TICKETS are now on sale for Douglas Choral Union's forthcoming production of Miss Saigon.
Back in July 2010 the DCU received the personal approval of Sir Cameron Mackintosh to perform the British Isles' amateur premiere of the world famous musical.
The production, which is set in 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War, will be staged at the Gaiety Theatre, Douglas from February 6 to 18 next year.
Tickets can be bought from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas, by ringing the ticket hotline on 600555 and online at www.villagaiety.com
Miss Saigon follows the success of the DCU's 2009 production of Les Misérables, Disney's Beauty and the Beast in 2010 and My Fair Lady earlier this year.
Douglas Choral Union chairman Alex Toohey said: "Today marks a major step forward in bringing our production of Miss Saigon to life.
"Tickets are on sale, rehearsals are underway, months and months of planning and preparation have taken place and are still ongoing – we are determined to stage something special and, judging by the rehearsals so far, I am confident that we will do so!
"This won't be just a show, this will be an experience!
"As in 2009 when we staged Les Misérables we will be holding a Gala Night Performance on Saturday, February 11 2012.
"This event will be a black tie event with drinks and canapés and a reception to be held in the Villa Arcade following the show to be attended by the Miss Saigon cast.
"All tickets to this event will be allocated to the dress circle and are priced at £50.
"Tickets to this event are not available through the VillaGaiety box office. Instead they can be purchased by contacting the DCU social secretary Kelly Lawson at DCUkelly@gmail.com"
Alex added: "To receive the personal approval of the most successful and influential theatrical producer in the world goes to highlight the growing reputation of the DCU.
"This is yet another coup for the DCU and the Isle of Man. As a society, each year we set ourselves high standards and to be recognised and afforded such shows as this is very humbling and makes me very proud.
"To be given this privilege is a once in a lifetime opportunity for those who will perform on stage in this production but it is also testament to the fantastic team we have backstage too.
"Without the commitment and dedication of everyone associated with the DCU we would not be able to bring our shows to life."
Miss Saigon is the second major success - following Les Misérables - for its writers Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil.
The musical is based on Giacomo Puccini's Madam Butterfly and tells the tragic tale of a doomed romance between a Vietnamese bar girl and her American GI lover.
The musical premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London on September 20 1989, closing after 4,264 performances, on October 30 1999.
DCU's production will be sponsored by Dougherty Quinn Advocates.
