Dancap Productions/Pittsburgh CLO – Schönberg/Boublil’s Miss Saigon

Reviewed by Paula Citron

Well, I had another genuine theatre surprise. Miss Saigon still has a powerful punch. 17 years later, one can truly appreciate how composer Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyricist Alain Boublil mirrored Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

The show opened in London in 1989 and the Toronto production followed in 1993. What is astonishing is that after 17 years, Ma-Anne Dionisio and Kevin Gray are reprising their roles as Kim and the Engineer respectively. In fact, the singing in Miss Saigon, which is operatic in format, is very strong.

This good-looking new production from Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera has been deftly directed and choreographed by Barry Ivan. It is a road show with quality.

There are some problems. Aaron Ramey as the American GI Chris looks stiff and beefy. Kevin Gray’s accent garbles his words, and the diction of the chorus is deplorable. Nonetheless, this production is definitely worth a visit.

Miss Saigon continues at the Four Seasons Centre until Aug. 1.

Miss Saigon
Dancap Productions/Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera
Composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg
Lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil
Directed and choreographed by Barry Ivan
Starring Ma-Anne Dionisio, Kevin Gray, Aaron Ramey, Josh Tower, Devin Ilaw and Becca Ayers
Four Seasons Centre, Jul. 9 to Aug. 1