A modern 'Madame Butterfly'

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Called one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time, “Miss Saigon” is the modern interpretation of Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.”

The Tri-Valley Reperatory Theater, formerly Pleasanton Playhouse, takes on the classic love story starting tonight, which marks the opening of the group’s 2008-09 season. Set in the time of the Vietnam War, an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl fall in love, but are separated during the fall of Saigon. Years spent struggling to find each other ends in tragedy for her and a fighting chance for the child he never knew he had.

The epic, daring pop opera features showstopping numbers such as, “I Still Believe,” “Why God Why?” and “The American Dream.”

The cast features Antonio Rodriguez III (The Engineer), Kelly Park (Kim), Ronald Houk (Chris), Morgan Breedveld (Ellen), Alex Orenberg (John), Mema Mataban (Gigi), Bryan Pangilinian (Thuy), Meggy Hai-Trang (Yvette), Susie Manivahn (Mimi), Zelah Brandt (Yvonne), James Trinidad (Asst Commissar), Charles Orlando (Club Owner), and Miori Kennedy (Tam).

The ensemble cast includes Kathleen Ben, Pia Barton, Bernadette Tuason, Ali Lane, Zoe Brandt, Nick Quintell, Brian Dea, Michael Palad, John Vietch, Barry Bailey, Julian Reisenthel, Amy Poon, Leslie Autenreith, and Frances Fon

MISS SAIGON is directed by John Baiocchi and produced by Kathleen Breedveld. The production staff includes Joe Simiele (Vocal Director), Amy Nielson (Choreographer), and Jo Anne Fosselman (Musical Director).

Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 9 at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., in Livermore.

Tickets are $35 for adults, ages 18 to 60; $33 for seniors, and $25 for juniors. Groups of 20 or more can receive a discount.

For more information, call 462-2121 or visit www.trivalleyrep.com.