“I’m ready to move on. There’s life after Miss Saigon.” –Rachelle Ann Go
By Vance Madrid
It’s been a year after Rachelle Anne Go clinched that pivotal role of Gigi Van Tranh in the ongoing West End revival of the critically-acclaimed “Miss Saigon”. Rachelle Ann Go has turned into an overnight international sensation. She won the 2014 Broadway World UK/West End Award as Best Featured Actress in a New Production of a Musical and as Best Supporting Actress in a Musical award from the 15th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards. And recently, she was tapped to record the beloved Disney song “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes”, from the 1950 animated film adaptation of “Cinderella”. Disney has revived the song for its live-action remake of the well-loved Brothers Grimm fairy tale and has tapped Rachelle to record and perform it in a music video as part of the promotional efforts for the film.
“Singing that song from Cinderella makes me officially a Disney princess,” Rachelle Ann says. Becoming her favorite Disney princess is a dream come true for her. Rachelle Ann is no stranger to Disney, having performed in local productions of “The Little Mermaid” and “Tarzan” before being cast in “Miss Saigon” by Cameron Mackintosh himself after a competitive casting call in Manila in 2012.
“I still couldn’t believe all these are happening. I’m still in that “pinch-yourself-these-are-real” moment. Everything’s pretty overwhelming,” says the 28-year-old-singer-actress. But despite all the accolades, Rachelle Ann had decided not to extend her contract with Miss Saigon. She will perform her very last “Miss Saigon” as Gigi on May 9.
“I’m ready to move on. I’m still thinking what I’m going to do next but I told the production I want to explore more roles and other musicals like ‘Wicked’ and ‘Les Miserables’ which are both in my bucket list. Nothing’s concrete yet, but the production have been very supportive of me. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. One thing I’m sure of, there’s life after Miss Saigon.”
“I’ve been in the industry for 11 years and nothing came easy for me, I have to pay dearly and work really hard for everything I have. There were also people who tried to pull me down. I didn’t mind them. I just kept dreaming and kept on pursuing what I love to do.”
Rachelle Ann is having the time of her life although she admits to be missing a lot about the Philippines. “Before Miss Saigon came along, I didn’t know how to cook. I’ve tried but I always end up with Karegang (her dish is either a Kare-kare or a Sinigang). I’ve never been domesticated in my life until now,” shares Rachelle Ann.
Living alone in London has urged her to learn to do things for herself, including cooking her own meals. “I am living alone in London. Food is expensive so it was practical to learn how to cook.” “I am now very proud of myself. I’m glad to have gone out of my comfort zone and I couldn’t be happier. I know how to cook Kare-kare, Sinigang, Adobo and even Gising-gising.”
Like Cinderella, Rachelle Ann was able to realize her dreams through hard work and perseverance. She is currently at the top of the world and at the top of her game, but surely, nothing’s going to stop Rachelle Ann from pursuing other dreams.
