Miss Saigon

Act 1: The Arrival in Saigon and the American Dream

Main Characters:

• Kim:

  • Initial Outfit:
    • A simple, modest dress reflecting her background as a rural girl from Vietnam. The dress is often plain and worn, symbolizing her poverty.
    • Accessories: Simple sandals, and minimal jewelry.
  • Transition to Prostitute:
    • As Kim is forced into the life of a prostitute, her outfits evolve to reflect her new circumstances. A more revealing, yet still modest, look for her working in the bar with a brightly colored dress, often featuring simple prints and brighter fabrics.
    • Accessories: Bold, dramatic jewelry like large earrings or chunky bracelets, high heels.

• Chris:

  • Military Uniform:
    • A U.S. Army uniform, reflecting his role as a soldier in Vietnam. His costume is simple yet authoritative, typically a green fatigued shirt and pants.
    • Accessories: Dog tags, boots, and a military cap.
  • Transition to Civilian Life:
    • Later, Chris wears a more casual military-inspired outfit, but less formal than his uniform, signaling his return to the U.S.

• The Engineer:

  • Outfit:
    • A flashy, garish suit, often in bright colors like red, yellow, or gold to reflect his flamboyant, opportunistic personality.
    • Accessories: Sunglasses, a gold chain, and flamboyant hats or ties.
  • Later Outfit:
    • His costumes become more extravagant as he aims to escape Vietnam and build his "American Dream."

• Ellen:

  • Outfit:
    • Casual, American civilian wear in Act 1. She wears modest, American clothing, often a sweater and pants or a dress, symbolizing her role as Chris's girlfriend back in the U.S.

• John:

  • Outfit:
    • Casual American military-inspired clothing, often in fatigues or jackets reflecting his role as a military man involved in the post-war situation.

Ensemble (Saigon Locals, Prostitutes, and U.S. Military):

• Saigon Prostitutes:

  • Costumes:
    • Bright, revealing dresses in various colors, often with sequins or fabrics that reflect the bright lights of the club environment. They may also wear traditional Vietnamese garments with modern twists, like áo dài mixed with glitzy elements.
    • Accessories: High heels, bold makeup, and heavy jewelry.

• U.S. Military:

  • Costumes:
    • American soldiers wear U.S. Army fatigues in neutral tones, such as olive green, reflecting the setting of the Vietnam War.
    • Accessories: Military hats, boots, and military-specific gear like camouflage or vests.

Act 2: The Fall of Saigon and the Aftermath

Main Characters (Continued):

• Kim:

  • Outfit:
    • As Kim becomes a mother, her costumes reflect her maternal love and the hardships she endures. She wears simple, functional clothing—often a dress or blouse with pants, in muted, earthy colors to reflect her struggle.
    • Accessories: Simple jewelry, perhaps a necklace or bracelet, but more understated than in Act 1.

• Chris:

  • Outfit:
    • In Act 2, Chris’s clothing is simpler as he deals with the aftermath of the war and his new life. He may wear a more civilian, post-war look with casual pants, shirts, and jackets.
    • Accessories: He may wear a more rugged or distressed version of military clothing.

• The Engineer:

  • Outfit:
    • The Engineer’s costume becomes even more extravagant in Act 2 as he seeks to escape Saigon and gain the American Dream. He may wear a white or gold suit with a long jacket, and accessories like a flashy tie and gold jewelry.

• Ellen:

  • Outfit:
    • In Act 2, Ellen’s clothing reflects her role as Chris’s wife. She may wear modest American clothing, perhaps a sweater and skirt combination or casual dresses that reflect the time period.

Ensemble (Vietnamese Refugees, U.S. Military, and Americans):

• Vietnamese Refugees:

  • Costumes:
    • The refugees are often seen in tattered or simple clothing to reflect the chaos and destruction of war. Women may wear simple dresses or traditional Vietnamese garments like áo dài, while men wear pants and shirts in muted, earthy tones.
    • Accessories: Some refugees may carry bags or simple props to reflect their journey and escape.

• U.S. Military and American Officials:

  • Costumes:
    • American military personnel wear more civilian clothing than in Act 1, with military-inspired jackets or suits as they deal with the post-war issues and aid to refugees.
    • Accessories: Briefcases or paperwork to reflect the bureaucratic aspect of the American involvement in the evacuation.

Special Notes:

• Color Palette:

  • Act 1: Bright, bold colors for the energetic, dramatic scenes in Saigon; more muted, earthy tones for the desperate, harsh scenes of war.
  • Act 2: Darker tones for the aftermath of the war, with grays, browns, and darker blues representing the characters’ struggles and hopes.

• Fabric Choices:

  • Act 1: Light fabrics like cotton and polyester for the vibrant life in Saigon; sequins and shine for the flashy costumes of the bar and club scenes.
  • Act 2: More rugged, practical fabrics for the refugee and post-war scenes. Think wool, denim, and heavier cotton for the more serious, somber tone.

Key Costume Elements:

• Kim’s Transformation: Her shift from a young, hopeful girl to a mother fighting for her child is reflected in her changing costumes from light, youthful clothing to practical, muted garments.
• The Engineer's Glamour: His costume evolution highlights his obsession with wealth and the American Dream, reflected in his increasingly extravagant suits and accessories.
• The American Soldiers: Their military uniforms are consistent throughout the show, representing the constant presence of the war and the complex role the U.S. plays.