Intensity, raw emotion fill DSM’s stage

By Shari Goldstein Stern

Within the first scene of Dallas Summer Musicals’ current production of the Tony Award-winning, “Miss Saigon,” you know you’re in for an evening of some glorious music, at the very least.

Vocals by Emily Bautista as leading lady Kim, Stacie Bono playing Ellen and Christine Bunuan as Gigi are so rich and powerful, they capture you by the heart immediately and don’t let go. Leading man Chris, played sensitively by Anthony Festa, also accompanies your emotional journey with his magnificent voice, style and empathy throughout the show and, as with the women singers, doesn’t let go.

Set in Ho Chi Minh City in Saigon, the United States and Bangkok from 1975 – 1978, “Miss Saigon” tells a poignant story of passion, regret, angst and selflessness against a background of violence, cruelty and war in Vietnam. Based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera, “Madame Butterfly,” the story takes place during the critical period prior to Saigon’s 1975 fall. Chris, an American GI, falls in love with Kim, a first-time prostitute in a colorful but unseemly over-populated adult night club. Kim is a destitute, Vietnamese orphan.

“Miss Saigon” is based on the true story that inspired “Madame Butterfly,” which is not a unique one. It’s the story that has been told countless times following the Vietnam war and other wars before it when American servicemen served their country overseas. They fell in love, and then had to leave behind a family-in-the-making.

According to the show’s producers: “The iconic moment of a flying helicopter entering, landing and whisking Chris and John away happens in this new production and incorporates advances in theatrical technology since 1989, when the original London production opened.”  They continue: “The experience incorporates a combination of large engineering mechanisms, projection and lighting that make audiences believe this is the real thing.” The breathtaking production design is by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley.

Another “wow” moment is when a 1970s convertible enters the stage right through the nightclub, with the Engineer in the driver’s seat. 

Patrons who are entrenched in Dallas’ theatre community may agree: Another notable cast member is the Engineer, the night club’s shiny-red-suited, flamboyant, owner and barker who steals many a scene. Portrayed over-the-top by Red Concepcion, his flashy, unsubtle, in-your-face performance is perfectly delightful. 

 This new production is directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt.  

Andreane Neofitou makes a statement with her eye-catching costume designs. Bruno Poet’s lighting and Luke Halls’ unique projection may be the stars of the ensemble. Patrons won’t easily forget these thrilling and unexpected details. 

The mood is exactly what the story calls for, raucous at times, dark, painful and dismal at others. 

Set during the Vietnam War, the musical debuted in the late 1990s. More than 20 years later, it features issues that resonate today, like immigration, politics and women’s issues, including respect.

Provocative, seductive and beguiling, “Miss Saigon” runs through May 26 by the Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 1st Ave., Dallas, 75210. 

For tickets and information, visit DallasSummerMusicals.org or call 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.