Overture/Backstage Dreamland

"OVERTURE"

(A Friday night in April 1975. Backstage at an after-hours club in Saigon. Vietnamese bar-girls are getting into costumes.)

"BACKSTAGE DREAMLAND"

[GIRLS]
One of us will be Miss Saigon

[ENGINEER]
I'll spread the word
It's Miss Saigon

[GIGI]
Who's left to screw who hasn't gone?

[ENGINEER]
Shut up and get your hot pants on

[GIGI]
Each day more GI's disappear

[ENGINEER]
There's still some left and they'll all be here

[GIRLS]
A girl can trust the Engineer

(THE ENGINEER brings in a new girl, KIM.)

[ENGINEER]
Surprise!
I found this new girl, get her dressed
From the country untouched

[GIGI]
Just give that virgin act a rest

[GIRLS]
"You are my first American!"

[ENGINEER]
Allez! Allez! Allez!
Why does it take all day?
Get your asses on stage
I'm raising cash tonight

[GIRLS]
Tonight I will be Miss Saigon

[ENGINEER]
They say Saigon has weeks
I say it's time to pack

[GIRLS]
Tonight I will be Miss Saigon

[ENGINEER]
Each day these little buns of theirs are worth less and less
I need a visa fast, and I'm not looking back
(The ENGINEER looks through the door into the club.)

[ENGINEER]
Son of a bitch, they're here!
I can still engineer
It's like the old days, my little gamines

[GIRLS]
Oh sure!

[ENGINEER]
You know who's out here?
A gang of marines!

[GIRLS]
Yes, sir!

[ENGINEER]
One of these boys might be your ticket out

(Turns to KIM)

Why is she in that dress?
Ah! it's my new princess
Ah, yes!
A bride will give the guys a treat
Lower your eyelids and play sweet
Men pay the moon to get fresh meat

Allez! Allez! Allez!
Get out and do your song!
Don't make the show too long

Voila!
On stage all!
Welcome to...Dreamland!