Western Playhouse, a summer theatre company of the Western Institute at Missouri Western State University, presents “Miss Saigon” July 4-13 in the Potter Hall Theater on the Missouri Western campus.

THE SHOW: Be swept away by this epic tale of love and sacrifice, by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, the creative team that brought you “Les Misérables.” Set in Saigon during the Vietnam War, this musical tells the tale of romance between Chris,  an American GI, and Kim, a Vietnamese bar girl. They are separated when Saigon falls and the American troops leave Vietnam. Years later, Chris learns that Kim is still alive and raising his son, and he returns to find her. The story is based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly.”

THE CAST: The production features talented actors from throughout the country. Cast members from 16 states arrived in St. Joseph on June 2 and have been rehearsing eight hours a day since then. For more information on the cast, visit www.westernplayhouse.com/cast-crew.asp. Western Playhouse is a summer theatre company that utilizes Equity actors.

THE CREW: Tee Quillin, assistant professor of theatre and cinema at Missouri Western, is the artistic director of Western Playhouse and director of “Miss Saigon.” Mark Cabus, director of education at Theatrical Outfit in Atlanta, Ga., is the stage manager. Mark Pennington, a teacher at Central High School in St. Joseph, is musical director.

SHOW TIMES: 7 p.m. July 4,  5, 6, 12 and 13; 3 p.m. Sunday, July 7

TICKETS: All tickets are $21. Western Playhouse is pleased to offer FREE admission to veterans and  current military personnel.

CONTENT ADVISORY: “Miss  Saigon” contains adult themes, including prostitution, suggestive choreography and violence. It is not suitable for children.

BOX OFFICE: online at www.westernplayhouse.com, by phone at 816-271-4452, or in person in the Potter Hall lobby seven days a week

SPECIAL EVENTS: There are several special events associated with the production of “Miss Saigon”:

  • Gala Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4, in  the Fulkerson Center on the Missouri Western campus prior to the opening night performance. The menu features champagne chicken, salad, vegetables and dessert. The cost is $15.50. Make reservations by July 1 at noon by calling the Western Institute, 816-271-4100.
  • Fireworks after the show at 10 p.m. Friday, July 5 on the lawn in front of Potter Hall. The fireworks are free. There will be hotdogs, soda and beer available for purchase beginning at 9:15 p.m.
  • A Vietnam War Timeline will be on display in the Potter Gallery for viewing before or after the show.
  • Each performance will feature an extended intermission, with Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt, ice cream and drinks on sale for $1.

SNEAK PEEK: Cast members have visited various locations around town to give the community a brief  preview of the production. A video of the performance of “Bui Doi” by Johnathan Shepherd and the male chorus at Heartland Regional Medical Center can be seen here: http://youtu.be/rFFPvbZSpyM

PRESS VISITS: Under the Equity contract with Western Playhouse, press visits to rehearsals must be arranged at least 24 hours in advance. Please contact Kent Heier, 816-261-7483.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community  service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St.
Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social
development of the region it serves. Visit
www.missouriwestern.edu.

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