The role of Kim in the much-acclaimed Miss Saigon was first played by Lea Salonga in 1989. Now, 25 years later, Filipino-American Eva Noblezada is taking on the iconic role, reports PEP.ph. “You think that the lightning doesn't strike twice. But, in fact, sometimes it does,” Miss Saigon lyricist Alain Boublil says.
Born and raised in Charlotte, New Carolina, the 17-year-old was reportedly discovered at a high school concert. Although she has no experience performing professionally, Eva seems perfect for the role. “And it's a miracle because she sees Saigon as if she was Kim,” says Miss Saigon composer Claude Michel Schönberg.
Jon Jon Briones, another Filipino, has also been selected to participate in the London production. He is to play the role of The Engineer—a pivotal part that was made famous by Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce.
Producer Cameron Mackintosh recalls how he had first met the Jon Jon way back when he was staging auditions in Manila.
“When I first started to audition in Manila, he was working as a sort of runner in a local production outfit out there that is helping us set up the auditions. And he plunged his way into the rehearsal and we gave him an audition. And remarkably, he got into the original London cast and worked alongside Jonathan,” he said.
Rachelle Anne Go has also landed an important part in Miss Saigon. She plays Gigi and has one of the first biggest moments on stage.
Miss Saigon will begin its run at the Prince Edward Theater in London on May 3, 2014. Watch the announcement of the cast here.
(Screencaps courtesy of YouTube)
