Feb 04

Written by: Theatre Under The Stars
2/4/2010 3:30 PM

Miss Saigon ensemble member Mel Sagrado Maghuyop has been hard at work in rehearsals with the rest of the cast. This week Mel tells us more about the cast dynamics and answers the questions of what makes playing Miss Saigon in Houston so special.  We promote Miss Saigon as a passionate war-time love story, but clearly the passion isn’t confined solely to Kim and Chris!

Well, week 2 has been the time when we all are starting to get to know each other.  This is where the 40+ cast members, crew, and production teams are all just trying to learn each other names - not to mention getting to know the music and choreography.  This is the point where everyone, as actors, are coming out of their “shells” so to speak.  This is the point where we as a “company” really start to create that “team” and get to feel each others’ dynamics.  It has been truly exciting to see old ideas and new ideas melding together to create an amazing show.  What you have with this production, are people who have done the show for many years and others who have a fresh new perspective. 
 
Now, many people have asked me, both in this production and other Miss Saigons, what roles I enjoy playing.  Well, after doing 12 Miss Saigon productions over a 9-year period, I have been lucky enough to play every male Asian role in the show (well every male Asian role except for the role of Tam, I was just too big!).  So after experiencing those different characters or tracks, I would have to say I truly enjoy playing ensemble!  Yes the principal roles are great to play, but I love the type of work that is required as an ensemble member.  As an ensemble member, you really have to work hard to be committed to the multiple roles you must play.
 
It truly takes a lot of work to make sure your story and your character in the show has a through line.  I love doing the research and finding connections with fellow actors during the show.  I like to have a story that most likely no one will be aware of but my fellow actor and myself.   This, for me, makes the scene real.  This is what makes the show real.  I also believe by doing this it allows a specific “energy” to inhabit the stage.  As a result this helps create a truth within the world created on stage.  What’s really amazing, especially in this show, is seeing the stories of the Vietnamese and the American GI’s being told.  If you watch the “relationships” being created in the opening scene you will also see connections to the big dramatic scene in Act 2.   Yes it takes research and extra work, but this show needs it.  I believe many of us involved in this show both now and in the past realize the responsibility we have historically to this show.  There are still many survivors from both sides of the Vietnam War, especially in Houston - so “educated” eyes will be on us.  It becomes important to respect those stories and to stay committed to the ones we are creating on stage.  It takes us as actors doing our homework to create those “gems” within our show.  Now, it takes several viewings of Miss Saigon to catch them, but when you do … boy it gives you a lump in your throat!  It is so refreshing to catch these “gems” coming from committed actors.  Since it is such a challenge, yes … I love playing the ensemble role in Miss Saigon.
 
So where did I get my work ethic?  Well here in Houston!  Thankfully Houston has strong and talented theater community (i.e. TUTS!).  That work ethic was impressed upon me from both my mentors and the theaters here.  I am truly proud of the theaters here in Houston.  For the most part, when I was doing shows here in town, back in the 90’s (sheesh … that makes me feel old), most of those gigs were for free.  I think because of that fact that we were all sacrificing our time, even after pulling 9 hour workdays, to do what we loved meant we did it with passion.  Passion is why I pursue this business.  Passion is what made me believe that I could make it professionally as an actor.  Passion is why I am here today.  If you really think about it, only a small percentage of actors are actually getting paid to do what they loved on a regular basis, but to be an Asian actor coming from Houston…. well, the odds were really stacked against me. But I persisted and did not surrender.  I remembered how hard my mentors and fellow actors worked here in Houston to pursue their dreams and find success.  Thankfully that passion lives in our rehearsal room today!  It is a passion of people like me who continue to do Miss Saigon and those who have always wanted to work on this show.  It is great blend of new and old ideas. Just you wait and see, once the curtain rises on our show that passion will be felt all the way in back of the house. 

Well, I’m convinced. I was lucky enough to see a rehearsal and it’s the first time I’ve ever gotten full-body goose-bumps in a REHEARSAL. No lights, costumes or scenery needed – it was that intense! Needless to say I’m jumping out of my skin waiting for this show to open. Do you have any more questions or comments for Mel? Can you personally relate to the story of Miss Saigon? For those of you who do have relevant personal experience, how does it make you feel to know that these actors are thinking about you when they perform?

Next time I write, the show will be OPEN!!!!  See you at the theatre!
-Thea

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