Rachelle Ann Go gets Gigi role in ‘Miss Saigon’ revival

CEBU, Philippines - Kapuso artist Rachelle Ann Go will be part of the 2014 West End revival of the acclaimed musical “Miss Saigon.”

Miss Saigon, which ran in the United Kingdom in 1989 and in the United States in 1991, is the musical that gave Lea Salonga her first break in international theater. She won the Olivier Award and the Tony Award for her role as Kim, a 17-year-old girl who was orphaned and was forced to work as a stripper. It will open on May 3, 2014 at the Prince Edward Theater in London.

The British tabloid newspaper Daily Mail first broke the news.

According to The Daily Mail report published Thursday, Nov. 21, Rachelle Ann will play the role of Gigi Van Tranh, a hardened Saigon stripper. Filipino actress-singer Isay Alvarez-Seña originated the role of Gigi in the West End.

Lea and Isay both gave Rachelle Ann words of encouragement via social media.

Isay said (@isayasena): “@gorachelleann hey rachelle!! Congratulations!! I’m pretty sure you will have a great time there. It’ll be an experience of a lifetime!!!”

Lea, on the other hand, said: “To @gorachelleann RACHELLE ANN GO! Iwagayway ang bandilang Pilipino!

Congratulations on being cast in the West End revival of MISS SAIGON!”

The Daily Mail also reported that Filipino-American Eva Noblezada got the role as Kim in the 2014 Miss Saigon West End revival.

Rachelle, 27, couldn’t contain her happiness when she took to social media this morning after the news of her casting broke. “Good morning!!! I just woke up. I think I’m still dreaming! Totoo na po pala talaga...thank You Lord God. Thank You…”

It can be recalled that Rachelle Ann auditioned for Miss Saigon when it held tryouts last year. Among the Filipino artists who made it to the audition’s final callback were Rachelle Ann, Aicelle Santos, and Francheska Farr.

Rachelle Ann first dabbled in professional theater in 2011, via the local adaptation of the Disney musical “The Little Mermaid.” She also played Jane in the local adaptation of “Tarzan.” (Philstar.com) (FREEMAN)