It’s a wrap!  The final curtain came down on Paramount’s MISS SAIGON Sunday night as a capacity crowd rose to its feet in a thunderous standing ovation raising what was left of the roof after a phenomenally successful four week run.  Words cannot describe the mix of elation and heartache to see it reach the finish line and come to a close.  This cast amazed me.  The commitment and detail each of these actors brought to the game is what gave this production depth and authenticity.  Their collaboration on the sexual, political and ethnic issues, especially in their high regard for one another, typify actors discovering what it means to be an ensemble and give 100% to each other and to the work.  To bare their souls with such raw emotion takes trust and support on everyone’s part and is an element of this work in which I take great pride.  Mind blowing emotional honesty combined with technically thrilling singing!  Collaboration from every designer, every crew person and staff kept the bold choices viable and alive and resulted in a product of excellence the crowds have recognized with raves all month long.  And let’s talk about these crowds.  Our Audience.  Our Community.  Remarkably inclusive and diverse, is this cross section of individuals and their families attending Paramount half way through its third season!  Yes, families attending MISS SAIGON.  Hearing a father explaining a complexity in the plot to his daughter asking questions.  Asking questions!  Discussions!  Deepening relationships by sharing the event of live theatre!  Lively conversation between generations and among each others’ peers is an integral part of any theatre’s purpose.  And from pop rock to the sumptuous orchestrations of the aria like ballads,  everyone attending discovered a renewed appreciation for this score’s exotic and powerful beauty.  Many first timers found a new favorite!  Audiences left emotionally spent and rewarded with a musical theatre experience they will never forget.  As they leave the lobby, I’m struck with how unified I sense the crowd in their enjoyment of the show.  Especially during the end of the run with the gorgeous holiday wreaths lighting up Paramount’s Grand Gallery, the sense of celebration in the air feels like the triumph of the human spirit acknowledged by everyone in knowing Kim lives on through the love of her son and his father.  Sad ending.  New beginning.

In the afterglow of MISS SAIGON and anticipating the season ahead with the Broadway Series’ 42ND ST. and RENT, there is much to be grateful for, my friends.  Know we are here for you and appreciate you and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving for all the blessings we share in life.

With all my love & thanks,

Jim

P.S.  Check out the holiday fare at ParamountAurora.com: Second City’s NUT-CRACKING HOLIDAY REVUE at The Copley Theatre in The North Island Center across the street from the Paramount.  And on the Paramount Stage: The Nebraska Theatre Caravan Production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, “Around The Paramount in 60 Sips” (a wine and craft beer tasting tour of the theatre), MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER, and CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS, just to name a few!