In the 1960s, brand loyalists boasted how far they’d walk to satisfy their greatest craving.
This November, Aurora’s Paramount Theatre queries Chicagoland’s musical theater community: How far will fans drive to see a flawless performance of a perfect musical theater production?
Paramount’s “Miss Saigon” is all that and a bag of chips. It should not be missed.
Visually stunning from the opening curtain with Linda Buchanan’s striking, avant-garde set of criss-crossed bamboo, patrons of this “Miss Saigon” are instantly transported to 1975 Vietnam to absorb the story of American G.I. Chris falling in love with Saigon-native Kim in the late moments of the Vietnam War, and then the aftermath of their parting.
This modern adaptation of Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly” is set to the exquisite music of “Les Miserables” creators Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. The audience favorite ran for nearly 4,100 performances on Broadway from 1991 to 2001 and earned Tonys for best actor and actress. A full history and synopsis of the musical may be found here.
An impeccable production means each member of cast and crew is star-quality. Indeed, Joseph Anthony Foronda as the Engineer, Shawna Haeji Shin as Kim, Brandon Moorhead as Chris (with a vocal range beyond what any male lead should be expected to cover), Elliott Greer as John and Emilie Lynn as Ellen are Broadway-quality lead actors in every sense of their performances.
They are not alone. Cameron Mackintosh could ease his production load by simply transferring this entire 30-person cast to London for his restaging of “Miss Saigon” next May.
That sincere recommendation, while unlikely, illustrates how Director Jim Corti’s three years as Paramount’s artistic director are transforming this West Suburban house into a formidable professional venue. If not London, producers at Broadway in Chicago or perhaps Waukegan’sGenesee Theatre should be taking note. Because productions like this one have staying power beyond a month-long Aurora run.
But simpler than challenging other producers or the Jeff Committee to include Paramount among its award eligible (it certainly should), Paramount’s “Miss Saigon” demands Chicagoland fans of the musical theater genre defy their default geographical-entertainment boundaries.
From the center of Kenilworth, the drive to Paramount is an hour and four minutes. From Glenview, 57 minutes; from Libertyville, 63. Compare that to trekking down the Edens to the Loop or Lincoln Park on almost any evening. Then calculate the time from driveway to theater (surrounded by abundant parking, by the way) here and buy some tickets.
Because complete satiation of musical theater devotees’ greatest desire is a lot closer than most people probably think.
“Miss Saigon” runs through November 24 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Blvd., Aurora. Evening shows are performed Wednesday through Sunday. Matinees are performed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets ($36.90 to $49.90) and information are available atParamountAurora.com, by calling 630-896-6666 or visiting the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 2 hours prior to evening performances.
Barry Reszel is a Libertyville-based writer, reviewer, at-home dad and executive director of the not-for-profit entertainment company Liberty Town Productions.
