of The World, the production, according to Mackintosh, promises “a more gritty and realistic approach to the design than the operatic original” while still retaining the “power and epic sweep of Boublil and Schönberg’s great score”.

Explaining the choice to revive the show in its 25th anniversary year, Mackintosh explained: “Of all my shows Miss Saigon is probably the one I have the most requests to bring back… These requests are not only from a public who remembers seeing it originally but from a generation of new audiences who were too young (or not even born!) to get to see it. Now that the very successful Jersey Boys has decided to move to a more intimate theatre I now have the perfect theatre.”

As Mackintosh says, long-running hit Jersey Boys will move to the Piccadilly theatre from March, making room for the multi award-winning epic musical.

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The original Miss Saigon announces UK return with Dream Again tour

Musical theatre royalty – and two-time Disney Princess – Lea Salonga is coming back to the UK with her brand-new tour Dream Again.

Lea Salonga claimed her theatrical crown aged just 18 when she created the role of Kim in the epic musical Miss Saigon in the West End and subsequently on Broadway. She then went on to be the first actress of Asian descent to play both Eponine and Fantine in Les Misérables on Broadway.

Now the Olivier and Tony Award-winning star is returning to the country which launched her international stage career with a new tour heading to nine cities across the UK – including a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

LEA SALONGA: DREAM AGAIN Sat June 18 – LEICESTER, De Montfort Hall Sun June 19 – SOUTHAMPTON, Mayflower Theatre Tues June 21 – CARDIFF, St David’s Hall Thurs June 23 – BIRMINGHAM, Symphony Hall Fri June 24 – MANCHESTER, Bridgewater Hall Sun June 26 – BRIGHTON, Brighton Dome Tues June 28 – LONDON, Royal Albert Hall Weds June 29 – CANTERBURY, The Marlowe Theatre Fri July 1 – GLASGOW, Royal Concert Hall

Tickets go on sale on Friday September 25 from www.cuffeandtaylor.com

Lea Salonga: Dream Again follows Lea’s single release of the same name last year. The international collaboration brought together composers, musicians and a production team across three continents and five time zones, to help organisations aiding in COVID-19 relief.

The Dream Again tour will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Lea recording the iconic Disney love song A Whole New World as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin in 1992. Younger fans will also recognise Lea’s pitch perfect tones as the singing voice of Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II – these three films earning her the official title of Disney Legend.

Ahead of the concert tour, Lea said: “I owe the UK audiences and fans so much of my success, after they took me to their hearts as Kim in Miss Saigon– which I will always be so grateful for.”

Joining Lea for the first time on stage in the UK will be her brother, conductor and orchestrator Gerard Salonga, as musical director. Gerard is the resident conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and a former assistant conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Lea added: “My first ever UK tour was in 2019 and it was a truly wonderful experience. I am now even more excited to return in 2022 – after such a long time unable to travel or to perform – especially with Gerard joining me as musical director.

“Returning to the stage and to international touring will be an absolute thrill and I am so excited to get back to the UK, to meet fans again and to perform some of my all-time favourite songs.”

Philippines-born Lea Salonga was just 17 years old when she was discovered by the producers of Miss Saigon and cast in the lead role of Kim. She originated the role in London and New York, winning the Olivier and Tony Awards for best actress in a musical for her work in the show. She returned to the West End in 2014 as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations for Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Lea is also famed for her portrayal of both Eponine and Fantine in Les Misérables on Broadway, and in the musical’s 10th and 25th anniversary concerts in London.

She played her first UK tour in 2019 to rave reviews, with critics acclaiming her performances as ‘spine-tingling’ and ‘simply stunning’.

In 2020, Lea featured on the internationally acclaimed American TV series Great Performances on PBS – which celebrates iconic Broadway performers – in a special solo concert filmed live from the Sydney Opera House in late 2019, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra – conducted by her brother Gerard.

Away from the stage, Lea is a judge on the Philippines’ version of The Voice and has sold a staggering 19 million albums worldwide – making her one of the best-selling Filipina artists of all time. Her 2017 album Blurred Lines was followed by a sell-out run at New York’s renowned Feinstein’s / 54Below.

Having previously performed for the likes of The Queen, Diana, Princess of Wales, and former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Lea boasts numerous accolades including a Grammy Award nomination, an Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World Awards among others.

Ben Hatton, Director of Theatre Touring for promoters Cuffe and Taylor, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Lea Salonga back to the UK once more, following the success of her debut UK tour in 2019. Her voice is absolutely beautiful and these concerts are a must-see for every true musical theatre fan.”

Don’t miss the musical sensation Lea Salonga in concert as the original Miss Saigon returns to the UK stage.

For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.cuffeandtaylor.com

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Dream Again, ‘Miss Saigon’ Lea Salonga Announces 2022 UK Tour

by Northern Life

The original Miss Saigon , and two-time Disney Princess, returns to the UK for her Lea Salonga: Dream Again tour in 2022. Lea Salonga claimed her theatrical crown aged just 18 when she created the role of Kim in the epic musical Miss Saigon in London’s West End in 1989 and then on Broadway. She then went on to be the first actress of Asian descent to play both Eponine and Fantine in Les Misérables on Broadway.

Now the Olivier and Tony Award-winning star is returning to the country which launched her international stage career with a new tour heading to nine cities across the UK including a visit to Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.

Lea Salonga: Dream Again follows Lea’s single release of the same name last year. The international collaboration brought together composers, musicians and a production team across three continents and five time zones, to help organisations aiding in COVID-19 relief.

The Dream Again tour will also celebrate the 30 th anniversary of Lea’s recording of the iconic Disney love song A Whole New World as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin in 1992. Younger fans will also recognise Lea’s pitch perfect tones as the singing voice of Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II . These three films earned Lea the official title of ‘Disney Legend’.

“I owe the UK audiences and fans so much for my success,” said Lea ahead of the concert tour, “after they took me to their hearts as Kim in Miss Saigon , something I will always be so grateful for.”

Joining Lea for the first time on stage in the UK will be her brother, conductor and orchestrator Gerard Salonga, as musical director. Gerard is the resident conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and a former assistant conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

“ My first ever UK tour was in 2019 and it was a truly wonderful experience, “Lea added. “I am now even more excited to return in 2022 after such a long time of unable to travel or to perform, especially with Gerard joining me as musical director.

“Returning to the stage and to international touring will be an absolute thrill. I am so excited to get back to the UK, to meet fans again and to perform some of my all-time favourite songs.”

Philippines-born Lea Salonga was just 17 years old when she was discovered by the producers of Miss Saigon and cast in the lead role of Kim. She originated the role in London and New York, winning the Olivier and Tony Awards for ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ for her performances in the show. She returned to the West End in 2014 as part of the 25 th anniversary celebrations for Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Lea is also famed for her portrayal of both Eponine and Fantine in Les Misérables on Broadway, and in the musical’s 10 th and 25 th anniversary concerts in London.

She played her first UK tour in 2019 to rave reviews, with critics acclaiming her performances as ‘spine-tingling’ and ‘simply stunning’.

In 2020, Lea featured on the internationally acclaimed American TV series Great Performances on PBS – which celebrates iconic Broadway performers – in a special solo concert filmed live from the Sydney Opera House in late 2019, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra – conducted by her brother Gerard.

Away from the stage, Lea is a judge on the Philippines’ version of The Voice and has sold a staggering 19 million albums worldwide – making her one of the best-selling Filipina artists of all time. Her 2017 album Blurred Lines was followed by a sell-out run at New York’s renowned Feinstein’s / 54Below.

Lea Salonga: Dream Again tour dates:

Saturday 18 June, Leicester, De Montfort Hall

Sunday 19 June, Southampton, Mayflower Theatre

Tuesday 21 June, Cardiff, St David’s Hall

Thursday 23 June, Birmingham, Symphony Hall

Friday 24 June, Manchester, Bridgewater Hall

Sunday 26 June, Brighton, Brighton Dome

Tuesday 28 June, London, Royal Albert Hall

Wednesday 29 June, Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre

Friday 1 July, Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall

Tickets go on sale on Friday September 25 from www.cuffeandtaylor.com

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Miss Saigon

• May 2014 - This is how musicals are done...

One of the mega musicals of the 1980s, see this epic revival with Miss Saigon tickets

Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s world famous musical, Miss Saigon, has flown back into the West End to the Prince Edward Theatre following a 15 year hiatus. Having originally opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in September 1989, the show ran for 10 years before embarking upon an extensive world tour. Combined with its worldwide success, Miss Saigon has won 2 Laurence Olivier Awards and 3 Tony Awards, making it one of the most successful musicals ever.

By Les Miserables creators Schönberg and Boubil, Miss Saigon draws influence from Puccini’s Madame Butterfly and similarly features the star-crossed relationship between an American man and Asian woman. In this instance the American man is GI Chris Scott who is based in Vietnam during the 1970s war and the Asian woman a young bar worker come party girl, Kim.

Along with his soldier friends, Chris finds himself in the prostitute club in which Kim works, wherein his friend John buys Kim as a present for Chris for an evening from “The Engineer,” an aspirational pimp brought in by the American Dream. Kim gives up her virginity to Chris, who decides he wants Kim to himself and the two swear their love to one another.

Just as Viet Cong prepares to take Saigon, Chris trades the Engineer for Kim, with the intention of marrying her. However complications arise in the form of Kim’s cousin Thuy, to whom she was betrothed some years earlier. Chris promises to take Kim away from Vietnam when he leaves…but can he fulfil his promise?

Miss Saigon features musical numbers “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “Sun and Moon,” “I Still Believe” and “The American Dream.” The show is regarded as one of the ‘mega musicals’ of the 1980s, famed for its lavish sets and huge orchestral score, also included in the list are Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre and The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Miss Saigon opened for previews at the Prince Edward Theatre in May 2014.

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Miss Saigon features sex and violence and is therefore not suitable for children.

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Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon tells the story of young bar girl named Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with Chris, an American GI - but their lives are torn more...

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Miss saigon - uk tour.

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical  MISS SAIGON  is embarking on a major UK Tour. A recent smash hit in the West End and currently playing on Broadway, this epic production with a company of 60 is landing in a venue near you. In the last days of the Vietnam War, 17 year-old Kim is forced to work in a Saigon bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American GI named Chris but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he's fathered a son. 21 MAR - 12 MAY PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER, MANCHESTER 16 MAY - 23 JUN BRISTOL HIPPODROME THEATRE, BRISTOL 2 4 OCT - 17 NOV SUNDERLAND EMPIRE THEATRE, SUNDERLAND

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Lea Salonga Dream Again Tour 2022

Lea Salonga, the original Miss Saigon announces her new Dream Again UK Tour for 2022. On sale 23 September 2021.

Musical theatre royalty – and two-time Disney Princess – Lea Salonga is coming back to the UK with her brand-new tour Dream Again.

Lea Salonga claimed her theatrical crown aged just 18 when she created the role of Kim in the epic musical Miss Saigon in the West End and subsequently on Broadway. She then went on to be the first actress of Asian descent to play both Eponine and Fantine in Les Misérables on Broadway.

Now the Olivier and Tony Award-winning star is returning to the country which launched her international stage career with a new tour heading to nine cities across the UK – including a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Lea Salonga: Dream Again follows Lea’s single release of the same name last year. The international collaboration brought together composers, musicians and a production team across three continents and five-time zones, to help organisations aiding in COVID-19 relief.

The Dream Again tour will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Lea recording the iconic Disney love song A Whole New World as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin in 1992. Younger fans will also recognise Lea’s pitch-perfect tones as the singing voice of Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II – these three films earning her the official title of Disney Legend.

Ahead of the concert tour, Lea said: “I owe the UK audiences and fans so much of my success, after they took me to their hearts as Kim in Miss Saigon– which I will always be so grateful for.”

Joining Lea for the first time on stage in the UK will be her brother, conductor and orchestrator Gerard Salonga, as musical director. Gerard is the resident conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and a former assistant conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Lea added: “My first ever UK tour was in 2019 and it was a truly wonderful experience. I am now even more excited to return in 2022 – after such a long time unable to travel or to perform – especially with Gerard joining me as musical director.

“Returning to the stage and to international touring will be an absolute thrill and I am so excited to get back to the UK, to meet fans again and to perform some of my all-time favourite songs.”

Philippines-born Lea Salonga was just 17 years old when she was discovered by the producers of Miss Saigon and cast in the lead role of Kim. She originated the role in London and New York, winning the Olivier and Tony Awards for best actress in a musical for her work in the show. She returned to the West End in 2014 as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations for Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre.

She played her first UK tour in 2019 to rave reviews, with critics acclaiming her performances as ‘spine-tingling’ and ‘simply stunning’.

In 2020, Lea featured on the internationally acclaimed American TV series Great Performances on PBS – which celebrates iconic Broadway performers – in a special solo concert filmed live from the Sydney Opera House in late 2019, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra – conducted by her brother Gerard.

Away from the stage, Lea is a judge on the Philippines’ version of The Voice and has sold a staggering 19 million albums worldwide – making her one of the best-selling Filipina artists of all time. Her 2017 album Blurred Lines was followed by a sell-out run at New York’s renowned Feinstein’s / 54Below.

Having previously performed for the likes of The Queen, Diana, Princess of Wales, and former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Lea boasts numerous accolades including a Grammy Award nomination, an Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World Awards among others.

Ben Hatton, Director of Theatre Touring for promoters Cuffe and Taylor, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Lea Salonga back to the UK once more, following the success of her debut UK tour in 2019. Her voice is absolutely beautiful and these concerts are a must-see for every true musical theatre fan.”

LEA SALONGA: DREAM AGAIN TOUR • Sat June 18 – LEICESTER, De Montfort Hall • Sun June 19 – SOUTHAMPTON, Mayflower Theatre • Tues June 21 – CARDIFF, St David’s Hall • Thurs June 23 – BIRMINGHAM, Symphony Hall • Fri June 24 – MANCHESTER, Bridgewater Hall • Sun June 26 – BRIGHTON, Brighton Dome • Tues June 28 – LONDON, Royal Albert Hall • Weds June 29 – CANTERBURY, The Marlowe Theatre • Fri July 1 – GLASGOW, Royal Concert Hall

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Douglas Mayo has had a life long love affair with musical theatre. He has authored several books on publicity and marketing for amateur theatre groups. He is in the process of developing a musical based on his original story concept.

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Miss Saigon UK Tour

Cameron Mackintosh announced today that his acclaimed new production legendary musical MISS SAIGON – a recent smash hit in the West End – will embark on a major UK tour opening at Curve Leicester from Monday 3 July – Saturday 22 July 2017 before playing the Birmingham Hippodrome, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Festival Theatre Edinburgh and Mayflower Southampton. Tour schedule is below and further dates and casting will be announced soon.

Cameron Mackintosh said, “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. Of all my shows, MISS SAIGON is the one that I have received the most requests from the public to bring back. I am thrilled that audiences around the UK will get to see this tremendous new production that audiences and critics in London have embraced since it opened in 2014; which I am now taking to Broadway with its original West End stars opening next March at the Broadway Theatre. Audiences who can’t wait, will get a preview of the scale of this wonderful production at forthcoming screenings of the MISS SAIGON 25th Anniversary Performance which was filmed live in London, in selected screens across the UK on 16 October.”

The new London production of MISS SAIGON opened in London in May 2014 to record-breaking advance sales and critical acclaim. The show swept the board at the 2015 Whatsonstage.com awards winning a record breaking nine awards, the most awards ever won by a single show in the 15-year history of the awards including: Best West End Show and Best Revival of a Musical.

MISS SAIGON tells the story of young bar girl named Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with Chris, an American GI – but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon.

MISS SAIGON UK TOUR 2017/2018

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www.miss-saigon.com

MONDAY 3 JULY – SATURDAY 22 JULY 2017 CURVE, LEICESTER www.curveonline.co.uk – 0116 242 3595 ON SALE W/C 17 OCTOBER 2016

WEDNESDAY 26 JULY – SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2017 BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME www.birminghamhippodrome.com – 0844 338 5000 ON SALE 18 OCTOBER 2016

WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017 – SATURDAY 6 JANUARY 2018 WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF www.wmc.org.uk – 029 2063 6464 ON SALE SOON

WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY – SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2018 FESTIVAL THEATRE EDINBURGH www.edtheatres.com – 01315296000 ON SALE 7 NOVEMBER 2016

WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 17 MARCH 2018 MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON www.mayflower.org.uk – 02380 711811 ON SALE 24 OCTOBER 2016

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Why Filipino swing of London musical ‘Guys and Dolls’ looks up to Joanna Ampil

Iroy Abesamis (second from left) rehearsing for “Guys and Dolls” —MANUEL HARLAN AND LUCAS BUTTCHEWITS

Homegrown Filipino performer Iroy Abesamis, who’s currently in the cast of “Guys and Dolls” at the Bridge Theatre in London, is living a dream.

“Performing is my first love, but I never had proper training in musical theater,” Iroy told Inquirer Entertainment over a recent chat on WhatsApp. “I did some theater shows back in Manila when I was in UP, but I attended the Philippine High School for the Arts to study Filipino folk dances, then trained with the UP Filipiniana Dance Group.”

We first got wind of Iroy’s “musical theater journey” in the United Kingdom during a chat with seasoned theater actress Pheona “Fifi” Baranda (New Voice’s “The Blue Room”), who’s currently globe-trotting as a performer on cruise ships. Fifi crossed paths with Iroy at Hong Kong Disneyland years ago.

These days, Iroy continues to “stand on the shoulders of giants” as he embarks on his fifth production following his 2017 debut on the UK and International tour of “Miss Saigon.” After his stint with the groundbreaking Schonberg and Boublil musical, Iroy also made it to the cast of “The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “Allegiance” and now “Guys and Dolls”—which, as luck would have it, is helmed by Nicholas Hytner, director of “Miss Saigon’s” pioneering West End run in 1989. To say the least, the gig, which runs till Jan. 4, 2025, feels like a moment that allows Iroy to come full circle as a musical theater practitioner. But do you know that the first time Iroy heard of “Miss Saigon,” he thought it was a beauty contest? This “revelation” came about when we asked Iroy what led him to his very first theater production out of the country.

READ : New musical a surefire hit – with tighter editing

“[This is a] funny story… I thought ‘Miss Saigon’ was a beauty contest (laughs)!” he shared. “I heard its soundtrack for the first time while I was in my room at the Philippine High School for the Arts, studying Philippine Folk Dance. My friend, Winchester Lopez (current dance supervisor of the ‘Miss Saigon’ international tour), was staying in the same dormitory. Fast forward to 20 years later and we were both doing the musical’s UK and International tour. What were the chances?

“Essentially, hearing the soundtrack resonated with me, so when the ‘Miss Saigon’ West End revival audition was announced in 2012, I knew I had to go. I flew back to Manila and gave it my best. I got called back to sing Thuy’s songs, but I was not prepared then. I even mistakenly sang Kim’s part! To cut a long story short, I didn’t get the part.

“In 2016, the ‘Saigon’ audition went back to Manila, this time for the UK and International tour. I was aiming for an ensemble part and I told myself, ‘I’ll be more prepared.’ However, I was called back for Thuy again. I knew I improved from the last audition, but it wasn’t my time. I didn’t get the job. That second time hurt more, but I was determined to be on an international stage.

“Then, I got an email from Macintosh Productions in 2017. I was asked to submit a self-tape for an ensemble part for the UK and International Tour. I gave it my all and later that year, I got the call.”

Joanna Ampil —JC INOCIAN

‘Extremely talented but generous’

When we asked him if he looks up to a certain Filipino performer, Iroy had a quick answer.

“Easy, Joanna Ampil,” he quipped. “I worked alongside Joanna in ‘South Pacific.’ She is extremely talented, but she is also very generous onstage and off. She helped and supported me throughout the run. I admire her humility despite the vastness of her experience and achievements. She also never fails to mention fellow ‘Pinoys’ in every production she’s in and makes us all feel included.”

Here’s our Q&A in a subsequent email interview with Iroy:

In a nutshell, what are your fondest memories and takeaways from your five theater productions so far?

The rehearsal process for all five productions is definitely memorable. I’m a trained dancer. Acting and singing have been both overwhelmingly new to me, so while learning a show, I was also discovering more about musical theater and its demands.“Miss Saigon” was special because it was my first time in the UK, and I really enjoyed the company of our touring production. Plus, it is THE “Miss Saigon.” I was incredibly honored to be a part of such an iconic show.

“The King and I” introduced me to the classics of Rodgers and Hammerstein. I instantly fell in love with the music.

I loved “South Pacific” because of the cast, which included Joanna Ampil as Bloody Mary. I also had the pleasure of working with Daniel Evans, who is currently the artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

“Allegiance,” a musical inspired by the personal experiences of George Takei, was exceptional because this production will always remind me that kindness still exists in this industry. From the creative team led by our director and choreographer Tara Overfield Wilkinson, to every single person in the cast, crew, band and front of house, to George Takei himself, everyone was nothing but generous and supportive, on and offstage.

I am currently doing “Guys and Dolls” at the Bridge Theatre, under the direction of Sir Nicholas Hytner, who also directed the very first Miss Saigon production in London. This musical presented a new challenge for me because I was cast as a swing, so I need to be ready for anything at all times.

Abesamis during the last show of the “Miss Saigon” UK and International tour in Germany —CONTRIBUTED photo

You were a performer in Hong Kong Disneyland before “Saigon.” In what way has musical theater changed you as a performer?

I did not have any technical training in acting and singing when I began this journey. Hong Kong Disneyland served as my training ground, where I met fellow cast members who inspired me to pursue musical theater.

I even auditioned for a vocalist role in the park, but I never got an offer. I always take “failure” as a challenge to do better, and I think that’s how I made it this far. Performing is my first love, so although it is nerve-wracking to incorporate other disciplines, I get the same fulfillment whenever I’m onstage.

Let’s talk about your current show “Guys and Dolls.” How different is it from the 1955 movie musical starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra? I had little knowledge about this wonderful musical when my agent informed me that I got the job, so I watched the film and did a bit of reading. The movie and stage versions have the same storyline based on stories by Damon Runyon. Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows wrote the book, while Frank Loesser supplied the music and lyrics. Set in 1950s New York, it’s a romantic comedy about big city gamblers and the women who love them.

Sir Nicholas Hytner took on this classic and turned it into an immersive experience. There was great collaboration between him, designer Bunny Christie and choreographers Dame Arlene Phillips and James Cousins. They brought the show closer to our audiences to make them feel they’re part of the bustling action. The show is so beautifully done, I nearly cried when I first saw it. My next thought was, “How in the world am I gonna swing this (laughs)!”

I came in the middle of the first contract and opened after nine days of rehearsals. I’m a “male swing.” For those unfamiliar with theater jargon, “swings” cover all the ensemble parts. I’m an inexperienced swing, so this show really tested me as a performer and as a person.

Moreover, our version can be tedious and mentally demanding because it is not the usual proscenium stage. The configuration is a little complicated as it goes up and down, and you have nowhere to hide because there is an audience in every direction.

And yes, there’s a lot of dancing involved, including partnering, which makes it harder for swing cast members.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to a newcomer back home who wants to pursue a career in musical theater?

First, preparation is the key to a successful audition, so attend dance classes and take voice lessons, and research about what you’re auditioning for.

Secondly, this industry is not only tough, it can also be expensive. You have to be mentally, physically, emotionally and financially ready if you want to pursue musical theater.

Finally, I really believe in the saying, “What’s for you won’t go by you.” I remember auditioning for five shows while doing “Allegiance,” all of which said no!

Then, I got a call from “Guys and Dolls,” which I auditioned for six months earlier. In the midst of rejection, keep going and don’t give up on your dreams because the next opportunity might just be at arm’s reach.

What does it mean for you to be a homegrown Pinoy performing in West End shows?

Performing here is my ultimate gesture of gratitude to my family in Tayabas City, who supported all my decisions, and to all my mentors who took a chance on me.

The pressure is real because I am not only representing myself, but the whole Philippines and the Asian community as well—and I want to represent our country well! I want our countrymen to be proud of what we have achieved.

Moreover, it is high time for this industry to recognize the Asian community as formidable and competitive artists and creatives, and we owe that to all the people who paved the way for us.

Of the shows that you’ve appeared in so far, do you have a personal favorite?

“Allegiance” and “South Pacific” are my favorites so far. The people behind these musicals gave me a voice and the creative freedom to explore the craft and showcase my full potential as an actor.

I still have doubts about calling myself an actor, but these productions really allowed me to discover things about myself as an artist. Both directors started our first day with a reminder of kindness. That gesture set a beautiful tone that lasted throughout the runs, and I’m sure it still resonates with each of us even after closing.

Which theater productions are on your wish list?

There’s an extensive list of shows I want to be part of, but unfortunately at my age, these productions can be physically challenging. First two on the list are “Wicked” and Regent Park’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” I auditioned and made the final call back for both.

I would love to be part of “Here Lies Love” because it explores our history. I also dream of doing “A Chorus Line” while my body still can. Ultimately, I am hoping for new materials about us, Filipinos, and our beautiful culture.

Where do you see yourself five to 10 years from now?

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I will be 50 years young by then, so who knows (laughs)? I’m already thinking of either transitioning to more relaxed roles or maybe entirely foregoing performing and going back to school to learn new things and skills.

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