In the year or so since I last saw it the show seems to have gone through some changes, nothing drastic, but a sort of evolution as the cast have settled into the flow of things. The most obvious example being Jon Jon Briones’ glorious Engineer who has become funnier, a little more sinister and certainly more desperate. Briones still gives a stunning performance and it seems the rest of the cast, many of whom have been there since the show opened, are more comfortable in their reactions to him. It’s a similar story for Hugh Maynard’s John who seems more natural than at my previous visit.
Carolyn Maitland recently returned to the show, after understudying Ellen in the revival’s original cast. She achieved a great coup in getting me to finally admit to myself that Maybe is a great song. I’d still love to hear her take onNow That I’ve Seen Her though…
There’s a new Gigi in town too, Natalie Mendoza’s take is less of an ice queen who dominates the Engineer’s flock than an anxious would be escapee who uses cocaine highs to get through nights selling herself. It’s a portrayal that typifies the level of detail throughout the show, with every performer getting a moment, however brief, to develop character and add their own spin to proceedings.
It’s a little disappointing that Miss Saigon will close next year, but if this cast are anything to go by it will go out on a high!
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