Sydney Catholic Schools alumna Abigail Adriano gives a masterful lead performance in Opera Australia’s current production of Miss Saigon.
Not many people have to choose between two dream career opportunities just two years after graduating high school, but Abigail Adriano has.
The Trinity Catholic College Auburn alumna deferred a law degree – forfeiting a full scholarship – to take on the lead role of Kim in Opera Australia’s current production of Miss Saigon.
“When I got the call from my agent I was crying and jumping for joy,” she said.
“The role of Kim is such an iconic role. Not only was she played by [fellow Filipina actress] Lea Salonga who I’ve always looked up to as a performer, the music itself is so incredible.”
School and stage
Abigail, 19, began singing and acting at an early age and played the role of Alice in Matilda Jnr, The Musical at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre while in Years 5 and 6 at St John’s Catholic Primary School Auburn.
While in Year 9 at Trinity, she took part in Sydney Catholic Schools’ performing arts programs to further develop her vocal talent.
“I was very lucky that my school was very supportive of my dreams.” – Abigail Adriano
Friends, family and her past principal have all come to see the show, which she said has themes that are “quite confronting”.
As the youngest in the rehearsal room Abigail said she embraced the challenge of reinterpreting the musical for a modern audience alongside her fellow actors. She said Opera Australia’s production depicted the women of the story with “much more complexity”.
“Miss Saigon deals with the sufferings of war, and all of those themes are embedded throughout the show – death, violence and lots of love as well,” Abigail said.
“It’s been quite a journey, but I’ve been loving it.”
Miss Saigon is at the Sydney Opera House until October 13.
*Photos by Daniel Boud
