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 AMAPOLA PRESENTS:
Radyo Bisaya
Magasin
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AMAPOLA
INTERVIEWS MICHELLE GARTHE
Fraulein Saigon?
When the subject of
the multi awarded Broadway musical "Miss
Saigon" comes up, what name pops up in
your mind? A real no-brainer, right? All
of us tend to think of the original stars
who open any original stage presentation.
I only think about Julie Andrews when
someone mentions "Victor, Victoria' as
fast as I think "Colgate" when you say
toothpaste or think "Kodak" when you say
camera. Stars lend their names to shows
they open as though they are the brand
themselves thus when other performers take
the lead role of an established and
branded play or musical, they most often
have to work harder to establish their
individuality in the coveted role already
played by the original cast.
However Michelle
Garthe upped the ante and established her
own niche by singing the lead role in
another language, a role difficult enough
to in English, let alone in German. (I've
worked on a few German cruise ships for
years and have sung many songs in German
and it isn't an easy language to sing, or
speak!) May I introduce this young and
very talented lady who has consented to a
lengthy interview which we have compressed
for our column here. Ladies and Gentlemen,
meet the European star of "Miss
Saigon".
A: How did you land
your plum role on Miss Saigon?
Michelle: I
auditioned in Manila after my midterm exam
in St. Paul College. It was one
unexpected move that I auditioned
there---still in my school uniform. The
fact that I was fluent in Dutch language
really helped a lot with my ability to
sing in German. I'm proud to say that I
bested 300- something hopefuls for the
role.
A: When did you know
you wanted to be a part of this
project?
Michelle: I have
been singing since 2 years old. The
musical was certainly one thing not to let
it go by. I was not as motivated..until
the midterm exam.
A: Is working on
stage theatre as rewarding as you thought
it would be?
Michelle: It
certainly was!!! It was a big thrill to be
able to do the show live.and be as perfect
as possible because unlike the film, there
are no retakes. The acting is of course
different compared to film. Here I've to
be as exaggerated and artistic as possible
for people on the rear seats to
see.
A: Was Miss Saigon
as demanding a role as a lot of people
say?
Michelle: It was.
There's a great deal of determination,
control and discipline attached to the
role. I couldn't abuse my body because it
is my instrument.particularly my voice. I
have to be in top shape to maintain the
energy and freshness of the role night
after night. The fact that I had to sing
all the songs in different language is one
great challenge.
A: Did you have any
backstage problems like health concerns or
working conditions and did it affect your
morale?
Michelle: Generally
in show business there have always been
all sorts of problems. But again, it all
comes down to how I could handle them. My
biggest concern was the inclined stage
where I've to wear 3 inches heels and run
around or be passed along by guys in the
opening bar scene. The fact that I also
was homesick overwhelmed me at
first.
A: You grew up in
Philippines. How much research did you
have to do for your role?
Michelle: I have
been aware of the travails of Vietnamese
during the war. I have watched the movie
Heaven and Earth with Tommy Lee Jones to
prepare for the role. I also watched a
couple of documentaries about the
war---along side an extensive training of
the German language, acting, dancing and
singing.
A: How do you
account for the huge success of Miss
Saigon on theatre stages
world-wide?
Michelle: Asian
Americans have long been stereotyped with
very specific roles, but the mere fact
that I have done this musical in a
different language and being a part of the
cast really made such a worldwide
recognition that we are actors from the
heart.
A: What's the
weirdest fan mail or fan experience you've
had so far?
Michelle: Oh
dear.having been "chased after" by a
tribal prince in one of my shows in the
Philippines.
A: What pressure
were you under during rehearsals for your
role?
Michelle: I have
many different things to accomplish for
the day---study German, study my lines,
dance and voice lessons, and acting
rehearsals every day before the opening
night. It was spellbinding at first to a
girl who just turned 19 and had never been
away from home that long. I have a lot of
pressure because of the expectations of
the role.but I'm telling you that working
extra hard and developing a great deal of
maturity paid off.
A: What did you like
about your character on Miss
Saigon?
Michelle: I like the
femininity and sheer innocence of the
role. Her loyalty and love for Chris is
certainly one rare thing that we can ever
find in this era. These are striking
qualities that really make her a
MISS.
A: What projects are
you working on now?
Michelle: I have
some opportunities to go back to singing
in the Far East and a couple of modeling
and acting opportunities here in the US,
but I'm working on earning my black belt
in Tae kwon do and be successful in my
current career as Realtor ® of
Northern Virginia. I am also thinking
about learning French (my fifth
language).
A: What advice can
you give to people who are setting their
sites on a career in the theatre?
Michelle: Rule
number one: Finish your studies. It's good
to set your goals with your performing
arts career but you have to really be
realistic with all the challenges attached
to it. It's a wonderful and prestigious
career, but nothing could be better than
having something to fall back on no matter
what. Even after you finish your studies,
never, ever stop learning. Learn a new
language, dance, acting techniques etc.
Watch foreign films to know more about
different cultures. Visit museums and
watch a lot of plays. The most successful
actors are the most cultured and learned.
Rule number two:
Take care of yourself. Be healthy in mind,
spirit and body. Your body is your most
important instrument in this industry. I
love to do martial arts (Tae kwon do),
Yoga, hiking ,scuba diving etc. because
these activities allow my body to go
beyond my comfort zone andI become very
confident and self-assured in my everyday
life. Running, for me, is an active
meditation. I feel at ease from within
every time I would go for an outdoor
cycling and hiking because I have the
chance to see and appreciate nature.
Rule number three:
Love your friends, families and
significant others. They are the strong
pillars in your life. You'll never know
how to relate with the challenges of
acting industry without knowing how to
relate to the closest people you know. I'm
very happy that I have a very supportive
husband. He, among my other loved ones,
helped me learn to establish good
relationships with my peers in the
industry and in my current job in real
estate.
Last, but not the
least: Have the drive to succeed. YOU are
the driver of your life. YOU have the
body, knowledge and talent to succeed.
Therefore, YOU have to take responsibility
to your every action. Don't let bumps take
you off course. Get back on track and
never stop.
A: Tell our readers
where they can find more information about
you and your future projects:
Michelle: Visit me
at www.michellegarthe.com
A: In my
conversation with Michelle, it was a
pleasure to get inside info into her
personal favorites, personal likes and pet
peeves. Here are some of them. (My own
personal pet peeve is that this interview
had to end. It was a pleasure speaking
with our star Michelle Garthe.)
Michelle: Artists
whose CD's she listens to: Laura Fygi,
Djavan, Natalie Cole, Keiko Matsui,
Michael Franks, Earth, Wind & Fire,
Johnny Hartman, Miles Davis, Four play,
Sarah Brightman and Toni Braxton.
Books on her
bedside: Life Strategies by Phillip
McGraw, Don't sweat the small stuff for
Women by Kristine Carlson, and Tuesdays
with Morrie.
Her Favorite places:
Hong Kong and Hawaii
Her role model: Her
husband Lou - He's a silent achiever armed
with fire within. (He works in the
government). He's the epitome of strength,
charm and intelligence that puts him in
the pedestal now.
Michelle's own
words.
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