Miss Saigon @ The Hippodrome – BBC Birmingham

Reviewed by Theatre correspondent Andy Knowles

First the forecast: the heat is ON in Saigon and it’s very definitely hot, hot, hot at the Hippo. The outlook: a sizzling summer of sassy, stunning, stirring and sensual music that will surely help the theatre break all box office records. 

Yes, the storm that is Miss Saigon has finally arrived in town. And Cameron Mackintosh’s much-heralded mega production certainly doesn’t fail to woo and wow. 

Never before has the Midlands staged such a massive production, and it’s due testimony to its huge development investment that the Birmingham Hippodrome is one of only a handful of theatres in the country capable of housing this classic love story.

It is quite simply one of the largest shows ever staged anywhere in the world, boasting a cast of 44, a 19 piece orchestra, more than 40 backstage staff, 22 trucks, over 350 costumes, a life-sized computer-operated helicopter, an American Cadillac and an 18 foot statue of Ho Chi Minh. And that’s not to mention the 12 interchangeable sets. Make no mistake this is one blockbuster of a musical which delivers shivers down the spines of even the most hardened critics. 

The show

Set in Vietnam in the mid-seventies during the final days of the American occupation, it’s the story of two young lovers – one an American GI, the other a shy, weak innocent local teenage girl – who are separated by the fall of Saigon. 

Their subsequent fate is recounted with power and passion. It has, as Cameron Mackintosh himself, points out “a central theme about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events.” The outcome is one of great human tragedy. 

It’s a visually stunning show, which transports you from the grim, dark back streets of Saigon, to the brashness of Bangkok’s red-light district through to the bright red banners of the victory pageant in the newly renamed Ho Chi Minh City. 

Along the way you experience a roller-coaster of emotion which leaves you both drained, and fulfilled. Believe me, it’s exhausting work sitting in the front stalls! 

Rarely have I witnessed a production that is so slick and so flawless. The principal characters are all highly impressive; the supporting cast strong and tireless. I defy anyone to find fault. Top rating, for me, though must go to Ima Castro as Kim, the delicate flower of innocence who becomes the fully competent survivor through circumstance. 

She plays the role with the perfect blend of tenderness and steadfastness – and what’s more she sings beautifully. Opposite her David Shannon as Chris her GI lover also possesses a voice oozing with power and range. The passion between them overflows – and no wonder, ‘cos it’s the real thing. The couple recently got engaged! (So how about a wedding on the Hippodrome stage, folks? What a photo opportunity that would be.) 

Who to look out for

Leo Tavarro Valdez is another to catch the eye as the colourful, cocky, and at times desperate Engineer, part pimp, part brothel-keeper, part ducker-and diver, and very much a survivor. He impressively maintains an extremely high energy level throughout and excels in his big number “The American Dream” – complete with 22 carat Miss Liberty rising from her shiny Cadillac! 

Two others to single out are Hugh Maynard and Robert Vicencio. Mr Maynard makes a triumphant return to the City of his birth, as Chris’s close friend G1 John. He’s particularly impressive when leading the gospel choir with gusto in the highly emotive “Bui-Doi” at the opening of Act 2 – the homage to all those unwanted children who are the unwitting victims of war. 

And as Thuy, Kim’s heart-broken former lover Mr Vicencio, performs with passion, and sings with equal emotion. The real musical spine-tinglers, though, are sung by the two principal lovers, “Sun and Moon” and “The Last Night of the World.” Wonderful stuff! 

A show you won’t forget 

The word “unmissable” may be applicable but is over-used in theatrical reviews. “Compulsory viewing” would be my recommendation – but don’t just take my word for it, see it and experience it for yourself. One thing’s for sure, you’ll never forget it.