Actor Mikko Juan sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. Mikko is currently playing Thuy in Miss Saigon. Currently on tour around the UK, you can catch it at Leeds Grand until 13 December – get tickets here
Let’s start with a few favourites
Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?
I’m going to cheat and give two answers: Phantom of the Opera because it got me into musical theatre in the first place, and Les Miserables because I love that score and to this day it still makes me weep every time I watch/listen to it.
Favourite book?
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Favourite theatre? Shakespeare’s
I really love the Bridge Theatre – it’s close to where I live and it’s such a beautiful venue
Favourite song?
Right now it’s The Road to Find Out by Cat Stevens/Yusef
Favourite music?
I grew up with my dad playing classic American rock/folk music. Basically, anything with a guitar. I also love listening to film soundtracks and classical music
Favourite food?
My parents’ pork adobo, a classic FIlipino dish
Favourite drink?
I love a bubble tea!
What is your favourite role?
Playing Thuy has been so artistically fulfilling. I also loved playing Bobby Strong in Urinetown!
What was your first role?
The Tin Man in my high school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. I owe a great deal to Mr. Klem
And what role would you really like to play?
Enjolras in Les Mis
If you weren’t a performer , what would you be?
I probably would have continued down the computer science path, being a programmer or a designer for video games
What made you decide to be a performer?
Initially it was for the spotlight and my love for playing pretend as a kid… As I grew older, it became more about the craft, discipline, and the connections I made through the projects I’ve done over the years – both on stage and off
Do you enjoy touring?
It’s honestly difficult being away from my wife and cat – but I’ve also been enjoying seeing and experiencing different parts of the country
What advice would you give the 16-year-old you?
Don’t let other people’s opinions/viewpoints affect the way you want to move through the world
Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?
I’ve dipped my toes into producing through the theatre company that my wife and I co-founded (Halfpace Theatre, if you fancy checking us out!) I can’t say that I’m very good at it – luckily my wife is and she loves doing it!
What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?
What If They Ate The Baby by a duo called Xhloe and Natasha at the Edinburgh Fringe. It reminded me of the experimental physical work I love doing and want to do more of!
Favourite line from any show?
From The Man of La Mancha:
“This is my quest, to follow that star
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far
To fight for the right without question or pause
To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause”
There’s something about this verse that gives me goosebumps any time I hear it.
If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?
Aaron Tveit or Ramin Karimloo – just because I want to know what it’s like to have that much talent! Also, their career trajectories are something I aspire to have one day.
What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans?
When I did Jane Eyre: The Musical in Seattle, we had someone who came to the show multiple times, and on closing night, gave each of us paper roses made from pages of the book – corresponding to our characters!
Can you tell us what you will be up to next?
I don’t have anything lined up, so after this tour I’ll be taking a long break. After that, however, I foresee lots more happening with Halfpace Theatre Company. Find us on Instagram or check us out at halfpacetheatre.com and sign up for our mailing list!
Mikko Juan plays Thuy in Miss Saigon, currently in Leeds, and then on tour until August 2026 – more details here