Doors that ‘Saigon’ opened for Rachelle

RACHELLE Ann wept “tears of joy,” sharing the stage with the original Kim at the “Miss Saigon” gala. photo by EMMIE G. VELARDE

Her “Miss Saigon” character Gigi opened the door to “amazing” opportunities for Rachelle Ann Go. Thus, although she has until May 2015 to play the jaded bar girl, the 28-year-old Filipino singer-actress said she was exploring options that would require her to either stay in London or come home to Manila after her stint in the musical’s West End revival.

Rachelle flew in recently for a three-day engagement with a new clothing brand, and met reporters in a media gathering. She said auditions for new cast members for the musical’s next run had started. “We were told not to worry because not everyone will be replaced, and that we will be asked if we want to keep our current roles or consider others.”

While the role of Kim, currently being played by 18-year-old Filipino-American Eva Noblezada, would seem desirable, Rachelle said, “I see Eva perform onstage and her job is so vocally and emotionally draining.”

She is looking for an agent, she said, “because you need one in order to try out for other productions.” Another attractive prospect for her is the role of Eponine in “Les Misérables.” She’s watched several other musicals, besides, like “Phantom of the Opera,” “Matilda,” “Wicked” and “The Bodyguard.”

Most unforgettable

The most unforgettable part of her “Miss Saigon” journey so far was the 25th anniversary gala show, which was joined by original lead cast members Simon Bowman (Chris), Jonathan Pryce (The Engineer) and Lea Salonga (Kim).

Rachelle is thankful that “The Movie in My Mind”—her character Gigi’s show stopper—was among the numbers picked for the special program. She performed it with Lea, who told her that she was amazing. “I wept tears of joy,” said Rachelle.

The reviews were just as encouraging. “I’m so grateful; I didn’t think I would be noticed—it’s really a small role,” she said.

She has yet to reward herself for this accomplishment. “I’d like to build my dream house for my family,” she said. “I’m saving up for that.”

The onset of winter reminds Rachelle that she should take extra care of her voice. “Cold weather makes singing a little more difficult. I have to be very disciplined,” she pointed out. “I can’t afford to be sick because no one will take care of me.”

Sick days

She does eight shows a week, and on at least two occasions, she had to will herself into performing. She related: “I fell ill on Aug. 30, a day before my birthday. I had a cough, which made my voice hoarse—and I was supposed to do two shows, that day. I was crying while singing during the matinee show, because I couldn’t reach the notes. I had to excuse myself for the second show because I didn’t want to ruin it.”

The second time her health failed was, mercifully, after the 25th anniversary show. “We were rehearsing every day. It was a combination of stress, nerves and lack of sleep,” she recalled. She has since learned not to push her body. “It’s better to rest than risk getting sidelined for much longer.”

Rachelle trains with Mary Hammond (one of Lea’s teachers) whenever her schedule permits. “I’m learning new techniques and my vocal stamina has improved,” she said.

RACHELLE Ann (center) struts her stuff as a bar girl in “Miss Saigon.”

Unwinding

Her idea of unwinding on days off consists of house cleaning and practicing her cooking skills. “That’s therapy for me. But sometimes I just sleep!”

She gets homesick more now than she did in the first two months, when her schedule was tighter. That’s why she thanks Filipinos in London who troop to the Prince Edward Theatre to meet her, and ask for photo-ops and autographs. Some of them bring Filipino food, or offer to cook for her. She related, laughing, “One brought me cakes and I was like, ‘Ate, naka-two piece (bikini) po ako dito, ah!’”

Rachelle is also thrilled that her friend Mark Bautista made it to the cast of “Here Lies Love,” which opened in September,

also in London, to good reviews. “I’m happy that we’re making it in the international theater scene. I plan to watch him soon.”

They meet up often, she said, usually on Sundays to attend church. “It’s great to have someone I’m close to, someone I consider family, in London. Some other friends, like Erik Santos have visited, too, but did not stay long,” she said.

Mark used to court Rachelle. Teased about the possibility of them dating, she quipped, “Not a chance—we’re such tight friends.” Then, reminded that it would soon be really cold in London, she retorted, “What are blankets for?”

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