BWW Interviews: Rachelle Ann Go, MISS SAIGON's New Gigi

Before leaving for London, Rachelle Ann Go, "Miss Saigon's" new Gigi, will stage a send-off concert in Manila.

"Miss Saigon" returns to London at Prince Edward Theatre starting May 3, 2014.

Manila, Philippines, January 24, 2014--Rachelle Ann Go, 27-year-old concert and stage artist, is staging a concert titled "Miss Rachelle: The Send-off Concert" on Saturday, February 22, 8 p.m. at Meralco Theatre before she flies to London to revive the role of Gigi in the 25th anniversary production of Cameron Mackintosh's "Miss Saigon."

The concert, whose repertoire includes chill and acoustic songs, will also celebrate Go's 10th anniversary as a performer.

Did she ever think of playing a role in "Miss Saigon"?

When Go first saw a production of "Miss Saigon" in Canada several years ago, she told herself that she wanted to be part of the production. With that desire in her heart, she decided to try her luck when "Miss Saigon" held a highly publicized tryout in Manila in November 2012.

According to her, landing the role of Gigi, a hardened bar girl who sings "Movie In My Mind" with the show's lead character, Kim, was unexpected because she was already on the verge of accepting she did not make the cut until an email came from Mackintosh's office 10 months after the auditions.

"At first, I thought it was a joke when I received the email offering me to play Gigi," she recalled.

How is she preparing for London?

Staging "Miss Rachelle: The Send-off Concert" is her way of temporarily leaving the local mainstream entertainment scene with a bang!

Her move to London would be both exciting and challenging.

"It will be my first time to be away from my family for a year and to live alone," she said. "I have to do the household chores, too."

Tony winner Lea Salonga, "Miss Saigon's" original Kim, has shared one useful tip, "Learn the English accent." While Isay Alvarez, who originated the role of Gigi in 1989, has encouraged Go to enroll in classes in between breaks so she can further hone her skills.

Go is set to leave for London a few days after her Manila concert.

Will she pursue theater after "Miss Saigon"?

Go is not closing her doors to doing other theatrical productions after "Miss Saigon."

A proud Christian, she believes that God has brought her this far for a purpose. She is also thankful to Atlantis Productions' directors Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga who encouraged her to do local musicals, e.g. Disney's "The Little Mermaid" and Disney's "Tarzan." If not for them, she would not have the opportunity to get noticed and develop the confidence of doing musical theater.

She is also thankful to BroadwayWorld.com, where she was awarded Best Actress in A Musical in 2012 for her portrayal of Ariel in the Asian premiere of Disney's "The Little Mermaid," staged by Atlantis Productions in Manila.

"Miss Rachelle: The Send-off Concert" is presented by Cornerstone Concerts and Pink Productions. For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Of note, Go will also perform--singing one of the newly written songs for the new production of "Miss Saigon"-- in "Do You Hear the People Sing?" benefit concert, alongside Lea Salonga, David Harris, and Marie Zamora, among others, at Resorts World Manila's Newport Performing Arts Theatre on Wednesday, January 29, and Thursday, January 30. Proceeds will go to the construction of 200 permanent shelters for the survivors of super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in central Philippines.

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