Kiara Dario to play Gigi as ‘Miss Saigon’ announces full Manila cast

MANILA, Philippines — The full cast of the upcoming Manila run of "Miss Saigon" has been announced, headlined by Filipino-Australians Abigail Adriano and Seann Miley Moore.

Abigail and Seann were previously announced to portray Kim and the Engineer, respectively, after they finish their performances in Australia, where they currently play the characters.

Theater veteran Lea Salonga, who originated Kim in London's West End in 1989, assisted in officially announcing that Abigail bagged the coveted role for the years-long return of "Miss Saigon" to the Philippines.

Joining the pair is Filipina actress Kiara Dario as Gigi in her first international tour. She is also currently in Australia for the "Miss Saigon" production there, which runs until the first weekend of February.

Kiara was recently the lead in Repertory Philippines' "Snow White and the Prince," wherein she was nominated as Best Performer in a Musical for the BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards.

"This show is Asian excellence and this cast is giving Slay-Asian pride!" Seann said in a statement. "'Miss Saigon' is a story that resonates with so many of us and our families so seeing all of us together, ready to tell this story, is really empowering. The spotlight is now on our community, and we are going to own the stage and tell our truth."

Rounding up the main cast are Nigel Huckle as Chris, Sarah Morrison as Ellen, Lewis Francis as John and Laurence Mossman as Thuy.

Related: Fil-Aussies Abigail Adriano, Seann Miley Moore reprising 'Miss Saigon' roles for Manila run

The ensemble is completed by Michael Boyle, Carlo Boumouglbay, Ellie Chan, Shannon Cheong, Celine Cleveland, David Duketis, Natasha Dumlao, Gelina Enriquez, Sara Haruta, Leyton Holmes, Jiho Hwang, Emily Huynh, Mikaila Imaguchi, Patrick Jeremy, Hamish Johnston, Nicholas Kong, Vi Lam, Winchester Lopez, Robbie Mejica, Bailey Nathan-Park, Tetsuya Okubo, Atsushi Okumura, David Ouch, Tony Oxybel, Paloma Renouf, Annabelle Rosewarne, Jack Connor Rowan, Trevor Santos, Louis Stockil, Asmara Soekotjo, Tamsyn Thomas, Brad Veitch, Aday Velasco, Louisa Vilinne and Sam Ward.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh praised the cast in the same statement, describing them as having "incredible energy and heart."

"We're incredibly excited to bring 'Miss Saigon' to Manila and showcase the incredible talents of this diverse and remarkable ensemble," Mackintosh added. "Filipinos will undoubtedly be treated to the exceptional artistry and performances this company of world-class performers can deliver."

Mackintosh’s new version of Boublil & Schönberg’s "Miss Saigon" was first staged in London back in 2014 and received record-breaking advance sales and praises from critics.

It originally premiered in London's West End in 1989 with Lea starring opposite Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce — the two reprised their respective roles of Kim and The Engineer on Broadway two years later.

The musical is a retelling of Giacomo Puccini's "Madame Butterfly" set during the Vietnam War. Kim navigates the chaos of Saigon, falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, and goes on a three-year quest for reunion, all while harboring a heart-wrenching secret.

Apart from Lea, Abigail, Seann and Kiara, other Filipino actors who have famously appeared in the musical include Jon Jon Briones, Joanna Ampil, Rachelle Ann Go and Eva Noblezada.

The new Manila production of "Miss Saigon" will run from March 23 to May 5. It was extended by two weeks due to popular demand.

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