Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary

Simple put, I like the theme and the music, fantastic choreograph, scene setup. But the story will be boring as hell with out the character "engineer" a Pimp. the main characters are boring and way too easy to forget. you can watch haft way of the show and realize you can't remember their name.

Perfectly shot adaptation of the stage show with a great cast. My only complaint is the unnecessary lyric changes and the songs that were omitted.

No spoilers here, no long reviews, just put simply, if you haven't seen it, go watch it now. You can thank me later.

If you have seen it already, go watch it again!

This show is magnificent, so powerful. I was there opening night of the original production and I loved some of the changes they made. I cried at least 3 times (and I am very familiar with the show). I am so glad that these actors were filmed and we now have this amazing production we can now see over and over again. It is perfectly cast, the intensity of the show is overwhelming (in a good way) these actors give you no choice but to go on this journey with them, they pull you in from the beginning. I especially loved the new opening with Kim and the Engineer. The strength of these talents on the stage is a gift we are given while we watch this journey. The Engineer was amazing, to be able to despise his cruelty but yet like and feel for him is an amazing actor embodying the best of his gifts. I am not sure of the words for the actress playing Kim, the minute you see her you want to protect her but we watch her strength emerge, stunning performance. Everyone in this company gives it their all every minute, every second and never lets us done. The act 2 opening is powerful, beautiful solo done with such emotion and conviction, Bravo! Highly recommended!

The production value of this version is impressive, and the performances are mostly good... but the changes they've made are inexplicable. I understand the necessity of rewriting lyrics when needed, but to change them to nonsensical drivel is unforgivable. For instance, they absolutely destroyed the song "Please" by altering the lyrics and making them totally lame and completely devoid of passion and feeling. The song is supposed to end on the word "please" for a reason...

As for casting, I'm pleased with everyone except Ellen. Her performance was just awful. Add that to the mortal sin of deleting one of the best Broadway songs of all time ("Now That I've Seen Her"), and I just have to shake my damn head. I don't know why they got rid of this beautiful gem of a song and replaced it with an empty, boring piece of garbage that made no sense.

For all of that, I gave to give this a mediocre review. Miss Saigon has always been one of my favorite musicals... but I simple can't include this production. I have season tickets to our local broadway theatre and will be seeing Miss Saigon this season. I only hope it has improved or at least been restored to its former glory.