The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through September 22, 2013
by Shera Cohen
This review is somewhat different from "In the
Spotlight"'s norm -- reason being that the Bushnell's season opener of
"Miss Saigon" is nearly like all of the other "Miss
Saigons" previously seen at this venue, in Boston, and in New York. ITS'
website archives do not include these earlier reviews because they originate
from our print-media days.
Let this critic and the readers quickly proceed to the
"givens" and then focus on the smaller gems.
The plot is "Madame Butterfly." The set is the
dark, war-torn dregs of 1970's Vietnam. The voices of the two lovers (Manna
Nichols' Kim and Charlie Brady' Chris) are exquisite and strong. They are a
physically beautiful duo. The third lead (the Pimp of Saigon called "The
Engineer" portrayed by Orville Mendoza) is as slimy a conman as they come.
The actor doesn't need a melodic voice, but one befitting his smarminess. All
of these vital elements lay in this current "Miss Saigon." No one
will be disappointed.
Then, there are other necessary elements which serve to make
this musical seemingly eternal. Although termed "minor roles," the
words denigrate the importance and talent of the full cast. For example, Meggie
Cansler's Ellen (the wife back home) delivers a poignant "Now That I've
Seen Her" to bring tears to audience members' eyes. While many are
familiar with the lovely "Why G-d Why?" and "Last Night of the
World" duets by Kim and Chris, Ellen's song with Kim, "I Still Believe,"
is a standout. Nkrumah Gatling's John (Chris' Army buddy) wallops a wrenching
"Bui-Doi," accompanied by video of abandoned Amer-Asian children.
Now, for everything else, those details which usually go
unnoticed to an average audience when done so perfectly. The choreography of
Vietnamese soldiers shows creativity unexpected in war scenes. The attempted
escape scene by Kim and others, barricaded by turning gates connoting both
sides of the walls to freedom, is masterful. The klieg lights and flashes in
pitch dark envelop the horror of humans and geography. Beat the drums for the
pit orchestra (conductor Kevin Stites), especially those on jungle-like
percussion.
With all of the perfect people and pieces going for it, the
helicopter is really unnecessary in an outstanding "Miss Saigon."
