Advice from first ‘Miss Saigon’ to Filipino newbies

RACHELLE Ann Go plays Gigi. She auditioned in Makati City. ARNOLD ALMACEN

Dear “Saigon” newbies Eva, Julia, Tanya, and Rachelle Ann: Congratulations on being cast in the 2014 West End production of “Miss Saigon!”

The announcements made many eyes shed copious tears and many hearts beat with pride. Around 25 years ago, we, your counterparts, were cast in the original company. Some of us, though well-traveled, had never lived abroad for any extended period of time. As someone who’s seen what you are about to see, indulge me for a moment as I give some advice.

Be professional

None of you is a neophyte. Be on time. Know your stuff. Without being a doormat, don’t be difficult to work with. Bring your sense of humor (you’re going to need it). Without kissing anyone’s butt, be the kind of person that any producer, director, janitor, etc. would want to work with again.

Keep learning more about the craft

You’re in London, one of the centers of theater in the world! Get recommendations for voice teachers, dance classes, acting coaches. If you’re the type who enjoys quiet afternoons, read. If you’re keeping up with school back home, make sure you carve out time for it.

Take care of yourself

A long run of any West End or Broadway show is a marathon, not a sprint. Get quality sleep. Find a good, inexpensive massage place. Get the names of doctors and acupuncturists. Eat healthy! Always carry an umbrella.

Please, don’t be a nightmare

This is my firmest piece of advice. I’ve heard of drama school kids behaving like entitled twits. One girl was in her third performance of “Hairspray” when, in the presence of a principal actor, she rolled her eyes and sighed. The actor gave her The Stare of Absolute Death and said, “Don’t you ever f****** do that again, not in my show!” She behaved far better after that.

You will have allowable sick days, to use when you are actually sick. They are not “party days,” or “tired days,” or freebie “vacation days.” Show love and respect by showing up and doing the best you can.

Have a bloody fabulous time!

London is such a beautiful city. Museums, plays and musicals, shopping, restaurants, the London Eye… Take plenty of pictures—stuff to talk about 25 years from now! And finally…

Take care of each other

Support each other in rehearsal, and be one another’s cheerleaders. You’re all extremely talented, but it’s far more important to be referred to as “good people.”

The good news of your casting has brought a ray of light. Amidst the deepest of our nation’s sorrows, we found something to be happy and hopeful about.