HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – For actress Jackie Nguyen, Miss Saigon is a special show for many reasons. It was the first musical she ever saw and in 2012, she became the first Vietnamese American actress to play the role of Kim in an American production.
“Oh, that was the biggest moment of my life,” Jackie said.
Jackie is currently touring in her fifth production of the show, and her mother Minh says she has seen every one of them.
“The first time I see it I cry so much because all of that is in my memory,” Minh said.
Minh lived in Vietnam during the time when the show takes place. She was 17-years-old, the same age as the character her daughter plays, when she met and married an American GI. He left the country in 1972. She had a good job and chose to stay in Vietnam with their three boys.
“But in ’75, Communist come and I stay there for nine years,” Minh said. “Nine years learned me a big lesson. I’ve been through hungry, almost homeless, no clothes, no food.”
She and her sons eventually came to America where Jackie was born. Growing up Jackie says her mom didn’t talk about the war.
“I’ve only heard snippets of stories,” Jackie said, “the things she’s able to kind of discuss because I don’t want to bring up bad memories.”
Jackie says she feels a responsibility to make sure the productions is as accurate as possible. Part of that is the language. Jackie also serves in a newly created role: Vietnamese Language Consultant.
The tour recently stopped at the San Diego Civic Theatre. It is in Jackie’s hometown and she was excited to show her mom her dressing room. Jackie said she would love to take Minh to visit Vietnam one day, but Minh has no interest.
“I never go back and I don’t want to go back,” Minh said. “Never.”
Even though she didn’t know what musicals were before Jackie started performing, Minh is proud of her daughter.
“So very much, so very much,” Minh said.
As for Jackie, she says pride isn’t the right word.
“I mean I’m just in awe of my mom,” Jackie said. “I feel like she’s a survivor and a hero of mine and I feel incredibly honored to be her daughter.”
She is also thankful to tell a very personal story as she returns to Saigon each night on stage.
Miss Saigon is playing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre through August 11. Tickets and information can be found here.
