Family connections thrive — both on and off stage — in "Miss Saigon," opening tonight at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community Theatre.

Ask Ronald Bright, who's directing:

"It's a show I've always wanted to do. They asked me to direct the Army (Community Theatre) production several years ago; I was in the middle of something else and I had to say no. It's a show close to home because so many of my former students have been in it; my son, too. It's the biggest show of my career."

And Bright's son Michael Scott Bright, playing Chris, the soldier who has an affair with Kim, the central figure in the Broadway musical:

"So many of my father's former students and actors (as well as my wife and me) had gone on to perform 'Miss Saigon' in either Broadway or national tours, as well as Germany, Australia and various other productions. The prospect of having my father direct a show of this magnitude, scope and emotion was impossible to pass up."

From Jade Stice, portraying Ellen, the wife of Chris:

"I understudied Ellen on Broadway and in the first national tour. I was fortunate to be able to go on (stage in) the role many, many times. I was the first Asian American to play this traditionally 'white' role.

"The part is difficult because there are really only two scenes — the audience does not know her, nor do they particularly like her, since they have spent two hours falling in love with the idea of Chris and Kim. So that challenge still remains. She is a young, newly married woman who is suddenly in the middle of a love story.

"The role is more interesting to me now that I have a child of my own. I think being a parent adds a few more layers to a person's perspective and insight."

From Brittany Browning, 15, making her community theater debut as Kim:

"I had heard of Ron Bright and his work and was very interested in seeing what he was like. From the first time I met him, I fell in love with the way he was — such a grandpa. But I also was interested in trying out for Eponine in 'Les Miserables' at Diamond Head Theatre. I had to make a choice."

Despite the mature and often complicated theme, plus the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Bright said his fairly young cast — and even the vets — are having fun. Perhaps it's because of his fatherly wisdom, his inspirational streak that fertilizes dreams of kids eager to try the legit stage.

A retired teacher, Bright remains highly enthusiastic — and it rubs off on his performers.

"Brittany was amazing; she was (the) very first one to audition and after listening to 70 people, she was the one for Kim. Nobody else came close," he said with the excitement of a newbie.

"The cast is absolutely amazing. Everyone works hard, not one person slacks. (Bright) is an amazing man with a wonderful gift of directing and it's an honor to be working with him," said Browning, a Punahou School sophomore. "I was very new; because I am 5'8", I look older," she said. "And I'm mixed — Filipino, Chinese and haole. I played a Shark girl in 'West Side Story.' "

She's already bonded with Scott Allerdings, 6, who plays Tan, the son of Kim in the show, to experience motherhood. As for romance, Browning said she has a college-age boyfriend who just left for school in Minnesota "and the feelings I have for my boyfriend ... (are) interpreted for Kim's feelings for Chris."

Michael Bright had previously portrayed Thuy in "Saigon," so he had "a difficult time determining which role to try out for. I had completely connected to the role of Thuy; I wanted to creatively explore an entirely new challenge," he said.

In the end, having played Thuy "has truly helped to shape the creation of Chris all the more. Having explored both perspectives (diametrically opposed — Viet Cong and U.S. Marine) has hopefully made for a more authentic and truthful depiction. I have strong empathy and compassion for both characters. After all, one of the foremost rules of acting is 'never pass judgment on your character.' "

Jade Anguay Bright, married to Michael, skipped the stage but opted to choreograph — "I saw the perfect venue for me to slowly ease my way back on stage," said the mother of two. "I'm actually covering the role of Ellen just for one night (this Saturday), since Jade Stice had a prior commitment. Trying to balance family and work has been a challenge in itself."

Said Michael Bright: "I can think of no greater joy than intimately working together creatively as a family. Obviously, as children at a young age, we were always involved in productions in some form or fashion because of the work of my father. We loved the performing arts experience and saw firsthand the impact it had on people's lives.

"As for our family, it begins and ends with my father's passion, commitment, work ethic, pursuit of professionalism, and respect for each other and the arts. That dedication inspires all of us toward excellence: mother Moira (production team); brother Clarke (musical director); wife Jade; sister-in-law Lynell, nephews Chris and Timothy (percussion); and myself.

"We know we have a chance to be part of something special, unique and powerful because of the love we have for one another."