Int’l director brings ‘Miss Saigon’ to Cebu

There is much to look forward to in the local theater scene with a school edition of the riveting musical “Miss Saigon” being under production and scheduled for a run in July. A summer program to train young local talents by exposing them to intensive sessions with local and international professionals was the personal passion project of director and theater teacher Allan Nazareno, who wishes to cultivate the local theater community.

“Seeing something I had imagined for years finally coming to life is a big thrill—and so that was the feeling I had when I saw the participants walking through the gates and showing their excitement towards the project,” said the Hong Kong-based Cebuano director. “Another thrill was also being in the room with plenty of young people who are passionate about musical theater. As a theater teacher, that kind of energy keeps me going.”

Nazareno chose “Miss Saigon” because it was one of the musicals that bonded him to his friends (known as the Garcia cousins).

“I’ve enjoyed jamming to the music of this show since the late ‘80s—before I migrated to Guam. Back then, I knew I had to direct this show in Cebu and so when the opportunity arose, I knew it was time.”

The first session started out with an orientation and getting-to-know activities with the cast and crew. It ended with a story conference—the run-through of the script and musical recordings. By the end of the session, the directors and instructors could see how immense the passion for performing arts burned in each of the students.

“I am truly impressed by the amount of talent that our Cebuano youth has. I’ve directed young people in Guam and in Hong Kong, but it is in Cebu that I have worked with young people whose talents and skills are mindblowing,” exclaimed Nazareno as he shared how inspired he was by what he has seen.