NEWSFLASH

MONIQUE WILSON HAS MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT MISS SAIGON

Manila, May 24, 2000 - Monique Wilson, who was Lea Salonga’s alternate in the original London production, was prominently absent at the reunion of members of the London and New York cast at the launching of the Manila production of the musical a few weeks ago.

Her name was not even mentioned among those who were interested in being part of the musical’s Manila run.

“I feel I’ve done so much during the time I was part of Miss Saigon, so let’s give others the chance to do it,” Monique said in a recent interview.

“Actually, I really admire Lea (Salonga) for agreeing to do the role of Kim again. It’s kind of scary to do a role you did 10 years ago. What if you’re not as good anymore kasi you’re older na. That’s why I really admire Lea that she has the guts to do it. And she’s very good. And I think Lea’s presence in the Manila production is good enough reason for people to watch itthey are going to see the original Kim.”

Monique prefers to keep herself busy as an independent performer and as the artistic director of the New Voice Company which she herself founded soon after she came back from London.

“I have many responsibilities. I produce, direct, and train actors for New Voice Company. I cannot commit eight months of my time or myself to just one show. What will happen to New Voice Company and our season, our shows, and all our workshops? It’s exciting to do Miss Saigon but it’s very stressful,” reasoned out the versatile Monique. “It’s not that I don’t love Miss Saigon. I certainly have many wonderful memories of it. It’s a big part of my life. It changed my life but, as I said, let’s give others a chance.”

“Can you imagine all the young talents who learned the Miss Saigon songs so they might get the

chance to be part of it someday? They fear the staff of Miss Saigon might get the former cast members and leave them out. Dong Alegre made it clear: everybody auditions, everybody will be given a chance, and the best ones will be chosen,” Monique explained.

She’s the first to admit that her stint at Miss Saigon helped her.

“Definitely, it has helped me develop stamina in performing since you do it everyday. It also taught me humility, because any moment anybody can take your place. There were so many people who could just step into your shoes so you really had to be humble,” she explained.

“And you really have to work hard because you owe it to your audience to be good each night. You can’t afford to be bored with it or feel lazy. Doing Miss Saigon gave me a lot of courage, the wisdom, the higher standard of working and be professional,” she added.

Monique shares some people’s misgivings about staging the Cameron Mackintosh production in the country these days. “To tell you the truth, even if I’m very excited that Miss Saigon is coming here, I also have certain fears. Number one, I’m a theatre producer and Miss Saigon will certainly affect the other theater groups, especially the small ones, like our company.”

“We have an idea how much it’s going to cost. It would be painful if all sponsorships will go to Miss Saigon and nothing will be left to the small theater groups. If that happens, I think that will adversely affect our theater industry here,” she warned.

Monique concedes that the show could the sagging tourism industry.

“Of course, there are pros and cons in having it staged here. It will boost the theater industry because they are hoping the people from other countries will come and watch it here.”

Meanwhile, Monique turned 30 years old last May 4 and to mark that special event in her life, she’s mounting a show tonight at the Music Museum simply titled Monique… in Concert. It’s also a celebration of her 21 years in theater.

Joined by 20 well-trained New Voice Company resident actors and actresses, Monique will be rendering songs such as “With One Look” (from Sunset Boulevard), “I Want To Make Magic,” “Fame,” and “Bring On Tomorrow” (from Fame), “Cabaret” (from Cabaret).

They will also do theatrical style pop/standard favorites like Ryan Cayabyab’s “Nais Ko,” Andreas Boticelli’s “The Prayer”, Barry Manilow’s “I Am Your Child”, and “My Heart Will Go On” (from Titanic) in Latin and English.

Monique and NVC have also come up with their own vocal arrangement of “Sun and Moon” from Miss Saigon which they will sing in tonight’s show.

As the concert will also serve as the launching of Monique Sings Gershwin, an album she recorded in Japan recently, a medley of Gershwin hits is also included in tonight’s repertoire.