BWW Reviews: MISS SAIGON Flies Away From the Fisher Theatre Oct 6

Now on stage at the Fisher Theatre is the musical "Miss Saigon," the modern retelling of Madame Butterfly. Miss Saigon is a classic - the US tour is great, and well executed. The singing and dancing are flawless, while the leads have incredible voices. Saigon is rather depressing, but it is very moving and certainly worth seeing. The show closes today, but there are seats available for the 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm performances.

A special open captioned performance of Miss Saigon has been announced for tonight at 7:30 pm. Seats are being held in an area of the main floor for this performance for those who are in need of this service. Tickets for this reserved section may be purchase in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office or by phone at 313-872-1000, ext. 0.

CAST BIOS

Manna Nichols (Kim) feels blessed to return to the role of Kim! Off-Broadway: Tokio Confidential, Frog Kiss, Oklahoma!. Regional: Arena Stage (My Fair Lady), Walnut Street (King & I, Miss Saigon), Pioneer (Les Miserables), Fulton (Miss Saigon), North Shore & TOTS (King & I), Maine State (Les Miserables). www.mannanichols.com

Orville Mendoza (Engineer) in his 20-year career has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in many regional theaters across the country, appeared on network TV, and several commercials. He is a Barrymore Award winner and a Drama Desk Award nominee. He is thrilled to be playing the Engineer once again after touring for almost six years in the original 2nd National Company of Miss Saigon. www.orvillemendoza.com

Charlie Brady (Chris) Broadway: Lincoln Center Theater's South Pacific (OBC, Lt Cable u/s); Off-Broadway: The Burnt Part Boys, Playwrights Horizons/Vineyard Theater; Tours: South Pacific, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!; Regional: The Master Butcher's Singing Club (Guthrie Theater), Xanadu (Signature Theater), Zelda and Evita (Flat Rock Playhouse), The Burnt Part Boys (Barrington Stage Company), St. Ex (Weston Playhouse), Westside Story and The King & I, (Muny, Starlight Theatre): TV/ FILM: "Law and Order," "Guiding Light." BFA in Drama, Carnegie Mellon University.

Meggie Cansler (Ellen) made her professional debut at Starlight Theatre in Annie at age 10. Broadway: The Apple Tree, Wicked, Finian's Rainbow. Tour: Wicked (u/s Galinda). Off-Broadway: Lucky Guy (Wanda/ Chicky cover) TV: "The Carrie Diaries." Favorite regional: Somewhere in Time (PCS), Ariel in Footloose (Muny), Ruby in Dames At Sea (American Heartland). BFA University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

JONNY HSU LEE (Thuy). Past credits include Ching Ho in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Ito in Mame, Michael in iMaginary Heart, Jack in Into The Woods at the Oguma Playhouse, and Henry in Next To Normal. As a writer, Jonny has written many works including the musical Welcome To Shoofly and conceptualized the award winning ten minute musical, Cookie Soiree. Jonny is also the co-creator and star of the Broadway themed web series City Of Dreams produced by Fat Dumpling Productions.

Nkrumah Gatling (John) is happy to be joining his new Saigon family! Broadway: 1st National Tour, Hair. Regional: Band Geeks (Goodspeed), Miss Saigon, Dreamgirls, Wonderful Life (TUTS).

Rona Figueroa (Gigi; Ensemble) originally from San Francisco Bay, has been based in NYC for the past couple decades. Her first professional job was the 1st National Tour of Miss Saigon where she started in the ensemble. An offer to play the lead brought her to New York. She is thrilled to now play the saucy Gigi. Other Broadway: Eponine in Les Miserables, Nine Revival, Lennon. Regional: We Will Rock You, RENT, Boys From Syracuse, Jesus Christ Superstar. TV: "Gossip Girl," "Royal Pains," "3rd Watch," "Cosby Show," "Chang Family Saves the World" (ABC pilot). Film: Dragonheart, A New Beginning (including song in end credits), Slow Jam King. Rona is also a songwriter and had her own rock band: QUASILULU. Her two original rock albums are available on iTunes and CDbaby.

DAPHNE ZHANG VALENTA (Tam) is a talented 4-year-old fluent in English, Czech and Chinese. She loves dancing, musicals, and imaginary play. She is lovely, joyful, funny, energetic, caring, and shy at times; but mostly she is a sweet little girl with big dreams, who is very excited playing "Tam" in Miss Saigon.

ARIANNA L. YI (Tam) is ecstatic to be making her debut in Miss Saigon! She is 4 years old and lives in Kansas City, Missouri. Arianna enjoys modeling, singing and dancing. She also loves reading, drawing and being a big sister.

Katie Boren (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to the world of Miss Saigon after touring with the show nationally and performing it regionally. Other credits include Lysistrata Jones (OBC), ...Spelling Bee, Avenue Q, The King & I and Allegiance. Katie is a member of AEA and a proud graduate of Ithaca College.

Andy Danh (Ensemble) Starlight Theatre debut! Regional: The King & I (TOTS), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Bandleader), Once Upon a Mattress (Minstrel), Anything Goes (Luke), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ching Ho), RENT (Steve), Into the Woods (Cinderella's Prince/Wolf). Proud AEA Member. andydanh.com

Robyn DeGuzman (Ensemble) is happy to be on the road again! Previous tours: Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl/Ass't Dance Captain) and Elf (Ensemble). Regional: Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette) at Fireside Theatre; Annie Get Your Gun, Guys and Dolls, Miss Saigon at Arizona Broadway Theatre; NAAP's Hello, Dolly! in NYC.

Dan Gleason ( Ensemble; u/s Chris) is thrilled to be a part of Miss Saigon! Tours: American Idiot, 1st National. Regional: My One and Only (Goodspeed), Shenandoah, King & I (Mount Gretna), Baby (Pennsylvania Centre Stage). Proud graduate of Penn State, BFA.

Chris Ignacio (Ensemble) is an NYC based performer, originally from San Antonio, TX. He graduated from the Boston Conservatory and has performed regionally, in NY and abroad. His most recent credits include the role of Jason in Medea, and working with choreographer, Baayork Lee for the National Asian Artists Project (NAAP).

Eric Anthony JOHNSON (Ensemble) is thrilled to be with this amazing production! Selected credits: West Side Story (1st National Tour), CABARET and The Donkey Show at American Repertory Theater, Sacramento Music Circus, Northern Stage. BFA BoCo. Instagram: ericanthonyjohnson

Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Ensemble; u/s John) is excited to be a part of this production of Miss Saigon. He was last seen in California originating the role of Larry in the world premiere of Higher Education. Some of his credits include, Broadway: Howard in Finian's Rainbow, Hairspray. National and International tour experience as well as regional and off broadway experience. Film: Back to Me (TZ), Joyful Noise with Queen Latifah & Dolly Parton (Assistant Choreographer/Cameo). Tyrick has been featured in many readings/workshops in NYC and has made numerous television appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Austin Ku (Ensemble) Returns to Kansas City Starlight where he was last seen in Anything Goes/Luke. Broadway Tour: Chinglish/Bing. Off-Broadway/NYC: Tokio Confidential/ Akira, Hello, Dolly!/Ambrose, NYMF. Regional: favorites include The King and I/ Lun Tha at Walnut Street (Barrymore Award nominee), Miss Saigon/Thuy at Ogunquit Playhouse (IRNE Award nominee), the world premiere of Sunfish/Monk at Stoneham Theatre (BroadwayWorld Boston Award nominee), and Sweeney Todd/Anthony at Foothill Music Theater (Dean Goodman Award recipient). Film: Fall to Rise (2014). TV: "Assistance" (2013 NBC sitcom pilot). Education: The Boston Conservatory, UC Berkeley, Rice University. www.Austin-Ku.com

Glen Llanes (Ensemble) is excited to be doing this production of Miss Saigon with Starlight Theatre. International Tours and productions: Legally Blonde (Carlos), Xanadu (Terpsicore/ Hermes) Little Night Music (Mr. Erlanson), King & I ( Broadway Asia Tour). NYC/ Regional: Miss Saigon (Thuy), King & I ( Lun Tha), RENT (Angel), Voices of the Wind (NYC Fringe). University of Southern California grad.

Garen McRoberts (Ensemble) is so excited to perform in his first production of Miss Saigon. He performed in the National Tour of Little House on the Prairie - The Musical which traveled the Midwest back in 2009/2010. Born and raised in Kenosha, WI, and proud graduate of The University of Michigan. www.garenmcroberts.com

Shoba Narayanan (Ensemble; u/s Kim; u/s Ellen) is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory. Most Recent: Gary Goldfarb: Master Escapist (as Cheryl Samatasingher- Stein) in the New York Musical Theater Festival. Other credits: Bunty Berman Presents (Off-Broadway), Carousel (National Asian Artists Project), Oklahoma!, West Side Story, Les Miserables. TV: "Gossip Girl." Shoba is also a professional Bharathanatyam (South Indian classical) dancer, performing both ensemble and solo performances in the US and India. www.shobanarayanan.org

ROMMEL PIERRE O'CHOA (Assistant Choreographer; Dance Captain; Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of Miss Saigon again! Originally from the Philippines but now residing in NYC, he has traveled the world with productions such as West Side Story, The King & I, Hello Dolly, 9 to 5 and Miss Saigon.

YUKI OZEKI (Ensemble; Swing) is excited to be on the road with Miss Saigon again! Credits include - National/Int'l Tours: Miss Saigon (Dance Captain, Swing,) The King & I (Topsy, Simon, Little Eva, Fan Dancer.) Off-Broadway: Hello Dolly! (National Asian Artists Project) Regional: A Chorus Line (Casa Mañana, Naples Dinner Theatre - Connie,) The King & I (Lyric Theatre of OK - Associate Choreographer, Little Eva; Lyric Opera VA - Choreographer; Ash Lawn Opera - Eliza; Starlight Theatre - Topsy, Fan Dancer)

Alfie Parker, Jr. (Ensemble). Thanks God for his continual grace. Broadway: South Pacific, including "Live at Lincoln Center" broadcast. 1st National Tour tour of Memphis-The Musical. Nat'l Tour: Evita. Regional: HMS Pinafore including "PBS Performing Arts Special," The Wiz, Barnum, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Swing. Dance: Pilobolus, Koresh Dance Company (intern), Nommo African Dance Company.

DAVID RAIMO (Ensemble; Captain Schultz) is thrilled to be joining the Starlight Theatre team in this production. Broadway Tours: Mamma Mia! (Sky), Chicago (Fred Casely/Billy Flynn), CATS (Munkustrap), Joseph... Dreamcoat (Simeon). Favorite regional credits: Guys and Dolls (Hollywood Bowl), Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy), White Christmas (Bob Wallace), The Fantasticks (Matt). www.davidraimo.com

PETER ROMAGNA (Ensemble) is so pleased to be working on this wonderful production of Miss Saigon! Starlight Theatre and Tour debut! Regional: NSMT, Goodspeed Opera House, New Repertory Theatre, Seacoast Repertory, Stoneham Theatre. Boston Conservatory graduate.

MICHIKO SASAKI (Ensemble) is grateful to be part of Miss Saigon! A bi-coastal talent, in theatre, television and film. Broadway/ National Tour: 42nd Street (National Touring Company), Radio City Rockette. Regional: Cha Cha in Grease, Consuela in West Side Story, Crazy For You, The King & I, and Catherine in The View From the Bridge. TV/ Film: "The Fresh Beat Band" (Nickelodeon), "Bunheads" (ABC Family), "General Hospital" (ABC), "White Collar" (USA) and an independent film In the Night as Sachiko. Brigham Young University-Hawaii graduate.

Christopher Shin (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Starlight Theatre debut! Broadway: Mary Poppins (Closing Cast). Regional: Ching Ho, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ogunquit Playhouse); Arpad, She Loves Me (Westport Country Playhouse); Mark, A Chorus Line (North Shore); Bun Foo, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Merry Go Round Playhouse); Sacramento Music Circus, Walnut Street Theatre, Arkansas Rep, Seven Angels Theatre, Fireside Dinner Theatre. BFA- NYU: Tisch (CAP21). AEA.

SAM SIMAHK (Ensemble; Swing) is thrilled to return to Miss Saigon with this beautiful production. Previous credits include: Ocean State Theatre (The King & I), Ogunquit Playhouse (Miss Saigon), Lyric Stage (Spelling Bee), Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre (Carousel, Thoroughly Modern Millie), and Seacoast Rep (Grease). Proud graduate of Emerson College and member of AEA.

RICHARD M. STEELE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of Miss Saigon. He recently graduated from the University of Buffalo with a BFA in Music Theatre, and recently performed in Busch Garden's Celtic Fyre show.

VIET VO (Ensemble, u/s Engineer). Originally from Hawaii. Theatre Credits: Liam/Seeking Sondheim, Det. Rainrassek/Funeral!, Pedro Rivera/Brownstone Breakdown, Jigger/ Carousel (NAAP), Agent 1/Aliens with Extraordinary Skills. TV Credits - "Lost."

ALLEN LUCKY WEAVER (Ensemble; u/s Thuy) is excited to join Actor's Equity Association with Starlight Theatre's production of Miss Saigon. Allen has been blessed to work on Miss Saigon at the Walnut Street Theatre, Fulton Opera House, and CFRT. Other regional credits include; RENT at Media Theatre and 11th Hour Theatre Company.

ANNA-LEE WRIGHT (Yvette; Ensemble) is thrilled to be back in Miss Saigon after last playing in the show at Ogunquit Playhouse. Having performed internationally as well as choreographing the world premiere of Piggy Nation, an off-broadway children's musical, she can also be seen in this year's NY Lottery commercial series and played Gladys in Kander and Ebb's NYC premiere workshops of The Skin of Our Teeth.

Jessica Wu (Mimi; Ensemble) Broadway/ NYC: A Chorus Line, Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare in the Park), Babes in Toyland (Lincoln Center); Tours: Tommy Tune's Dr. Doolittle, The King & I, Miss Siagon, The Wizard of Oz, A Chorus Line; Regional: Arena Stage, PCLO, Starlight Theatre, TUTS, Baltimore CenterStage, Sacramento Music Circus; Steinhardt, NYU.

MINAMI YUSUI (Yvonne; Ensemble) is grateful to be a part of this production. Credits: Mary Poppins (National Tour); James and the Giant Peach (Goodspeed); Wicked (Japan); The King & I (Walnut Street); Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Japan); Chicago (Flat Rock); CATS (MSMT). A native of Kanazawa, Japan.

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