A review of Miss Saigon by isleofman.com reporter John Gregory:
"WHENEVER I go to see a production by Douglas Choral Union I expect very high standards.
The reason for this is simple – every show I have seen by DCU in recent years has been stunning.
The acting, singing, costumes and effects have been first rate. People should not be fooled into thinking that because they are seeing a 'local' production it does not compare to the best elsewhere.
The DCU's shows have been comparable – or better than – professional touring productions I have seen in the UK and rank alongside some of those I have seen in the West End.
So, does the DCU's production of Boublil and Schonberg's Miss Saigon live up to these high standards?
The answer, in a nutshell, is yes.
I will be honest and admit I didn't know too much about the plot before seeing the show. I certainly wasn't prepared for what an intense experience it is.
Many musicals can be a light, happy experience. Miss Saigon is dark and while its backdrop is war its personal themes are just as harrowing.
I also did not know that there is no stand alone dialogue – every word in the production is part of a song. Sometimes I do not like this in a production as I do feel it can actually weaken the impact of the music. I find there is nothing worse in a show as when someone bursts into song because they are off to the shops or to get their hair cut or something else trivial.
That clearly never happens in Miss Saigon. And while I wondered whether I liked the concept of continuous singing in the first act, I had thoroughly got my head round it and thought it was brilliant in the second.
The story starts in April 1975 when US Marine Chris (played brilliantly by Jonathan Sleight) meets Kim (the equally impressive Rebecca Lawrence) in a sleazy club run by the Engineer (the excellent David Artus).
But this is not a casual fling – the two fall in love. However their romance is doomed.
Years later Chris has a wife in the US and it is through his fellow US Marine John (Alex Toohey) that he hears of news of Kim.
I won't go too much into the story as I do not want to spoil it for others. However the musical deals with gritty, harsh and real issues not found in some other musicals.
And just as a warning to those sensitive to these things, it also features swearing and adult themes.
Overall, Douglas Choral Union maintains a truly exceptional standard here. Every single person – whether they are on the stage or off – should be applauded for this achievement.
DCU Chairman Alex Toohey said it is the DCU’s most ambitious production to date and I can well see why."
Miss Saigon will run until Saturday, February 18, and tickets are still available by contacting the Villa Gaiety Box Office on 01624 600555.
