Channel 
Linkedin 
Facebook 
Ins 
The Musical Triumph of Miss Saigon
Ms Shih-Shih Chen
Director of Music
This year, our school embraced the challenge of staging one of the most demanding musicals ever, Miss Saigon School Edition. This production, an adaptation of Puccini's Madame Butterfly set during the Vietnam War, explored themes of love, sacrifice, and survival with remarkable poignancy.
The evocative music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, paired with the heartfelt performances of our pupils, made this year’s musical a standout. The complex narrative and emotionally charged scenes demanded much from our cast, orchestra and crew, but they rose to the occasion with incredible dedication and talent.
The performance was particularly challenging due to the intricate score, which featured mixed metres cutting across 5/4, 12/8, 9/8 and reverting immediately to 4/4 in a split second. Rapid key changes and transitions from one short tune to another required an unprecedented level of precision and adaptability from our musicians and actors alike. These musical challenges were met with determination and commitment, showcasing the exceptional abilities of everyone involved.
The harmonious integration of drama and music proved to be a linchpin in our production. Having the opportunity to collaborate once more with the talented drama director, Ms Hannah Bond, was indeed fortuitous. Her innovative methods, intertwined with the evocative singing and instrumental performances of our cast and orchestra, resuscitated the tumultuous atmosphere of Vietnam with striking clarity. Ms Emma Chen, building on her illustrious reputation from past school productions, once again co-produced the performance, executing her role with remarkable finesse and attention to detail. Mr Jason Yan brought his artistic expertise to the forefront, co-designing the set with a keen eye for authenticity, thereby infusing each scene with palpable substance. Mr Bingyan and our Year 12 pupil Jeffrey’s impeccable control of lighting complemented the ambience flawlessly, while the scrupulous makeup artistry by Ms Meghan Jones, aided by parent volunteers and Rebecca, a Year 13 pupil, who was also in the cast, contributed to the raw verisimilitude the narrative demanded. Ms Gloria Zhu's compelling choreography, coupled with Ms Hyunhi Kim's expert voice coaching, substantially amplified the emotive power of our storytelling.
Despite numerous obstacles—tight preparation time and scheduling conflicts—the resilience and commitment of our pupils shone through. They pushed their limits and worked tirelessly to overcome the production’s technical and emotional demands, demonstrating their growth and artistry magnificently.
Apart from the outstanding performances of the cast, the orchestra delivered a performance brimming with emotional intensity that perfectly complemented the serious tone of the story. The complexity of the musical, marked by its atypical time signatures and rapid shifts in mood and theme, required exceptional precision and versatility from the orchestra. Their solid groundwork ensured impeccable coordination with the actors, significantly enriching the audience's engagement with the production.
1
The cast and orchestra were an ideal blend of seasoned professionals and fresh talent. Kai, a Year 12 pupil, has participated in every production since I assumed the role of music director. His journey has taken him from ensemble member to leading actor. He views his involvement in the yearly musicals as a path of personal and professional development. “The show was instrumental in my growth, both as a performer and as an individual. Being selected for the lead role was an honour, and working with such a skilled and supportive group was incredibly rewarding. The lessons I've learned from my peers and mentors are invaluable. It has been a memorable experience that I will treasure forever,” Kai reflected.
2
Monica, a Year 11 pupil who previously portrayed Spider in ‘Jekyll & Hyde’, made a fascinating transition this year to the challenging position of the first percussionist. To the audience, her most notable achievement was her dexterous manoeuvring among a variety of percussion instruments. “In my role as a percussionist for ‘Miss Saigon’, I encountered an array of new instruments, including an extensive collection of gongs and the unique chestnut rattle. The most challenging piece for me was ‘The Morning of the Dragon’ – it was as if I had to soar at my station, given the sheer number of different percussion instruments required," Monica recounted.
3
Kevin, a relatively new pupil in Year 9, made a debut and his performance, marked by his rhythmic precision and ability to adapt to the score’s complexities, was a testament to his potential. The combined efforts of the cast and crew resulted in a production that was more than just a performance; it was a collaborative triumph that left an indelible mark on everyone involved. “During the musical Miss Saigon, I made a breakthrough in my skills. By continuously communicating and interacting with my peers and teachers, I was able to improve my acting and singing abilities. This also helped me become more outgoing in the process of enhancing my expression, allowing me to perform perfectly on stage and deepen my immersion in the role. I became fully absorbed and focused on the performance. Finally, I would like to thank the teachers for their guidance and my peers for their help and encouragement, which allowed me to gain a lot from this experience,” Kevin recalled.
From Dr Yang: "The pupil’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, and their dedication and talent once again proved that we can truly "Be You. Be More." On stage, they brought this classic production to life with genuine emotion and near-professional artistry. Each year, the annual drama production at Wellington College Tianjin sets new benchmarks. From the selection of the theme to the construction of the set, and finally to the actors’captivating performances, the show never fails to surprise and move its audience. Here, they learn the value of teamwork, build confidence, and find their own voice in the world of art. We believe these invaluable experiences will become an important part of their journey in life. "
Looking ahead, our school is excited to build on the success of Miss Saigon School Edition. We remain committed to nurturing the immense talent within our pupil body and are eager to see what the next year will bring.
Related Articles
