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'Saigon' earns standing ovation on opening night

The Broadway smash hit, "Miss Saigon," opened last night at UA's Centennial Hall and justifiably received a standing ovation from a sold out crowd.

Music and theatrics combined, it is estimated "Miss Saigon" is the largest Broadway show that will ever pass through Tucson.

The show's plot unfolded to reveal a tale of undying love during a war era filled with death and destruction.

Kim (Mika Nishida) is a prostitute in a Vietnamese bar frequented by American soldiers. By mere chance, she meets an American GI named Chris (Will Swenson) who she soon discovered is the love of her life.

Last night's performance told the story of these two lovers in a way that left audience members stunned.

"It was absolutely incredible. The set, acting and voice blew my mind," said biochemistry freshman Andy Gulbis. "I never talk about that kind of stuff. I didn't expect it to be that good."

Between perfectly timed stage cues and outstanding special effects, the show progressed without any major hitches - one or two minor instances of microphone feedback.

For a Broadway show like "Miss Saigon" to visit Tucson was a huge step forward in a community that has not seen a theatrical show of this size and grandeur.

"This is really good for Tucson and more shows should come," said management information systems sophomore Lauren Yan. "There is a lack of good production in Tucson. I definitely think there should be more Broadway shows."

The helicopter scene of "Saigon" was the most spectacular display of technical theatrics in the entire show.

Slightly smaller than in real life, the 700-pound helicopter was moved up and down by hydraulics to simulate a real landing and take-off.

The helicopter also symbolized the misery and chaos of the "Nightmare Scene" in which Kim has flashbacks of her attempted escape from Saigon.

Though the entire cast received a standing ovation, the actor with the largest round of applause was Kathryn Eve Brusewitz, who played Tam, Kim's illegitimate son.

"Miss Saigon" will be at Centennial Hall through Sunday, Feb. 20. Ticket information and show times can be accessed through Centennial Hall's box office at 621-3341.