Hopefuls line up to audition for ‘Miss Saigon’

"Miss Saigon" made Lea Salonga a worldwide star—and while it can be argued that hers is a one-in-a-billion talent, her success has inspired several of her compatriots to try out for the Cameron Mackintosh musical, which opened auditions for its worldwide productions on Tuesday.

Organizers earlier announced that the auditions would be held on March 15 and 16 in Makati, and aspirants lined up to register last Friday and Saturday.

On Tuesday, the first day of the two-day auditions, the hopefuls lined up outside Opera Haus on Bautista Street, while staff inside processed the hundreds of applications received.

The applicants range in age from 16 to 40, and must have strong singing voices and at least some dance movement experience. They must also be proficient in English. At the audition, they must perform 16 bars of any song from "Miss Saigon."

However, the organizers are not just looking for singers and actors. "We are looking for leads and ensemble, as well as acrobatic dancers," said facilitator Bobby Garcia.

In an earlier report, Trevor Jackson, head of casting for Cameron Mackintosh, said that since casting for the show began in the mid-1980s, the Philippines "has been integral to the show as a place to find exceptional Asian performers of world-class ability. Our teams have been returning regularly ever since. Filipino artists are the heart and soul of this show."

Apart from Salonga, other Filipinos who also found international success with the musical include Monique Wilson, Jon Jon Briones, Leo Valdez, Isay Alvarez, Joanna Ampil, Robert Seña and Rachelle Ann Go. Next year, the musical's planned Broadway run will star Filipina-American actress Eva Noblezada and Briones, who earlier starred in the West End production of "Miss Saigon." — Photos by Danny Pata/BM, GMA News