Opera Australia’s Miss Saigon The Musical || Kimberley Hodgson

The Fame Reporter interviewed incredible theatre performer, Queenslander Kimberley Hodgson currently starring as the heartbreakingly beautiful role of Gigi in the critically acclaimed production of Miss Saigon presented by Cameron Mackintosh and Opera Australia playing at the iconic Sydney Opera House until 13 October and continues its Australian tour in Melbourne and Adelaide.

Kimberley most recently was seen on stage in Mary Poppins, covering both roles of Mary Poppins and Mrs. Corry for Michael Cassel Group (MCG). For Disney International, Kimberley also played Anna (cover) in Frozen: the Musical and Princess Jasmine (cover) in Aladdin. Kimberley starred as Brianna in the original cast of hit Australian musical Fangirls for Queensland Theatre/Belvoir Theatre. Kimberley’s most recent credit with Opera Australia was playing Francisca (and Anita cover) in six-time Helpmann nominated West Side Story, on Sydney Harbour.

We sat down with the charismatic and magnetic Kimberley Hodgson and talked about her reaction when she landed the role of Gigi in her dream show, what she admires about her character, the importance of representation in the arts, her secret talents and more.

What about your character Gigi drew you to audition for Miss Saigon and what was your reaction when you landed the role?
Gigi is an incredibly complex character. She’s tough and resilient but deep down she is dealing with and surviving from a lot of pain. To be honest, she wouldn’t be a character I would normally audition for, but I saw the role as a challenge.

Every performance the role challenges me as an actor and I am grateful for being able to give her a voice – she has taught me a lot.

What has been the most rewarding and challenging parts about performing in this show so far?
The most rewarding part so far has been the opportunity to perform with an incredible cast.

I couldn’t be more proud standing beside this fiercely talented and wonderfully diverse cast.

One of the most challenging parts has been dealing with processing the content of the show. We’re dealing with quite a tragic part of history and telling that story multiple times a week can be emotionally draining.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Fran Drescher, Stevie Wonder and Dolly Parton.

What was rehearsals like for a show of this scale and how is it working with this stellar cast?
The rehearsal process for this show went for around eight weeks, which is a long rehearsal process, but for this show it was necessary.

The creative team nurtured a very organic working space which is not common for a large-scale show like this, so to have the time to find our own version of the show was really unique and special.

In a previous interview we did with you in 2019, you said your dream show was Miss Saigon. How does it feel to have that dream become your current reality?
IT HAPPENED – DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE!

It is wild to think that the idea of doing the show was just a dream and a hope and to finally see it all come to a reality is truly humbling.

I could not be more honoured and grateful to be a part of this production, it is truly special and unlike anything I have ever experienced before.

How important is representation in theatre and the arts to you?
Representation in theatre is incredibly important to me.

It is wonderful that we as the cast of Miss Saigon are able to celebrate diverse talent and to have diverse talent in the spotlight.

The talent is fierce and unfortunately, we still aren’t quite seeing enough diverse casting in main stage productions.

What are some of your future dreams?
To be honest I would love to have a holiday (haha). Settle down and live a normal life for a little bit and hopefully have kids.

What do you hope Australian audiences take away from Miss Saigon or why should they return to see this show again?
This particular piece of theatre is unlike any theatre you will see playing in Australia and unlike anything you may have seen in Australia for a very long time.

It is a classic show with a fresh new look performed by a fiercely talented diverse cast. The show is spectacular and will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and you will not be disappointed.

Fame Reporter Word Play

Bucket list
Being in Miss Saigon

Comedy or drama
Comedy

Go-to karaoke song
Reflection

Any secret talents
Fast flaring nostrils

The character of Gigi
Resilient

Favorite musical
Miss Saigon

Your dressing room necessity
Mood lighting

Australian theatre scene
Community

Helicopter
Nightmare (scene in show)

Sydney Opera House
Iconic

Celebrity crush
John Legend

Favorite song in Miss Saigon and favorite to perform
Sun and Moon + I’d give my life for you

Can’t live without
Beach

Place you want to travel to
Italy

TV Show to binge
The Nanny (always)

Finally, favorite thing about performing
I feel like every role I play I get to learn something new about myself and sometimes it’s a part of me that I would never have found if it weren’t for performing that role.