Artistic director Eric Schaeffer will stage the musical by Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schonberg and Richard Maltby Jr. in the MAX Theatre in the company's complex in the Shirlington Village neighborhood of Arlington. The staging will "deepen" the company's "longtime dedication to the re-imagining of classic musicals in intimate settings," according to Signature, which announced the project on Nov. 7.
Signature staged a popular jewel-box Les Miserables (by Miss Saigon's writers) in 2008.
Director Schaeffer is "re-thinking the entire space for a show that will encompass both the traditional stage as well as the audience seating area."
"Ever since the huge success of Les Miserables at Signature, I have had my eyes on creating a brand-new production of Miss Saigon," Schaeffer said. "With a cast and orchestra that exceeds 33 people, this new staging will be an exciting opening to our 24th season. This production will be the first in Washington in 15 years and promises to be a major theatrical event."
Miss Saigon is a pop-rock adaptation of Puccini's 1904 opera Madama Butterfly, exploring "the ongoing impact of love, loss, and the collision of cultures during the Vietnam War." Originally produced in London's West End in 1989, had a 10-year run and a subsequent successful Broadway and touring life. At Signature, expect a 15-piece orchestra and an 18-actor company.
The show's original producer Cameron Mackintosh said in a statement, "I am delighted that the ever-adventurous Signature Theatre, after their highly successful stylistic approach to Les Miserables, are now going to turn up the heat on what sounds like a very exciting and original environmental Miss Saigon — a first! As this musical is reaching its 25th anniversary, and once again being staged all over the world, I have no doubt that Eric will create another thrilling theatrical production for Washington audiences."
Orchestrations are by William David Brohn. Performances will play Aug. 15, 2013-Sept. 22, 2013.
Other titles in Signature's 2013-14 season have not been announced.
Season tickets are on sale starting January 2013. Group sales begin June 10, 2013. The box office opens July 12, 2013.
Visit signature-theatre.org for priority ticket offers.
