From one Fantine to another: Go, Shin!
RACHELLE Ann Go (left) and the author performed at the 25th anniversary gala of “Miss Saigon” last year. RICHARD DAVENPORT
A FEW days ago, news broke that Rachelle Ann Go, now a former Gigi in the 25th anniversary production of “Miss Saigon,” will be taking on a brand-new challenge: that of the role of tragic heroine Fantine in the West End production of “Les Misérables,” which will be celebrating its 30th year in October this year.
I e-mailed a few questions to Rachelle Ann, or Shin as we fondly call her, about her thoughts on this new adventure.
Go, Shin!
How do you feel now that the announcement has been made?
Oh, I can finally breathe! It was so hard to hide something as wonderful as that from other people. I was excited to share the good news with everyone.
Walk us through the process of your audition. When did you audition? What did you sing? How were you told that you got the part?
I auditioned last Feb. 20 in a room with the casting directors, musical director and resident director. I sang “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Fantine’s Death.”
The second audition was on Feb. 23 on the Queen’s Theater stage where “Les Miz” is actually playing. I sang some of the songs of Fantine while the resident director gave me notes about my performance.
Then, before the final audition on the 24th, I had a little prep session with the resident director and the musical director. After the talk, I had to perform in front of everyone, including (producer) Cameron Mackintosh who waved his hand when he saw me, saying “Oh … Hi, Rachelle!”
Then I sang the three Fantine songs: “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Fantine’s Death” and the song with Jean Valjean. Of course, while singing these wonderful songs, I was acting—with matching tears galore!
Good thing I was nervous so tears effortlessly flowed from my eyes! Then after I sang, all I heard was Cameron saying: “Good … quality. Thank you.”
They called me in again during the first week of March and this time (composer) Claude-Michel Schönberg was present and we tried to play around with the key of “I Dreamed a Dream.”
They asked which key I was comfortable with. At that point, I was really confused about what was happening! We even tried going to a higher key. Of course, I didn’t want to assume that they were offering me the role then. I just had to do my best.
They asked me to go to their office on March 13 (which happened to be my 11th year in the business) and I was given the good news: “We want you to play Fantine!”
I said, “No! Are you serious?!” I was having migraines at the time so I was so bewildered! And I got teary-eyed. (I really tried hard not to cry!)
I told them that it was one of my dream roles! They told me not to tell the public yet… But of course I had to call my family right away!
I started bursting into tears while I was walking down the road! Aaaaaah!
How long is your contract for?
One year, eight shows a week again. So good luck to me!
This is one of the most iconic roles in the musical theater canon, having been originated by Patti LuPone, and played by many noted theater names, as well as three Filipino actresses (me on Broadway, Joan Almedilla on the national tour in the United States, and Joanna Ampil in London). You are now about to be on that list. What are your thoughts?
I still can’t believe this great news. It feels surreal and I feel so honored and humbled to belong to this illustrious list of such talented women who played the same iconic role before me. You are all my inspiration.
What are you most nervous about as you start the rehearsal process?
I am nervous about everything! I guess creating my own Fantine is the hardest part. Acting-wise, I know it’s going to be a challenge.
Will your family be able to catch you as Fantine?
Definitely! They are all planning to go next year during summer. I can’t wait!
