In this reflective exploration, MEGA discovers Abigail Adriano’s personal history with her transformative act on Miss Saigon
Connections crescendo and diminuendo, each note a melody that orchestrates our experiences. Meanwhile, roots delve deep into the soil of our heritage, harmonizing with the cadence of our ancestry to forge a sturdy foundation for growth. For the Australian-Filipino theater actress Abigail Adriano, the harmony between her and her Filipino heritage is not just a passing refrain, but the steady rhythm that underpins her artistic composition. Influenced by her stirring performance as Kim in Miss Saigon, Adriano’s connection, particularly to her family, strikes a chord.
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The Roots of Her Connections
Adriano’s connection to her Filipino roots reverberates profoundly within her theatrical pursuits, embedding her performances with a depth of cultural resonance. She candidly acknowledges her ongoing learning curve in theater, citing Miss Saigon as a significant chapter where her heritage intertwines with her craft.
“Miss Saigon really represents my Filipino heritage and I think it ties in so well to the show. It tells the story of a mother and her love for her son, and fighting for a better life,” she muses. “It’s such a personal story, but it has universal themes.”
The theater actress draws parallels between her family’s story and the universal themes of love portrayed in Miss Saigon. “If that doesn’t speak to the mothers in our lives who have fought so hard for us today, then I don’t know what other show does,” she says.
Adriano’s portrayal of Kim is almost like a tribute to the strength and sacrifices of her lineage. This connection to her roots adds to her performance with authenticity, elevating it beyond mere acting to a personal expression of cultural pride. “If I didn’t have an appreciation for my family and what they went through, I feel like I wouldn’t be able to deliver the role I do today,” the musical star explains further.
Dreams Realized and Manifested
Some time ago at the Sydney Opera House, a young Abigail Adriano found herself in the presence of Lea Salonga. Clutching a program bearing Salonga’s radiant smile, Adriano couldn’t help but feel a surge of inspiration coursing through her veins. She reminisces, “I was 14 years old, and I told my mom, ‘Mommy, one day, I’m gonna perform here at the Opera House just like Lea.'” Little did she know, fate had already set its course. “And actually Miss Saigon is the first show I did at the Opera House five years later,” she shares. It was a moment of full circle, a manifestation of dreams and determination.
Reflecting on Salonga’s influence, Adriano marvels at her idol’s theatrical prowess. “Watching her live is influential for me,” she says. Salonga’s impact on Adriano extends far beyond admiration. “But I always looked up to her: I think her skill in theater is incredible, like her vocal stamina, and what she can do at that age. So many girls look up to that. I’m still learning, and I look up to that because it’s incredible.”
Adriano is poised to follow in the footsteps of Salonga, formed from her boundless talent and the cultural resonance they both share, in addition to a voice that makes everybody stop in their tracks and listen. And if not Salonga’s footsteps, then Adriano is mighty fine to wear her own shoes.
Abigail’s Kim
Adriano approaches her portrayal of Kim with a unique perspective, acknowledging the diverse interpretations that have gone through the character. Embracing her creative license, Adriano strives to infuse her own essence into the character, guided by the encouragement of producer Cameron Macintosh during rehearsals. “During rehearsals, Cam says to me, ‘I know you know the music. I know you can sing it.’ And then he held my face and said, “I just want to see Abby in your Kim.’”
“One powerful thing that I learned from playing Kim is that strength can be heard even in the most silent moments. I love how Kim holds herself with such dignity even in her silence.”
– Abigail Adriano on what Kim taught her about the strength of women
For Adriano, it’s about capturing the authenticity of her reactions to situations rather than mimicking others. “Once I realized that, it was so freeing,” she remarks. Drawing inspiration from the strength and fierceness she sees in her own mother, Adriano brings a distinct dignity to Kim.
“I know a lot of other Kims have their own interpretation, but strength can be seen in different ways. One powerful thing that I learned from playing Kim is that strength can be heard even in the most silent moments. I love how Kim holds herself with such dignity even in her silence.”
Just as connections ebb and flow, Adriano’s path in theater speaks volumes about the lasting impact of Filipino talent in the worldwide spotlight. Through her performance, she not only pays homage to the sacrifices of those who came before her, but also forges new paths for future generations of artists. Abigail Adriano’s voice rings clear and true, rooted to the bloom of her connections. Silence can be powerful, but the strength of acknowledging one’s cultural identity can lead you anywhere—including theater.
Miss Saigon runs from March 23 – May 12, 2024 at The Theatre At Solaire. To book tickets, click here.
Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO. Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO. Styling ROKO ARCEO, assisted by GISELLE BARNACHEA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup MILA GULFAN for ESTÉE LAUDER. Hair JAARON GO. Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO and MELISSA TAN. Shot on Location at SOLAIRE RESORT ENTERTAINMENT CITY. Special thanks to GMG PRODUCTIONS
