MANILA, Philippines — Lea Salonga, Joana Ampil, Isay Alvarez and Rachelle Ann Go are just some of the Filipinos who became part of the international theater musical “Miss Saigon.”
In 2014, Rachelle Ann made it to the West End staging of the musical. This has paved the way for her to join other international musicals like “Les Miserables” which will staged in Manila in March.
Now the Asian audition for “Miss Saigon” is about to start and Philippines is one of their stops.
Composer Claude Michel Schonberg said they want to look for cast members in the Philippines “[there’re] so many talented people.”
“As a matter of fact, without the Filipino we could have never staged the first production of ‘Saigon’ in London,” he added in an interview with Marie Lozano aired in ABS-CBN news program “TV Patrol” on Thursday.
Joana Ampil who once played the role of Kim in the musical gave a tip to those who aspire to be part of “Miss Saigon.”
“If you want to sing a soprano song, it doesn’t matter as long as it can show off your range,” she said. “I know it’s nerve-wracking, but just remember that the people in the panel want to see your best and are rooting for you, they’re not against you,” Joana said.
The team is looking for performers aged 16 to 40 years old with a strong singing voice in all vocal ranges, fluent in English. Having dance skills is a bonus.
The registration for the audition will happen on March 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. While the Audition proper will happen on March 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both the registration and audition proper will happen at Opera Haus in 3657 Bautista Street, Makati City. — Joyce Jimenez