The production stars Sharon Zalsos as Kim and Ricky Jones as Chris. PHOTO BY JACK GRACE.

WAILUKU – For the first time ever on a Maui stage, MAPA LIVE! presents the daring musical “Miss Saigon” two weekends only in the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater.

“Miss Saigon” opens Aug. 15 and runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Aug. 24 in the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater.

On Sunday, Aug. 17, audience members are invited to stay for “AfterWords,” a talk with members of the artistic team and cast immediately following the matinee.

One of the longest running shows in Broadway history, “Miss Saigon” is both a stunning theatrical spectacle and a deeply personal love story. Amidst the turmoil of the Vietnam War, an American soldier and a Vietnamese bar girl fall in love, only to become separated during the confusion of the fall of Saigon.

Produced by the company that brought the epic sensation “Les Misrables” to Maui last summer, “Miss Saigon” is a timeless story of loss and love, a scathing indictment of the shattering devastation of war and a moving testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.

“The success of our production of ‘Les Misrables’ showed us that Maui audiences are hungry for high-quality, Broadway-caliber productions featuring local talent,” said MAPA Executive & Artistic Director David C. Johnston.

“We are honored to bring ‘Miss Saigon’ – a tale of passion, courage and sacrifice – to Maui audiences for the first time.”

A modern adaptation of Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly,” “Miss Saigon” was created by the writers of “Les Misrables,” Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schnberg with Richard Maltby Jr., who were initially inspired by a haunting photo of a young child caught between cultures during the Vietnam War.

An international sensation for the past 25 years, “Miss Saigon” is “a triumphantly vibrant, courageous work of musical theater,” according to the Chicago Tribune.

With its rich, melodious score, the show has won 30 major theatre awards, including three Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards.

MAPA LIVE’s 45-member cast features a treasure trove of Maui talent, including Sharon Zalsos as Kim, Ricky Jones as Chris, Kepa Cabanilla-Aricayos as the Engineer, Neil Clevenger as John, Leighanna Locke as Ellen, Barry Kawakami as Thuy and Hoku Pavao as Gigi.

The production is directed by Johnston, with music direction by Gary Shin-Leavitt, choreography by Andre Morissette, scenic design by Dan Hays and lighting design by Mark Astrella. A 25-piece live orchestra brings the score to life.

For more information on the production, contact MAPA at 244-8760 or visit www.mauiacademy.org.

Tickets to “Miss Saigon” are $15 to $65 (plus applicable fees) and are available through the MACC Box Office at www.mauiarts.org or 242-SHOW.