Every month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer fills out editor Matthew Wexler’s questionnaire and offers a glimpse of what he looks like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. “The heat is on in Saigon” — especially with Christopher Vo in the cast of the Tony-nominated revival of Miss Saigon.
Christopher dishes with The Broadway Blog about what it means to be part of this critically-acclaimed revival, where he grabs a post-show cocktail, and his secret saltwater crush.
Christopher Vo (Billy B. Photogrpahy via The Broadway Blog.)
Name:
Christopher Vo
Hometown:
Dallas, TX
Can you describe what the audition process was like for Miss Saigon?
Pretty standard. What I remember most from my auditions was how proud I was of our Asian American theater community absolutely killing it at the auditions. #AsianPride
You mention your parents’ immigration to the U.S. in your Playbill bio — how has their journey impacted your experience with this show?
Hearing stories about the Vietnam War firsthand from my parents’ point of view has really helped color my perspective as a Vietnamese American in the show. “I’d give my life for you” is a sentiment that I can connect with deeply. My parents sacrificed a lot to come to America, and I feel I have a tremendous duty to represent my people and the Vietnamese language with the utmost integrity and honesty.
‘Miss Saigon’ (Photo: Michael Le Poer Trench and Matthew Murphy via The Broadway Blog.)
You’ve had a successful few years! On The Town (The Lyric), The King and I (Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center), and now Miss Saigon (The Broadway)… how would you describe the difference in the physical space of these three legendary theatres?
The Broadway feels like it is the most vintage space out of the three, having last been renovated in 1986 with a seating capacity of 1761.
Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont is unique in that the stage feels at the same time both small/intimate and vast/grand. This is because there is a thrust stage with stadium seating in conjunction with a traditional stage and proscenium arch. Its seating capacity is 1,200.
The Lyric was rebuilt in 1998, feels like the most updated and has the second largest seating capacity of all Broadway theaters accommodating 1,938 seats.
Christopher Vo (Billy B. Photography via The Broadway Blog.)
Eight show a week – that’s a lot! You’re also a fitness professional. How do you take care of yourself for such a demanding schedule?
I try to get a healthy amount of sleep and staying hydrated is key!
If I weren’t a performer, I would be:
Some kind other of artist. I’m an artist through and through.
Places, Intermission or Curtain Call?
I love places! I get to wish everyone a wonderful show and look forward to all my favorite moments in the show. Also, my dog Kobi knows “places” to mean, “run to your crate!”
The best post-show cocktail in New York City is at:
Ericka Hunter hosts a Broadway industry night at The Dream in midtown (210 West 55th Street).
After you’ve hit all the traditional sites of New York City, you should totally:
Bike through Manhattan to connect the dots between the subway stops. It took me years to mentally fill-in the gaps between subway stops. There are so many cool buildings and streets you don’t normally see just walking from station to destination.
Christopher Vo (Photo: Dirty Sugar via The Broadway Blog.)
If I could live anywhere else in the world it would be:
Anywhere I can have access to good scuba diving and good food.
When I’m looking for a date, nothing attracts me more than:
A great communicator with a gorgeous smile.
My favorite website to visit that you may not have heard of is:
LiveAquaria.com where you can learn all about saltwater creatures!
People would be surprised to learn that I . . .
Have a beautiful 50-gallon saltwater reef tank. #obsessed
When I was 10, I wanted to be just like:
I’m pretty sure at 10 I wanted to be a Mighty Morphin Power Ranger
Ten years from now I’d like to be:
Still involved in the arts. If not performing, creating.
Miss Saigon is playing at the Broadway Theatre through January 14, 2018.
Read our exclusive interview with Miss Saigon star and Tony nominee Eva Noblezada.
