Minneapolis' Mu announces 2013-14 season (May13)

Mu's 22nd season features a world premiere play, two concerts, a collaboration for young audiences, and a classic Sondheim musical.

(Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN) Under the new leadership of incoming Artistic Director Randy Reyes, Mu Performing Arts today announced its 2013 - 2014 season of theater and taiko. The company's lineup of plays and concerts promises to thrill as Mu transitions to new leadership while continuing its mission to develop the canon of theater and taiko from the heart of the Asian American experience. Reyes recently outlined his goals for the company:

"I'm very proud of the theater and taiko work that we produce, and I want to keep raising the artistic quality with electric performances that transcend race and speak to the universal human experience. Our seasons will include classic Asian American plays, exciting taiko concerts, new works from emerging voices in our community, as well as our successful reinterpretations of Western standards."

The first production in the subscription series is the world premiere of Kung Fu Zombies Vs. Cannibals (October 12 - 27, 2013). Written by local Lao American poet, spoken word artist, and activist Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay, the production will be directed by Randy Reyes. Zombies Vs. Cannibals is the latest product of the Mu Performing Arts/Jerome Foundation New Performance Program. Vongsay¹s new play features epic martial arts battles and a driving hip hop score, spun live by DJ Kool Akiem. Based on the five Buddhist tenets, the story follows two Lao women, Sika and Arahan, as they struggle to maintain their personal moral code in a world gone wrong.

For the first time, Mu will present A Very Asian X-mas Concert (November 30 - December 1) at The Southern Theater. An expanded version of the company's popular holiday cabaret, the concert will feature music and comedy from a variety of Mu actors and taiko players.

Coming up in the spring of 2014, Mu Daiko Artistic Director Iris Shiraishi leads the Asian American drumming ensemble in Rhythm in Motion: Mu Daiko at The Cowles Center (March 7 - 9, 2014). Mu Daiko explores the limitless possibilities of rhythm in motion, dancing with Japanese drums large and small with beauty and precision. The taiko drumming ensemble promises to shake you in your seats and touch your heart.

Next, Mu and Stages Theatre Company collaborate on a production of Starry River of the Sky by Jeannine Coulombe (April 15 - May 18, 2014) This play for young audiences is based on the book by Grace Lin, and is the sequel to the Newbery honor-winning 'Where the Mountain Meets the Moon'. The production will be co-directed by Rick Shiomi and Sandy Boren Barrett. Performances are geared for children and families ages 7 and up.

Mu closes its 22nd season by returning to Park Square Theatre for an Asian American production of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music (July 25 - August 10, 2014). Directed by Rick Shiomi, the production will feature Randy Reyes as Fredrik Egerman. Following their record-breaking run of 'Into the Woods' last summer, the company will put its unique Mu twist on another of Sondheim's most beloved musicals.

Mu Season Subscriptions are currently on sale for $110 (regularly $125), and include FREE admission to special events and performances throughout the year. Single ticket sales will be announced soon.

For more information or to purchase tickets call 651.789.1012 or visit online at www.muperformingarts.org

Questions? Email



	Mu Performing Arts Announces 2013-2014 Season Under Incoming Artistic Director Randy Reyes Mu's 22nd season features a world premiere play, two concerts, a collaboration for young audiences, and a classic Sondheim musical. (Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN) Under the new leadership of incoming Artistic Director Randy Reyes, Mu Performing Arts today announced its 2013 - 2014 season of theater and taiko. The company's lineup of plays and concerts promises to thrill as Mu transitions to new leadership while continuing its mission to develop the canon of theater and taiko from the heart of the Asian American experience. Reyes recently outlined his goals for the company: "I'm very proud of the theater and taiko work that we produce, and I want to keep raising the artistic quality with electric performances that transcend race and speak to the universal human experience. Our seasons will include classic Asian American plays, exciting taiko concerts, new works from emerging voices in our community, as well as our successful reinterpretations of Western standards." ~ Randy Reyes, incoming Artistic Director The first production in the subscription series is the world premiere of Kung Fu Zombies Vs. Cannibals (October 12 - 27, 2013). Written by local Lao American poet, spoken word artist, and activist Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay, the production will be directed by Randy Reyes. Zombies Vs. Cannibals is the latest product of the Mu Performing Arts/Jerome Foundation New Performance Program. Vongsay¹s new play features epic martial arts battles and a driving hip hop score, spun live by DJ Kool Akiem. Based on the five Buddhist tenets, the story follows two Lao women, Sika and Arahan, as they struggle to maintain their personal moral code in a world gone wrong. For the first time, Mu will present A Very Asian X-mas Concert (November 30 - December 1) at The Southern Theater. An expanded version of the company's popular holiday cabaret, the concert will feature music and comedy from a variety of Mu actors and taiko players. Coming up in the spring of 2014, Mu Daiko Artistic Director Iris Shiraishi leads the Asian American drumming ensemble in Rhythm in Motion: Mu Daiko at The Cowles Center (March 7 - 9, 2014). Mu Daiko explores the limitless possibilities of rhythm in motion, dancing with Japanese drums large and small with beauty and precision. The taiko drumming ensemble promises to shake you in your seats and touch your heart. Next, Mu and Stages Theatre Company collaborate on a production of Starry River of the Sky by Jeannine Coulombe (April 15 - May 18, 2014) This play for young audiences is based on the book by Grace Lin, and is the sequel to the Newbery honor-winning 'Where the Mountain Meets the Moon'. The production will be co-directed by Rick Shiomi and Sandy Boren Barrett. Performances are geared for children and families ages 7 and up. Mu closes its 22nd season by returning to Park Square Theatre for an Asian American production of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music (July 25 - August 10, 2014). Directed by Rick Shiomi, the production will feature Randy Reyes as Fredrik Egerman. Following their record-breaking run of 'Into the Woods' last summer, the company will put its unique Mu twist on another of Sondheim's most beloved musicals. Mu Season Subscriptions are currently on sale for $110 (regularly $125), and include FREE admission to special events and performances throughout the year. Single ticket sales will be announced soon. For more information or to purchase tickets call 651.789.1012 or visit online at www.muperformingarts.org Home \| News \| Calendar \| Directory \| Plays \| Library/Storefront \| Timeline Copyright 2013, Roger W. Tang Questions? Email

Mu Performing Arts Announces 2013-2014 Season Under Incoming Artistic Director Randy Reyes