OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS
4 FUN FACTS: Broadway's MISS SAIGON
The new production of Broadway's MISS SAIGON lands in Omaha on May 28. Did you know this musical is a contemporary retelling of Giacomo Puccini's opera, Madame Butterfly? Set in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War, it tells the story of a woman named Kim.
The show first hit Broadway in 1991 amid a time in musical theater marked by BIG special effects. Here are a few fun facts about the show to know before you go...
- Fiber glass and glitter
If you've seen the show before, you probably remember the landing of the helicopter! The stage designers gutted a real helicopter leaving only the front, rotor, a tail light and the cockpit, and quip the entire thing is made of “fiber glass and glitter.” However, the combination of projection, lighting and strong fans will make audiences believe it’s the real thing.
- Sooo many shoes…
Even the costuming is over the top in this show! There are over 200 pairs of shoes in MISS SAIGON. With only 42 cast members that’s around 5 pairs per person.
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A fog-filled production
It takes 33 trucks to move the MISS SAIGON production from city to city. This is partially due to the 8 fog and smoke machines used during the musical to produce nearly 300 pounds of fog per show. -
A worldwide sensation
MISS SAIGON has been performed in 28 countries, over 300 cities and in 15 different languages. Between the popular original Broadway production and this stunning new revival, over 35 million people have seen the show! You should too. This one is a must-see, especially if you love epic stage effects.