Article by Anthony Russev
Photo credit: Rolan Gutierrez
On Friday, May 2 at 7:30 pm, Miss Saigon Alum Miguel Braganza II celebrated his 30th anniversary in dance and theatre at Sheraton Laguardia East Hotel in Flushing, NY. This was an evening of music, dance and fashion for all his friends who work in the field of art and collaborate with various foundations to support young Filipino artists.
Originally from the Philippines, Miguel Braganza II, Walter Terry scholar in the dance performance and choreography program at Harvard University in the ‘80s, and assistant to Tony Award-winning director John Dexter in the original Broadway production of “M. Butterfly” from 1988-1990, joined the cast of the U.S. and international productions (Germany, Canada, UK, and Portugal) of Cameron Mackintosh’s megamusical “Miss Saigon” for 14 years: a feat that made him feel so blessed, and has prompted him to donate his time, talents, and resources by teaching young and up-and-coming artists, build libraries, and promote arts programs both in New York and in the Philippines to this day.
Young Filipino Artists are highly involved in the celebration. The cast covers many types of genres including opera, pop music, Broadway and cultural. While the young performers serenaded the guests, everyone had the opportunity to dance and enjoy the wonderful music and singing.
Miguel Braganza II truly showed us what a wonderful mentor he has been for the children and young performers, many of whom he has taught since the tender age of six and seven. Young women and men, some shy, some bold, sang their hearts out and pleased the audience’s ears.
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