Miss Saigon’s leading lady Abigail Adriano says playing the role of Kim has been “life-changing”.
“Every day is an emotional roller-coaster, but it’s been a fulfilling ride,” Abigail tells us.
After almost three months of performing to packed audiences at the Sydney Opera House, the show will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne from October 29, before heading to Adelaide in the new year.
WATCH NOW: Miss Saigon at the Sydney Opera House. Article continues after video.
The epic musical is based during the chaos of the Vietnam War. Abigail believes it perfectly highlights the strength of the Vietnamese people who fought to survive. She also hopes audiences appreciate the show for being an “evolving piece of art”.
“It’s a message about the past, present and future of mankind in the face of war, and the importance of realising that these issues still occur today,” she says.
“It’s reassurance that there is so much power and strength in humanity.”
A huge history buff, Abigail found the research process to be “enriching and eye-opening”.
While she admits there were days when the entire company would be “shattered” and in a “ball of tears” watching documentaries on the war, she was able to “overcome the sadness” thanks to the deep sense of justice she wanted to give her character.
Kim is one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre. Abigail says there have been moments where she’s felt overwhelmed by the legacy, but that it was a “beneficial pressure”.
It came as a result of feelings that were rooted in a “sense of duty” to colour Kim’s complexity with a “deep cultural and “historical” appreciation.
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