Photo Flash: MISS SAIGON Wellington, New Zealand Running ‘til 4/24

Richard Maltby, Jr., Alain Boulil and Claude Michel-Schönberg's 20-year-old sung-through pop opera is currently playing ST. James Theatre, Wellington, New Zealand until April 24, 2010. 

Its production notes have made mention that this "Miss Saigon" has brought in the stunning sets and costumes from the Melbourne production, which was bankrolled by British producer Cameron Mackintosh in 2007. 

"This is a huge coup for us. Anyone who is familiar with the show knows that the sets and costumes play an enormous role in making 'Miss Saigon' the awe-inspiring theatre-going experience that it is. Securing the gear from Melbourne is fantastic for us and fantastic for Wellington audiences," says Michael Highsted, the show's executive producer.

"...The second act of 'Miss Saigon' features the apparent centre-stage descent and ascent of a US military helicopter in a maelstrom of light, sound and action that sends audience-members' emotions cart-wheeling," he adds. 

"Miss Saigon" presents an updated interpretation of Giacomo Puccini's "Madame Butterfly".  This time, an American G.I. Chris meets and falls in love with a young orphaned Vietnamese bargirl Kim, while the Vietnam War spirals out of control. 

"Miss Saigon" Wellington features Filipino singer Ivy Rose Padilla, in her theatre debut, as Kim; Matthew Pike as Chris; Waylon Edwards as the sleazy pimp known as The Engineer; Gemma Boyle as Chris' American wife Ellen; and Chris Crowe as Chris' best friend John. 

Grant Meese directs.

For tickets, visit ticketek.com or www.misssaigonnz.com