FROM May 3 this year, singer Rachelle Ann Go will be singing to a worldwide audience as Gigi, the bar girl in the internationally acclaimed musical Miss Saigon, first landing on the West End stage 25 years ago at Drury Lane Theater.This time, the musical hops over to its new home, The Prince Edward Theatre.
While Rachelle auditioned for the role of Kim, originated by fellow Filipino singer Leah Salonga, the producers offered her the role of Gigi instead. Another Filipino singer, Isay Alvarez, played that role in London.
Eva Noblezada is going to play the Kim, definitely a much younger singer than Go. But Go doesn’t feel bad she didn’t latch the lead role, she’s even happier she has been assigned a more mature second lead (in the first part of the musical).
“How can I refuse the offer?” she asked us when we talked to her at Discovery suites last week. She is preparing for her send-off concert on Saturday at the Meralco Theater.
Rachelle Ann’s decade-long quest was backed by her world-class talent and took her to amazing avenues.
She maneuvered the airwaves with her chart-topping hits like “Love of My Life,” “Bakit,” and her biggest hit “Don’t Cry Out Loud.” The songstress’ also received gold, platinum and double platinum awards for “I Care,” “Falling in Love,” and self-titled albums. Aside from her album singles, Rachelle Ann shared her vocals with numerous soap opera theme songs and other TV shows.
It has also been a decade of big recognitions for Rachelle Ann. MTV Pilipinas Music Awards 2005’s Best Female Artist, People’s Choice Awards’ Favorite Female Artist in 2006, Awit Awards and Myx Music Awards’ Favorite Female Artist in 2007 are just some of the major awards she received over the last decade.
As part of her colorful journey, Rachelle Ann invaded Sunday afternoons via Asap and Party Pilipinas. She is currently seen on Sunday All Stars where she continuously showcases her show stopping chops. Swerving onto another venture, Rachelle also produced her major solo concert entitled RAG Rise against Gravity at the Music Museum in 2012.
Determined to widen her horizons as an artist, Rachelle Ann has also graced the world of theater. The young diva debuted as Ariel in The Little Mermaid in 2011 where she bagged the Broadway World Philippines Award for Best Actress. Rachelle Ann also starred in Tarzan as Jane Porter in 2013.
This year, Rachelle’s theater career seems to massively break barriers.
After 11 months of waiting from final callback, Rachelle was finally cast as Gigi Van Tranh for the 2014 West End revival of the hit musical Miss Saigon.
“One of the most important small roles in Miss Saigon is the role of Gigi because she has the first big moment of the show,” said Cameron Macintosh, Miss Saigon’s producer.
Macintosh also added “I’m really thrilled that we have found one of the leading star talents in the Philippines fit the moment. She’s a major, major recording artist and star on television. She is a beautiful, beautiful girl with an amazing voice to play Gigi.”
Out of the many Filipino actors, singers and performers who auditioned for the West End revival, Rachelle feels grateful for bagging one of the much coveted roles. “It really hasn’t sunk in yet. I am just ecstatic right now seeing such kind of support from social media. I’m also overwhelmed with Lea Salonga’s tweet. Actually everyone thought I was just on a vacation, they (friends and co-workers) didn’t know that I segued for the final auditions in London,” said Rachelle.
Rachelle will be staying in London for 14 months for the whole run of the famous musical.
Rachelle will be staging her 10th year and send-off concert before she leaves for London in March. Miss Rachelle: The Send-Off Concert, will be held at the Meraico Theater on Saturday.
Joining her on stage are her good friends Erik Santos, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista and Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez.
Produced by Cornerstone Concerts and Pink Management and Productions Inc. With media partners GMA, MYX, Business World, Philippine Entertainment Portal, Manila Concert Scene and retail partner Astroplus.
Special thanks to Discovery Suites, Urban Smiles Modern Dentistry, Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics and Creative Minds Strategic Media Marketing and Events.
For ticket inquiries, call Ticketworld 891-9999 or log on www.ticketworld.com.ph.