Abigail Adriano to star as Kim in Philippine leg of Miss Saigon
Abigail Adriano. Image: Instagram/@abigailadrianoo
Filipina-Australian theater actress Abigail Adriano was confirmed to take on the titular role of Kim in the Philippine leg of Boublil & Schönberg’s classic musical “Miss Saigon,” which will be staged in March.
Adriano’s casting was announced by organizer GMG Productions on its social media platforms on Monday, Jan. 15. She also took on the lead role in the musical’s Australia run from August to October 2023.
“Introducing our incredible Kim for the #MissSaigonPH season, Abigail Adriano,” its caption read.
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Adriano also became emotional as she received a video message from Lea Salonga, who first portrayed Kim in the musical’s original West End and Original Broadway run in 1989 and 1991, as seen in a separate post.
“This is Lea Salonga and I just heard that you’ll be playing the role of Kim in ‘Miss Saigon.’ This is a mammoth undertaking as I’m sure you’re aware. It’s not a brand new show so I think you’re fully aware of what is required,” Salonga told Adriano.
Manila, meet your Kim!
We are thrilled to announce that Abigail Adriano will be playing the role of Kim at the Theatre at Solaire this March.#MissSaigonPH pic.twitter.com/EiC7HAYh4B
— GMG Productions (@GMGProds) January 15, 2024
Despite the gravity of the role, Salonga reminded Adriano to “create something” that would make her portrayal hers.
“One piece of advice that I can impart is just to enjoy every moment of the process of creating this character. But create something that you can call absolutely yours. Break a leg. Have a wonderful time. Enjoy everything and I hope the run is successful,” she added.
The Filipina-Australian also shared glimpses of her experiences bringing the character to life on her Instagram account, where she wore Vietnamese costumes to show Kim’s nationality.
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Adriano started her theater career at six years old and studied “both classical and contemporary” music under the tutelage of Australia-based voice teacher Peter Bodnar, as seen on the official website of performing arts company Opera Australia.
Her first theatrical performance was in the Tim Minchin-led “Matilda the Musical” as Alice. She also appeared in the web series “The Unlisted” and “The Voice Kids Australia.”
Details about the cast are yet to be revealed, as of this writing.
“Miss Saigon” tells the story of Kim Vietnamese orphan Kim who falls in love with an American GI named Chris at the backdrop of the Vietnam War.
