MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-Australian actors Abigail Adriano and Seann Miley Moore will portray the lead roles in "Miss Saigon" as the award-winning musical returns to Philippine shores later this year.
Production company GMG Productions announced Adriano's casting on its social media pages with the help of theater veteran Lea Salonga, who originated Kim in London's West End in 1989.
"This is a mammoth undertaking, as I'm sure you are aware. It's not a brand new show so I think you are fully aware of what is required of you," said Salonga in a video being viewed by a smiling Adriano.
Salonga's advice for the 19-year-old Adriano was to "enjoy every moment of the process of creating the character, something to call absolutely yours."
Adriano was initially speechless at Salonga's message, even admitting she wanted to cry as she fanned herself. She later confirmed her casting on her own social media accounts.
GMG Productions then announced that Moore would be taking on the role of Engineer, which he currently plays in the Australian production of "Miss Saigon" in Adelaide, which runs until the first weekend of February,
The Sydney-based Adriano currently plays Kim in the Adelaide production, having portrayed her during the musical's run in Sydney Opera House.