As various members of the community filed in, the sound of a helicopter flying above played in the auditorium, causing many people to look up in astonishment. This realistic effect was just one of many amazing uses of technology in this year’s production of “Miss Saigon.”
“We’ve been in here for the past two or three months, late, working,” said senior Aaron Zimmerberg, the sound director. “I’ve had to mix sound effects into surround sound and set up surround sound speakers, which we usually don’t do, so that was fun.”
Although the opening night was on a school night, a large number of students came out to support Whitman Drama.
Among the numerous students was sophomore Jenna Hosker, who was impressed by the production.
“I think the music is really good, and all the actors are doing a really great job,” Hosker said. “My favorite part is probably all of the effects, because I’ve never seen anything like that. It really brings it alive.”
Parents were equally impressed, giving a standing ovation at the end as the actors and actresses came out one by one.
“It’s especially powerful for a lot of the parents because we lived through it,” said Cliff Rones. “A lot of us remember it, and to see it played out with such force is just a great experience.”
Music Director Jeff Davidson agreed that the night could not have been better.
“Great opening night,” Davidson said. “Great crowd, great response, the kids did really well. It was just a great evening.”
The nearly flawless production did not come without hard work from everybody involved.
“Everyone’s involved in so many things, and for them to be able to pull that off,” Davidson said, “it’s not written for high school kids.”
Among the audience members was Dr. Goodwin, who thought the production was very well put together.
“Miss Saigon was sensational,” Goodwin said. “The combination of acting, singing, staging, the tech background, all the stage movement, the pit orchestra, it all came together, it was a wonderful production.”
A portion of the show’s proceeds benefit Team River Runners, an organization that aids wounded warriors and their families.
