A legendary musical is reborn in the spectacular new production of Miss Saigon, which is now touring the UK and Ireland. Boublil and Schönberg’s stirring work draws on real history to tell the story of 17-year-old local girl Kim, who meets American GI Chris in a bar during the final days of the Vietnam War. The lovers are torn apart by the fall of Saigon, leading to an unforgettable journey of survival.
This epic tour, produced by Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh, and directed by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, stars queer performer Seann Miley Moore (who appeared on The X Factor in 2015) reprises their ground-breaking take on bar owner and hustler, the Engineer, which they previously played in an international tour visiting Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Singapore.
Did you know Miss Saigon before you joined the show?
I was blown away by the Hong Kong production. I had songs like “The Movie in My Mind” and “Why, God, Why?” on blast. Miss Saigon is so special to me, especially as my mum is Filipino and the Asian representation is this show is iconic.
How did you put your stamp on your character?
It’s such an honour to be asked to come to the UK and perform my version of the Engineer – or as I say it, “Engine-queer”. It’s a testament to [producers] Michael Harrison and Cameron Mackintosh that they really champion new people and new visions. I get to play with all the colours of the rainbow. It’s such a scrumptious role: the music is so epic, the lyrics are so meaty and wild. I’m bringing all the flair that is Seann Miley Moore to the table, giving nothing but big Slay-sian energy. The legend is indeed reborn.
How have you drawn on the real history and places in the story?
I was really interested in connecting with the history of the Vietnam War as well as the gay liberation movement of the 1970s. It’s so important to have Asian stories on our main stages, but also to have queer stories. Using that lens, you could see how the Engineer might want to escape to America because a queer person wouldn’t feel safe in their surroundings – that’s a theme which parallels with the show’s exploration of belonging, community, home and safety, and fighting to be who you are.
What is your favourite song in the show?
I have to say “The American Dream”! It’s seven minutes in heaven with me, honey. It’s an absolute delight to perform. It’s the American Dream but also the nightmare – it’s a horror story. There are so many layers to it that I get to play with, and it feels more resonant today than ever.
Do you think the story particularly resonates with audiences right now?
It’s a testament to the brilliance of Miss Saigon’s music and lyrics, and how they’ve stood the test of time, that 30 years on this tale of people surviving in the chaos of war feels so fresh and pertinent. It’s timeless for a reason.
How are you finding the Miss Saigon tour?
Every time we bow, the audience goes completely crazy. Bringing the greatest love story of all time to people in this new, fresh way is so special. The spectacle of it is unbelievable, and being able to perform here 10 years after I was on X Factor feels like the best full-circle moment. My dad flew all the way from Australia to see us in Newcastle, which was lovely. I’m so excited that we’ll be in Oxford over the Christmas period – I hope we get a white Christmas.
Miss Saigon is at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Tue 12 May to Sat 23 May.
For more information, please call the Box Office on 01603 630 000 or visit norwichtheatre.org.
