Aisle Say

“Miss Saigon” had never been staged by a local production company, mostly because of that pesky helicopter scene, a tormenting image burned in our minds as refugees scrambled up the stairs fighting for their lives at the fall of Saigon in 1978.

The show was penned by the duo from “Les Miserables” (you may have heard of it). The plot is nearly as epic, the characters equally flawed and the emotions are similarly heart wrenching. Even the music bears resemblance in power and majesty.

The duo of Sonny Leo (director and choreographer) and Chris Alberts (producer and lighting) has teamed once again to created transcendent musical theater.

Leads were two newcomers Dana Kreitz (Kim) and Anthony Connell (Chris). Cast aside any notions of musical comedy; this is a serious show. (Vietnam never contributed a lot of yucks). These two characters must not only have soaring voices but must sell the pain, pity and pathos and of their relationship. They are superb.

Two locals that Aisle Say has seen in scores of productions give their finest performances. Paul Goodman (Engineer), who has been type cast historically as a “nice, you can lean on my shoulder type,” sheds that image in this slimy, predatory, obsequious role. His “American Dream” was a come-to-Jesus show-stopper. Ellen, played by Sharon Brown Ruegsegger, is the tragic but noble figure in this sorrowful triangle. Aisle Say always has admired her voice. She rose to another plateau above the clouds in this role.

Thuy, played by Rick Fountas, was strong of voice but his cartoonish and over the top stridency of evil incarnate was way out of balance of the naturalistic portrayals of the characters around him.

The awe-inspiring highlight of the production was the opener of Act 2, “Bui Doi.” In Vietnamese it means “the dust of life,” the brand burned into the mixed race children spawned by American soldiers and Vietnamese women; those left behind. It's a horrific appellation but an incredible song. If there had been video replay at NCT, I would have watched it four more times.

In a drama this tense, there must be comic release. Peter Briccotto and Adam McLean were hysterical as American tourists. Their costumes, by Linda Reilly, were right on. As testimony, I still have a few memorabilia in my closet from the very plaid '70s.

Tam (Jonny Carroll), the pint-size offspring of Chris and Kim, was deemed “adorable” by several at my table.

Now, back to the helicopter. Alberts pulls it off. It descends in the chaos of the evacuation. His dramatic lighting (especially the spot lights searching the audience) give a strong sense of the abject fear in the hearts of the evacuees. During that time Chris screams out, “all I made a mess,” which to me is a metaphor for the U.S. government in ‘Nam.

The show runs through March 11. For tickets, visit www.NCTstage.org or call (302) 475-2313. New Candlelight Theatre is holding its annual fundraiser on Feb. 11. Call the box office for detai