Happy Hour #34: A Saigon Serenade - ‘Miss Saigon’
The heat is most definitely on in the podcast this week as Jimi and Tommy discuss Boublil and Schonberg’s controversial ‘Miss Saigon.’ The guys discuss the problem of Asian diversity onstage, how much the author’s intent qualifies the tone of a musical and the effect of covering songs outside the context of the show!
There’s lots to discuss this episode so head straight on over to Reddit to join in the conversation. While you’re there why not check out the chat on some of our previous episodes too?
If you haven’t seen the show before, it’s well worth checking out the 25th Anniversary recording to get a good idea of the story and some of the staging, plus some outstanding performances!
Have a look at some of the shocking statistics about Asian casting on Broadway. We’re looking at you Aladdin!
It’s crazy to think that Lea Salonga was just 17 when she auditioned to play Kim. Have a look at her callback audition where she sings ‘Sun and Moon’ with the writers.
There are so many amazing recordings from places outside of Broadway and the West End. Since we’re celebrating Asian actors this episode, let’s enjoy more of Hong Kwang-Ho who plays Thuy in 25th Anniversary recording. His voice is breathtaking! Here he is singing Jekyll and Hyde, which was huge in Korea and Phantom of the Opera where he was one of the youngest to be cast in the role. What are some of your favourites? Let us know!
Sorry but Jimi will take any excuse to feature Liza’s Losing My Mind cover...
Have a read of this article by playwright David Henry Hwang to hear his take on the Asian casting issues in theatre.
A CARTOON QUIZ QUESTION
We’ve got an audio clip for our next quiz question! If you can work out the identity of the cartoon being described, it’ll lead you towards the title of our next show!
Hosted By
Jimi
Tommy