Diana Huey, Jason Michael Evans, and Thom Sesma Lead MISS SAIGON at Signature Theatre, Beg. Tonight

Signature Theatre presents this summer's all-new production of Tony Award-winning musical Miss Saigon, directed by Signature Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. Running in the MAX Theatre beginning tonight, August 15, the production opens the theatre's 2013/14 season with all the adventure, romance, and excitement that Signature promises with the re-imagining of a classic musical.

The production will star Signature newcomers Diana Huey as the Vietnamese bar girl Kim, Jason Michael Evans as the American GI Chris, and Thom Sesma as the mysterious club owner who calls himself the Engineer. They are joined by many of Signature's most well-known actors, including Erin Driscoll (Spin, Company) as Ellen, Chris Sizemore (Chess, Sweeney Todd) as John, and Christopher Mueller (Spin, Brother Russia) as Tuey.

Cheryl Daro will play Gigi. Stephen Gregory Smith, James Gardiner, Gannon O'Brien, Vincent Kempski, Nicholas Yenson, Kevin Kulp, Ryan Sellers, Katie Mariko Murray, Tamara Young, and Eunice Bae round out the cast.

The production will be the first Miss Saigon in Washington in 15 years, said Schaeffer. "Audiences are in for an amazing experience - the reinvention of a beloved musical. Signature is pulling out all the stops on this production with a terrific cast, full-size orchestra, and a set that engulfs the entire 276 seat theatre. I can think of no better way to kick off our 24th season than with a new environmental production of Miss Saigon."

Miss Saigon features an award-winning creative team that includes Karma Camp (choreographer), Adam Koch (scenic designer), Frank Labowitz (costume designer), Chris Lee (lighting designer), Matt Rowe (sound designer), and Anne Nesmith (wig designer). Gabriel Mangiante is the Music Director, and Kerry Epstein is Production Stage Manager.

Created by the acclaimed writers of Les Miserables (produced by Signature in 2008), this modern, rock-infused adaptation of Puccini's 1904 opera Madame Butterfly explores the ongoing impact of love, loss, and the collision of cultures during the Vietnam War. Originally produced in London's West End in 1989, the show played for an astonishing ten years - a run of over four thousand performances. Broadway success followed in 1991.

A 15-piece orchestra backs Miss Saigon's 18-member cast, bringing to life an electrifying score featuring hit songs including "The Heat Is On," "I Still Believe," "Why God Why?" and "The American Dream."

This production will also premiere the new song "Maybe," written for Ellen.