Victory Garden Theatre (Chicago, IL)
The Romance of Magno Rubio
by Lonnie Carter
May 28 to July 11, 2004
Rodney To (kneeling) plays the title character Magno Rubio, with (from left,
standing) Narciso Lobo, Joseph Anthony Foronda and Frederic Garcia, in The
Romance of Magno Rubio.
See News story.
Reviewed here.
dueEast Theatre (Chicago, IL)
Seven Out
by Keith Uchima
June 4 to July 10, 2004
Seven Out is lovingly based on the extensive interviews of Japanese Americans who lived, worked and played in, and around, an area of Chicago’s north side. Most, if not all, of these Japanese Americans, or Nisei, came to Chicago from internment camps, or from Hawaii, during the early post-war period. In their search for a better life, some of these men and women worked in organized crime, particularly in various gambling activities; one even attained a high ranking position (perhaps the only Asian-American to do so). Virtually all of them would discover that there was much about the American dream that is, and was, illusory. Seven Out is a dedication to, and a parable of, these Nisei lives: the many who endured much, while creating some place for themselves in an America that gave little back.
Review is here.
ArtWallah (Los Angeles, CA)
July 8 to 11, 2004
Each year ArtWallah provides a platform of expression for South Asian artists from around the globe, celebrating and encouraging the artistic vision of those whose art reflects their South Asian cultural heritage and captures the sentiments of a multi-nationalistic identity. This is a tremendous opportunity for artists to showcase their work before a diverse audience while also offering a venue to meet and collaborate with both established and emerging artists.
Cuchipinoy Productions (NYC)
The Green Dragon
A Modern Myth
Written and Directed by Jonathan Calindas
July 10 to 11, 2004
Stage Manager: Ruth N. Mendez
Production Manager: Sarah Darnsteadt
With:
Anthony Ciccotelli, Gabriel Martinez, Anna Payumo, Jason Specland, Michelle Tidmore, and Susan Barnes Walker
Access Theatre Gallery
380 Broadway, 4th floor
(Two blocks south of Canal Street at the corner of White Street)
Tickets: $20
Reservations: (212) 841-0850 or www.cuchipinoy.com
Performances:
Saturday, July 10 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 11 @ 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
In the first production of its 2004-2005 season, Cuchipinoy Productions presents The Green Dragon: A Modern Myth by Jonathan Calindas on July 10 and 11 at the Access Theatre Gallery.
Written in response to the tragedies of September 11th, 2001, The Green Dragon is a modern fairy tale utilizing the elements of ancient mythology and folklore to try to make sense of terrible tragedy.
After the Green Dragon destroys the beloved Castle on the hill, the man with the white stripe in his hair loses his family and goes on a quest to slay the dragon. The story, told by the members of the community, is a story of loss, grief, anger, and redemption.
The Green Dragon is written and directed by Jonathan Calindas. The ensemble cast features Anthony Ciccotelli, Gabriel Martinez, Anna Payumo, Jason Specland, Michelle Tidmore, and Susan Barnes Walker
Cuchipinoy Productions is an emerging theatre company dedicated to presenting plays that reflect the American multi-ethnic landscape and to providing opportunities to actors, writers and directors of all ethnicities. As a predominantly young company, we embrace new, innovative, and daring plays as well as groundbreaking interpretations of the classics. We welcome writers, directors, actors, and designers that push the boundaries of American theatre. We strive to create productions that will reflect the new, uncharted, frightening, complex and exciting world we live in today.
For more information on Cuchipinoy Productions and to join their mailing list, visit their website at: www.Cuchipinoy.com
HIGHWAYS PERFORMANCE SPACE AND GALLERY,
RCJG Productions, Inc. (LA, CA)
FLIPZOIDS, Adventures in White,
BY RALPH PENA,
July 11, 2004
Miss Saigon
National Tour
Still around. More information from Big League Theatricals on the Miss Saigon tour...
Review from Philadelphia here.
Reviews from Boston here and here
Review from New Jersey
Other reviews here.
Review from Toledo.
Review from St. Petersburg, FL.
Review from Sarasota, FL
Review from Delaware
Review from Springfield, MO
Review from Green Bay (cheeseheads, ho!)
Review from Dallas, TX
Review from Eugene, OR
Review from San Diego, CA.
Review from BackStage West, Los Angeles show.
Los Angeles Times
Feature on Miss Saigon and current lead, Jennifer Paz, here.
East West Players (LA, CA)
M. Butterfly
By David Henry Hwang
June 9, 2004
extended to July 18
The Tony Award winner for Best Play, M. Butterfly is based on a true story that stunned the world. French diplomat Rene Gallimard, is arrested by the French government for having an affair with a Chinese Opera singer, Song Liling, for more than 20 years without ever knowing that that his ideal woman was a spy for the Chinese government and a man disguised as a woman. Only in real life could love become unreal.
Riverscope Workshop Production (LA, CA)
Mommy's Special
by Weiko Lin
July 12, 2004
It's been a long night for Mommy, a bartending lush in a Chinatown dive bar. She finds Rizza stranded in the parking lot, only to learn that Rizza has planned to commit suicide before sunrise. In a last ditch attempt to dissuade her, Mommy offers herself in a suicide pact. What unravels is the strange connections in their dark pasts that bring them to this final confrontation.
Starring Shi Ne Nielson and Deborah Png
Produced by Ethan Hong
Directed by Weiko Lin
VENUE:
East West Player
DAVID HENRY HWANG THEATER
120 North Judge John Aiso Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
DATE:
Monday, July 12th, 2004
SCHEDULE
Pre-show Reception: 7:30pm
Performance: 8PM
Post-show Reception to follow immediately after performance.
ADMISSION: FREE! $5 suggested donation
ADVANCED RESERVATION:
Please include:
*Your full name
*email
*number in your party (including yourself).
email: RSVP@RIVERSCOPE.COM
NWAAT (Seattle, WA)
blurred intent
by Richard Sloniker
July 17, 2004
The reading will take place at the Theatre Off Jackson on the 17th of July at 7:30 pm. It will be a staged reading with a post-play discussion and drinks being served afterwards. There is a donation admission for attending the reading that will go towards the full production of the play in October.
The play, blurred intent, is a two-character, one scene play in one act. The characters are Brandon and David. They are both in their mid-twenties. Brandon is a mixed-race Asian American who appears predominantly Caucasian. David is a Filipino American. blurred intent is an exploration into the deeper meaning of Brandon's and David's friendship. How they view their relationship with each other is ultimately dependant upon how they view themselves. As the dialogue and actions of the play progress, subtle yet critical layers are removed exposing the rawness of their intentions.
The actions of the play take place in the living room of Brandon's Seattle apartment after Brandon returns home from Chinatown after a fight. As Brandon reluctantly describes the scene to David, we come to realize that his mixed ethnicity has played a vital role in the fight and his resulting actions. David's response is invoked from his perception of Brandon; as a friend, as someone who's seeing his ex-girlfriend, and his belief that Brandon could never completely understand what it means to be "fully" Asian American.
blurred intent is a contemporary play with an interesting and fresh topic that has hardly been addressed in modern theater: a mixed-race experience. It hopes to not only be entertaining but also create dialogue among patrons of the performance. How can race be defined when there are so many? And, how does a mixed-race person identify him or herself while living in a society that places so much emphasis on choosing one race?
The staged reading will be directed by Kenneth Chin, and performed by Kelly Ogilvie and Richard Sloniker.
AATC (SF, CA)
AATC NewWorks Incubator Festival!
July 19, 2004
Magic Theatre
Fort Mason Ctr, Bldg D. (Marina District)
note venue change
Ever wonder how all those plays in "incubation" are doing in their development in the AATC NewWorks Incubator? Well, get a dosage of all eight at our first ever AATC NewWorks Incubator Festival! You'll get to see shorts of the hottest eight new plays cooking in San Francisco.
Playlist:
Remember When by Sid Kimochi
Rental Car by Alex Kim
Ghosts of Himeyuri by Alice Shikina
Maya by Christopher Chen
Classroom Drama by Jarrett Chin
Sleeper by Samantha Chanse
Waking Dreams by Siwaraya Rochanahusdin
SALAAM Theatre (NYC, NY)
AWAAZ** - New Voices/ New Plays
presents a staged reading of
Taniya Hossain's
Mother in Another Language
Directed by Shilarna Stokes
July 19, 2004
When Tarak, a Bengali ex-pat, and Karen, an American, decide to get married, they know they're in for some cultural difficulties. But when Tarak buys them a brownstone and asks permission to move his mother into the basement apartment, Karen knows she's getting more than she bargained for. Hoping that Tarak's mother is nothing like her own mother, Blanchˆ a brash, independent woman on her fourth marriage ˆ Karen agrees but nothing prepares her for the arrival of Meena, Tarak's mother. Instead of taking over the brownstone, Meena manages to make her apartment the center of the house. Things go from bad to worse when Karen's mother, Blanch, is suddenly broke and homeless. Blanch moves in with Meena turning them into the odd couple from hell. Blanch's modern woman ways conflict with Meena's traditional Bengali household. But the mothers stay together finding a new respect for each other. Now they have to teach their children the lesson of compromise before the engagement is called off.
Disha Theatre (NYC, NY)
Four Year Anniversary
July 22, 2004
Join Disha for a party with food, wine, and live performances at the elegant and innovative:
Spice Grill
18 Murray Street
(between Broadway & Church St)
New York, NY 10007
(212) 791-3511
Thursday July 22nd, 2004 at 7pm (sharp)
Performers Include:
- Vedant Gokhale (Singer)
- Vijai Nathan (Comedian)
- Sridar Maruvada (Comedian)
- Poorna Jagannathan (Law & Order)
- Linda Erex (Dolores-Center Stage)
- Tarun Shetty (Comedian)
- Purva Bedi (Cosmopoliton)
- Rizwan Manji (Fillum Star: The Peter Patel Story)
Price: $15
RSVP at
celebrate@dishatheatre.org
or at (212) 502-7973
www.dishatheatre.com
Portland Center Stage
JAW/West (Portland, OR)
BFE
by Julia Cho
July 22, 2004
Just Add Water/West, better known in theater circles as JAW/West, brings four new plays by national playwrights to the stage of the Winningstad Theatre. The festival, sponsored by Portland Center Stage, provides an important step in developing new plays -- the chance for authors to turn their plays over to professional directors and actors and see how things are working. For audiences, it can be a fascinating first peek at plays that will be further refined and move on to premieres.
On the docket this season, JAW/West's sixth:
* "BFE," by Julia Cho. Cho's plays have been produced at Seattle Rep, Los
Angeles' Mark Taper Forum and elsewhere. This one's about "an Asian American
teenage girl with an identity crisis . . . and an attitude."
Teadaworks (LA, CA)
TEADAWORKS 2004:
THIRD ANNUAL NEW PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT LAB AND FESTIVAL
July 24, 2004
Come be part of the development process of some of the newest, and glimpse some of the most cutting edge performance work in Los Angeles!! This Saturday!
OPEN REHEARSAL:
Saturday, July 24th, 2pm
Angel’s Gate Cultural Center
3601 South Gaffey Street, Building H
San Pedro, CA
Reservations for Open Rehearsals are not required
This is a pay-what-you-can event.
a reception will follow the event.
TEADAWORKS is a festival showcasing new interdisciplinary performances by artists who fearlessly tackle personal, political, global and diasporic issues and boldly experiment with multiple art forms.
This year’s evolving new works include:
“Case 6-10” by Joe Elvis - Investigator Joseph is assigned to Case 6-10. He meets Mrs. Caroline Jones a 72 year old woman who is the victim of a rape, Miss Sofia a 33 year old prostitute Night club dancer, and Erik a 20 year old with a mental disability. His investigation takes him through the life of these 3 individuals and the hard journey each of them lived and live-in as they all become HIV positive. This investigation hits Joseph as he also finds out he is HIV positive. All 4 characters are played by Joe Elvis Always.
“Venice Black & Brown” by Lindsey Haley takes audiences back to Venice, California circa 1971. The Summer Youth Employment Program has kicked in and just about every teenager’s got a job. Dressed in our new clothes, we’re hanging out at the teen posts that have just sprung up and we groove to the sounds of Sly and the Family Stone. Black men don the look of the Black Panthers and Black women set their hair free with their Afros. Fast forward to Venice just 20 years later. On any street or sidewalk here, yellow plastic crime scene tape surrounds someone’s dead child. Welcome to New Venice where Black and Brown families are displaced and tall walls protect new wealthy neighbors who wait to be rid of the riff raff.
“The Pursuit Of” by Gabriela Lopez - Do people reflect what the media sells, or does the media reflect people’s desires? In an image conscious society ruled by diet industries, cosmetics and plastic surgery, the narcissistic disturbance found in everyone is undeniable. In this story, pop-star icon MEDÍA (medee-a), is the reflection of a city trapped in the voice of the billion dollar empire, ECHO ADVERTISING, in what becomes “The Pursuit Of” the unrequited love for the beautiful and unattainable image found in all of us.
“Party Nation” by Corey Saucier - delves into the psyche of the group hardest hit by HIV today: young, sexually ambiguous, people of color. Using experimentation in structure, movement, and voice. The audience in taken on a journey through the histories of many, to tell the story of one. With the main character becoming an avatar for those unaware, a symbol of the ignorance towards the death and hardship of the generations past. He is the party nation; blind to the virus slowly eating away at our legions.
“I FOBS” by Lorely Trinidad - explores illegal immigration, attempts to define the experience of today’s Filipino in today’s America. This solo performance piece, sprinkled with and picks apart cultural and modern dance as well as traditional folk and pop music, gives a voice to the thousands of invisible individuals in America who contribute to the US economy as consumers and remitters of millions of dollars to the Philippines.
“Untitled - Media Project” by Zero 3 - examines current media: news, popular television and music. Six corporations own much of the media today, and therefore have great control over the information we receive, the music we enjoy, and the TV programs we watch with our families. Zero 3 is a performance trio that blends theater, spoken work, music and movement to create unique performances that challenges audiences to look at the world around them. Made up of Kennedy Kabasares, Traci Kato Kiriyama and Edren T. Sumagaysay, Zero 3 will explore how the media affects them individually, and tries to figure out the alternatives.
TEADAWORKS is about the artistic process. This annual festival offers artists a rare opportunity to work intensively and collaboratively to develop new performance works through workshops, rehearsals and labs (performance workout sessions). Launched in August of 2002, this third annual development lab and festival will be a continuation of this provocative artistic event informing the audiences about multi-cultural issues while pushing the boundaries of performance art, dance, theater and both cultural and artistic hybridity. TEADAWORKS artists are the ones to watch!
Secret Rose Theatre (LA, CA)
Mama from China
by C. Y. Lee
July 9 to August 1, 2004
A world premiere from the author of The Flower Drum Song.
TSI/New York (NYC, NY)
Eleanor Triumphant
Uncommon Threads
Two one-acts by Felix Racelis
Directed by Peggy Chane
July 21 & 28, 2004
8pm both evenings
Eleanor Triumphant starring Jacqueline Bertrand--
Flush with a gigantic divorce settlement, Eleanor welcomes you to the opening of her new gallery and unveils more than just her paintings.
Uncommon Threads starring Brienin Bryant and Geany Masai--
Wary of the motives of a snobbish museum staffer, an elderly African American retiree withdraws her quilt submission until she discovers they have more in common than just their ethnicity. (Winner of the First Annual Fire Rose Productions Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival.)
Discount tickets are $12 (Students & Seniors) and $15 (Adults). This discount is applicable when pre-purchased/reserved 24 HRS BEFORE SHOWTIME. All tickets at the door are $18.00.
For tickets, call: Theatremania (212) 352-3101 (with credit card only), or via the web at www.theatrestudioinc.org. Go to the bottom of the website where there is a TICKETING LINK to the calendar at Theatremania.com (with credit card only).
Theatre-Studio is located at 750 Eighth Ave., Suite 200, New York, NY 10036.
Lodestone Theatre (LA, CA)
Solve for X
by Judy Soo Hoo
July 29, 2004
directed by Jeff Liu
featuring Roger Fan, Elaine Kao, Sun St. Pierre, Kipp Shiotani and Harry du Young
Solving for X has never been a problem for Hannah...until she meets Theo and his son Henry. Soon Hannah develops an unnatural, unexpected attraction, and she finds that trying to solve the complicated mysteries of life and love has never been so hard.
THURSDAY, JULY 29th, 8:00 PM.
The Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd. (at Sunnyslope, west of Coldwater Canyon)
Studio City, CA 91423
Free street parking on Ventura, or $4 valet parking at August Chris Cafe just east of the theatre.
FREE ADMISSION (but donations gladly accepted and encouraged).
NO RSVPS required, however, please arrive at least ten minutes before curtain for seating (which is limited and on a first-come basis).
Lodestone Theatre (LA, CA)
Fundraiser!
August 1, 2004
THE 2004 KARAOKE EXTRAVAGANZA & POKER SHOWDOWN:A fundraiser to support our production of Isaac Ho's Claim to Fame
Hosted By Claim to Fame's Eddie Mui and his small, furry animal friends
Join the cast and crew of Claim to Fame for:
*Unlimited karaoke!
*All-you-can-eat buffet!
*Drink specials all night long at the fully stocked no-host bar: $2 pink lemonade shots and kamikaze shots and $5 pitchers of MGD
*A special auction were you can bid on your favorite CLAIM... cast member to sing you a song of your choice!
**An added bonus for the night will be the Lodestone Poker tournament with all proceeds going to the production. The buy in for the tournament will be $25 and that will get you a 400 in chips and entrance to the event, there will be unlimited rebuys for the first hour, the blinds will be raised every 20 mins., the top chip winners form each table will move on to final table were they will compete for an assortment of prizes including:
- dinner for two at Dan Tana's restaurant
- an assortment of the hottest new DVD's
- a Disney gift basket
- AND The Grand Prize:
An XBox system with three games!
to sign up for the poker tournament call:
Howard Chan at (310)497-0183 or e-mail howardchan@gmail.com
AUG, 1ST 2004
6 PM to Midnight
(All-you-can-eat buffet included in ticket price. Buffet from 7-10 PM)
@ Oiwake Restaurant in Little Tokyo
122 Japanese Village Plaza Mall
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-2678
ticket info:
$12 presale (for checks received by July 30)
$15 at the door
$25 for poker tournament and entrance fee
Arrive early for best seating and to ensure you get a ticket in case of a Sellout!
For pre-sale tickets, send checks made out to: Lodestone Theatre Ensemble ($12 for regular ticket, $25 for poker tournament) to: Lodestone Karaoke and Poker Night, PO Box 1072, Studio City, CA 91614. Checks must be received by July 30 for pre-sale price. Please include your name, # of tickets bought and phone/e-mail address for confirmation.
All proceeds from this event will benefit Lodestone's World Premiere
Production of CLAIM TO FAME
@ The Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City
July 24-August 29, 2004
For more info. about the show (including RSVP info) or Lodestone:
(323) 993-7245
www.lodestonetheatre.org
Kumu Kahua Theatre (Honolulu, HI)
Folks You Meet At Longs
by Lee Cataluna
July 1 to August 1, 2004
extended to August 8
Kahua Theatre reprises its season opening hit Folks You Meet At Longs by Lee Cataluna. Some time, every day, everyone eventually goes to Longs. In this cross-section of Hawaii's people, Lee Cataluna introduces us to the slackers, the cops, the aunties, the bulls and titas, and of course the employees, who share their beefs and secret lives. From the author of Da Mayah, Ulua, Aloha Friday, and Super Secret Squad, Folks You Meet In Longs will play at Kumu Kahua Theatre at 46 Merchant Street, from July 1 through August 1.
Kumu Kahua Theatre is an air-conditioned, intimate 100 seat performance space; to avoid disappointment, patrons should purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased with a credit card by calling 536-4441 or by visiting our Box Office between 11am and 3pm Monday through Friday. Ticket prices range from $16 to $5. Tickets go on sale June 14.
In a series of sometimes comic, sometimes somber monologues set inside a Hawai'i Longs Drug Store, Cataluna continues her theatrical exploration of the human condition. Customers and employees alike take turns onstage discussing everything from product purchases to boyfriends and girlfriends, abusive spouses and mortal enemies. Some two dozen characters, including Verna ("Waipahu's answer to Martha Stewart"), Rogelio "D.J. Stankmaster" Cabingabang, Crazy Aunt Cookie, and Officer Wolverton Kahaunaele, inadvertently reveal their own personalities while discussing the character flaws of others--all against the backdrop of Hawaii's preferred shopping destination. As character Cheryl Moana Marie Sakata says, "This is my whole life. This is the rest of my life. Zippys, Foodland, Longs."
Kapi'olani Community College Associate Professor of Speech and Performance of Literature Keith Kashiwada will again direct the play. The production team includes setting by Dan Gelbmann, lighting by Gerry Kawaoka, costumes by Monica and Squire Coldwell. The original cast will return featuring Daryl Bonilla, Dawn Gohara, Wil Kahele, Maka, Pamela Staats, Janice Terukina, Pukaua Ah-Nee, Denise H. Colon and Chance Gusukuma.
Kumu Kahua productions are being supported by the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts celebrating more than thirty years of culture & the arts in Hawai'i; the Mayor's Office of Culture & Arts, Jeremy Harris, Mayor; The Hawai'i Community Foundation; foundations, businesses & patrons.
The Imua! Theatre Company (NYC)
The Greeks
THE WAR - THE MURDERS - THE GODS
July 7 to August 5, 2004
A cycle of ten plays performed in two parts adapted by John Barton & Kenneth Cavander directed by Kaipo Schwab
Manhattan Ensemble Theater -- 55 Mercer Street (at Broome)
Monday, Wednesday - Sunday at 7pm. Saturday at 2pm & 7pm.
Part 1: July 7, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and August 1, 4
Part 2: July 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29, 31 and August 2, 5
Tickets $15 per show
Saturday Special: $65 per person for tix to parts 1 & 2 and for 3-course meal at Cendrillon between shows (incl. beverage, tax and tip)
Call 212-327-1577 or visit www.imuatheatre.org
The Cast: Eric Anderson, David Anzuelo, Peejay Bodoy, Sandi Carroll, Daniella Chiminelli, Tina Chow, Corinne Colón, Johanna Cox, Claro De Los Reyes, Adrienne Dreiss, Andrew Eisenman, Esra Gaffin, Kristen Harlow, Lizzie Henney, Patrick Henney, Karl Herlinger, Susan Hyon, Matthew Johnson, Qurrat Kadwani, Liliane Klein, Evan Lai, Robyn LeVine, Jamil Mangan, Sevrin Anne Mason, Gregg Mozgala, Tim Mullaney, Jenny Neale, Rachel Neuman, Mariana Newhard, Patrick Noonan, Jocelyn O'Neil, Kathleen O'Neill, Orlando Pabotoy, Jennifer Robinson, Benjamin Sands, Gillian Sheffler, MaryBeth Warley, Inga R. Wilson, Keo Woolford, and Aaron Yoo.
Sets: Antje Ellermann
Lighting: Shawn K Kaufman
Costumes: Deanna Berg
Sound: Mark Huang & Walter Trarbach
Fight Choreographer: Orlando Pabotoy
Stage Manager: Danielle Teague-Daniels
Production Manager: Michael Kemp
Press: Shirley Herz & Associates
Part 1: IPHIGENIA IN AULIS, ACHILLES, THE TROJAN WOMEN, HECUBA and AGAMEMNON
Part 2: ELECTRA, HELEN, ORESTES, ANDROMACHE and IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS
MARATHON PERFORMANCES
On each Saturday of our run, special “Marathon” performances are given in which both parts are performed consecutively, with an hour and forty-five minute break for dinner. “Marathon” performance days: Saturday, July 10, 17, 24, and 31. Whether a “Marathon” is chosen or whether individual performances are selected, audiences are urged to see the two parts in their proper order for the best appreciation of the story.
Theatreworks (Palo Alto, CA)
Red
by Chay Yew
July 17 to August 8
Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto, CA
Word for Word Theatre (SF, CA)
Immortal Heart
by Amy Tan
July 16 to August 8
DIRECTED BY DELIA MACDOUGALLMagic Theatre, Southside,
Building D, Fort Mason Center
Word for Word is bringing Bay Area favorite Amy Tan's words to life through a production of her short story Immortal Heart to kick off its 11th season. Immortal Heart,˜the short story that evolved into Tan's award-winning The Bonesetter's Daughter, reveals a hidden world, one circumscribed by the powers of family and destiny, and the strict tenets of women's roles in rural China in the 1900's.
Immortal Heart opens with a press night on Friday, July 16, at 8:30 PM at the Magic Theatre, Southside (previews July 13,14,15). Amy Tan, award winning novelist of The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen God's Wife, and The Bonesetter's Daughter, is distinguished for her compelling generational stories of mothers and daughters, and her deeply etched characters and riveting dramatic plots.
Directed by WORD FOR WORD Charter Member Delia MacDougall with assistant director Michael Cheng, Immortal Heart features actors Mitzie Abe, Michael Cheng, Julia Cho, Tina Huang, Lisa Kang, Kerry Lee, Melissa Wong Renati, Brian Rivera, and Dennis Yen. The production is designed by Mikiko Uesugi, with lighting by Jim Cave, costumes by Keiko Shimosato, and sound by Randall Wong.
Immortal Heart continues its run Wednesdays-Sundays, July 17-August 8 at the Magic Theatre, Southside, Building D, Fort Mason Center (previews July 13,14,15). Performances are 8:30 PM Wed.-Sat., with 3 PM matinees on Sundays. Tickets $27, $2 discounts to students and seniors. All Wed. and previews are pay-what-you-can. Word for Word is at www.zspace.org For information and reservations, call (415) 437-6775.
Word for Word is a performing arts company that blends literature and theater into one art form, bringing short stories to life on stage without omitting a single word of the original text. Author Amy Tan describes Word for Word as "a marvel. While respecting the author's every word, the company also manage to create something completely new, going well beyond the page into an art that has no words. I was completely bowled over by the acting, the stage, the costumes, the choreography -- the sheer power of the experience of watching words come to life."
Founded in 1993 by Susan Harloe and JoAnne Winter, the company is entering its 11th season. WORD FOR WORD performs short stories in their entirety, preserving the author's language and honoring his or her literary intent. WORD FOR WORD has staged works throughout the Bay Area, as well as in France (through support from the Florence Gould Foundation in New York). In addition, WORD FOR WORD presents its popular School and Library Tour twice yearly throughout Northern California. The company has presented ten annual home seasons at San Francisco's Fort Mason Center. In 1997, WORD FOR WORD received a special Bay Area Critics Circle Award for its unique concept and in 1998, the BACC Award for Best Ensemble for their production of John Sayles‚ The Halfway Diner. In 2002, they received six BACC Awards, including Best Production, Ensemble, Director, and Sound for Winesburg, Ohio, and Best Set and Sound for Oil! In 2003, they received yet another BACC award for Best Ensemble for their 2002 production of Stories by Tobias Wolff.
Bindlestiff Studios (SF, CA)
Revival Arts Productions presents
MALING AKALA
Three One-Act Plays by Filipino Playwrights
August 5 to 7, 2004
The Dancers, by Alberto S. Florentino
Condemned, by Wilfredo Ma. Guererro
Oh, What A Heap of Garbage! (Sino Ba Kayo?), by Julian Cruz Balmaceda, Translated by Boots Y. Pascual.
505 Natoma @ 6th St.(between Howard and Mission)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Youth for Asian Theater (SF, CA)
disORIENT
August 7, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
Herbst Theatre
Join Youth for Asian Theater for an evening of original plays and monologues written, directed and performed by San Francisco youth. The award-winning playwrights have had their works featured in Boston, New York, New Haven, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Sonoma and Santa Cruz. Featured plays include:
- The Red Wind written by Morgan Ho, directed by Alisa Farenzena. What does it mean to be Chinese? Is Chinatown still home after all of these years? Valerie grapples with these issues and rethinks a lifelong friendship.
- Escaping Chinatown written and directed by Lauren D. Yee. Irene Kwan and her obstinate daughter Anna Eleanor go head-to-head in this tale of intercultural romance in the tumultuous 1960s.
- The World’s Next Superhero written by Brianna Lee, directed by Sel Lee. When Evilvicious threatens to take over the world, will Fruit & Vegetable Man and his Amazing Sidekick be able to defeat her and save the day?
- Ten Years Later written by Megan Shum, directed by Lorraine Ling. Two college roommates meet up a decade after an innocent misunderstanding tears them apart.
- Presenting Katrina written by Brianna Lee, directed by Timothy S. Cheng. Cool City Shopper Katrina and Fun-In-The-Sun Beach Party Katrina gather dust on the bottom shelf as shoppers opt for the more classic Barbie doll.
- Green Light, Yellow Fever written and directed by Lauren D. Yee. Wanda succumbs to the pressure when the network wants to rework her show after the pilot fails to play up to antiquated stereotypes of Asians.
Featured monologues and performance art written by Diann Leo, Pooja Patel and Ben Piiru
Youth for Asian Theater is a student-run organization that seeks to promote pride in Asian heritage through theater. Now in its fourth year, YFAT operates entirely through the efforts of its young cast and crew members, who oversee the production from script to stage.
Company includes: Timothy S. Cheng, Brendan Eng, Alisa Farenzena, Melissa He, Morgan Ho, Florence Kwo, Brianna Lee, Sel Lee, Diann Leo, Yvonne Li, Tony Liao, Jordan Lilienstein, Lisa Lin, Lorraine Ling, Jean Long, Jeanne Mai, William Meng, Pooja Patel, Benjamin Piiru, Megan Shum, Stella Tan, Constance Tang, Terence Thang, Kathy Tom, David Tran, Alanna Wong, Crystle K. Wong, Lauren D. Yee, Amy Zeng
Visit Youth for Asian Theater’s Web site at www.yfat.webhop.org or call Lauren at (415) 831-5849 for details.
A Community Reading
in Southern California
August 10, 2004
Community Reading
featuring: Anida Yoeu Esguerra, Over Sea and Khmer Girls in Action
Tuesday August 10, 2004
Ruth Bach Neighborhood Library
4055 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90808
6:30pm – 8pm
for more info contact:
ra_pok@earthlink.net
Quedang@earthlink.net
Khmer Girls in Action (KGA) works with young Southeast Asian women in Long Beach organizing for social change and community empowerment. KGA staff works as a team, promoting mutual respect and equal participation of youth and adults. Valuing process and consensus building efforts, KGA staff are highly committed to social justice and community building both within and outside the organization.
Anida Yoeu Esguerra seeks an artistic, spiritual and political exploration of her identity as a non hyphenated Cambodian Muslim American woman. Esguerra uses an interdisciplinary approach to creating art which mixes the visual, spoken and written into performed explorations of hybrid identities. A believer in the power of collective creations, she has founded organizations including Mango Tribe, an Asian American women’s interdisciplinary performance ensemble; Asian American Artists Collective-Chicago; and the MONSOON literary arts journal. She is a founding member of the critically acclaimed panAsian spoken word quartet I Was Born With Two Tongues. She is a participant in Dance Theater Workshop’s Mekong Project Artist Residency program in Thailand and Cambodia. Esguerra tours extensively in North America with recent international performances in Delhi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Chiang Mai. She aches for home, a good pair of ass-kicking shoes, and poetry by Audre Lorde. She is proud to call Chicago home but knows the journey never really ends for the refugee.
Anida Yoeu Esguerra will be engaged in a 3-day performance and writing intensive workshop with Khmer Girls in Action. The workshop entitled, ”Performing Legacy: A Passport to Home Grown Stories” is intended to give Khmer American youth access to re-imagining a world that values their dreams, their legacies, and their voices.
National Asian American Theatre Co. (NYC)
Antigone
July 24 to August 14, 2004
at Intar
translated by Brendan Kennellydirected by Jean Randich
July 24 - August 14
Mondays - Saturdays, 7:00 p.m.
Additional performance, Saturday, 8/7, 3:00
Tickets: $19 (TDF accepted)
Intar 53
508 West 53rd St.
For reservations: (212) 244-0447
With: Art Acuna, Alexis Camins, Cindy Cheung, Siho Ellsmore, Emi Fujinami Jones, Mia Katigbak, Orville Mendoza, Nicky Paraiso, Fausto Pineda, James Shubert, Cruz Turcott, Eunice Wong
Original music: Robert Murphy
Sets: Sue Rees
Lights: Stephen Petrilli
Costumes: Elly van Horne
Sound design: Dave Morreale
Stage Manager: Karen Hergesheimer
One of the most revered Greek tragedies, Antigone begins at dawn, the morning after a brutal war has robbed Thebes of its King. In this volatile climate, Creon ascends the throne, establishing a new law designed to protect the State by making its claims supreme. But the edict effects the opposite, triggering the timeless conflicts that make us human: the friction between women and men, youth and age, individual and society, dead and living, gods and mortals. No one, not Antigone, nor the King's son, nor anyone in Thebes, can make this King listen and spare him the harsh consequences of his steely determination.
SALAAM (NYC)
Celestial Motions
by Mrinalini Kamath
August 16, 2004
Mrinalini Kamath's Celestial Motions. This month SALAAM 3rd Mondays happens to fall on the NEW MOON DAY. The new moon is the phase of the moon when the moon is not visible from Earth, because the side of the moon that is facing us is not being lit by the sun. So take time to celebrate the new moon day and join us for another memorable SALAAM salon!
Celestial Motions tells the story of what happens when 25-year-old Leela's parents (immigrants from India) realize that they forgot to take daylight savings time into account when they had her Hindu astrological chart drawn at her birth. They have it redrawn, and the startling prediction sets the young woman on a journey of arranged dating and cyber romance, as her parents desperately try to control her fate. Little do they realize that Leela's destiny is closer than they (or Leela, for that matter) think. An intercultural romantic comedy.
Celebrate the summertime in NYC by joining SALAAM Theatre's AWAAZ Play Reading Series. As always, we welcome members of the press and media to list, review, interview or cover the event. There will be a Q&A with the playwright MRINALINI KAMATH and the director, JORELLE ARONOVITCH following the reading. Thanking you in advance for your support and encouragement!
Lodestone Theatre Ensemble (LA, CA)
The Golden Hour
written by Philip W. Chung
directed by Jeff Liu
August 19, 2004
featuring Roger Fan, Jason Grimley, Elaine Kao, Kim Miyori, Eddie Shin & Eve Yeung
LAURA PARK had the seemingly perfect life--a great job at L.A.'s top law firm, a loving and successful boyfriend and a bright future full of possibilities. But there was a hole in her life and she didn't know why. Until one day when a near-death experience and a stranger's prayer altered the course of her life.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19th, 8:00 PM
The Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd. (at Sunnyslope, between Woodman and Coldwater Canyon)
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Free street parking on Ventura, or $4 valet parking at August Chris Cafe just east of the theatre.
FREE ADMISSION (but donations gladly accepted and encouraged).
NO RSVPS required, however, please arrive at least ten minutes before curtain for seating (which is limited and on a first-come basis).
NY International Fringe Festival (NYC)
Vampire Couwboy Trilogy
by Qui Nguyen
August 14 to 24, 2004
An action comedy with bite!
“Vampire Cowboy Trilogy deserves to be New York’s next big hit!”
-Martin Denton, NYTheatre.com
Director and co-creator Robert Ross Parker served as a Young Director in Residence at the Ensemble Studio Theatre and recently co-produced the Barn Series for LAByrinth Theatre Company. Fight choreographer and playwright Qui Nguyen is a New Dramatists Playwriting Fellow and a recognized Advanced Actor/Combatant. Set design by Nick Francone (assistant designer for Wicked); sound design by Matt Given (sound assistant for The Long Christmas Ride Home); costumes by Christopher M. Domanski. The cast includes Melissa Paladino, Andrea Smith, Caitlin Dick, Dan Deming, Temar Underwood, Emily Edwards, and Margie Freeswick.
Vampire Cowboys Theatre Company is a bi-coastal not-for-profit organization committed to producing new works with an emphasis on stage combat, dark comedy, and comic book action. Along with its sister company, The West Coast Vampire Cowboys of Los Angeles, VCTC aims to expand the theatergoing audience. The New York inaugural production of Stained Glass Ugly opened at the Midtown International Theatre Festival 2003 to critical acclaim. Sat 8/14 at 8pm
Tues 8/17 at 8:30pm
Thurs 8/19 at 5:45pm
Sat 8/21 at 12noon
Sun 8/22 at 2:45pm
Tues 8/24 at 5pm
Boston Asian American Theatre Collaborative (Boston, MA)
Cowboy vs. Samurai
by Michael Golamco
August 20, 2004
A Korean-American man in rural Wyoming has his heart set on a beautiful Korean-American woman - but she dates only white guys. Being billed as a spinoff of "Cyrano de Bergerac," LA playwright Michael Golamco's romantic comedy Cowboy versus Samurai gets a staged reading from the fledgling Boston Asian American Theatre Collaborative: tonight only at the Actors Workshop at 327 Summer St., Studio 4, at 7:30 p.m. 617-480-2442. . . .
LODESTONE PRODUCTION (LA, CA)
Claim to Fame
Written by Isaac Ho
Directed by Alberto Isaac
July 24 to August 29, 2004
Additional show August 26, 8 pm
Produced by Nic Cha Kim & Jonathan Michael SmithStarring: Feodor Chin, Janis Chow, Charles Kim, Yi Lin, Eddie Mui, Janet Song, D.C. Wolfe, Leonard Wu, Phil Young, Howard Chan, James Huang, Wahn Lee, Michael C. Palma and Michelle Sekine. Following the exploits of an up and coming sketch comedy troupe, CLAIM TO FAME, chronicles their first steps toward success. Internal politics and personal relationships collide as the troupe navigates through a maze of botched dinner parties, strip clubs, county jails and Internet hell. A brash, reckless ride with toxic consequences.
The play will run July 24-August 29, 2004,
Fri-Sat 8 PM, Sunday 2 PM
with low-priced previews on July 22-23, 8 PM.
@The Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd. (at Sunnyslope, west of Coldwater Canyon),
Studio City, CA 91423
CLAIM TO FAME was developed through the David Henry Hwang Writers' Institute at East West Players and was originally workshopped by Lodestone Theatre Ensemble.
See News story.
New York International Fringe Festival (NY)
Unaccessorized
by Rich Kiamco
August 14 to 28, 2004
PACE UNIVERSITY: The Plaza Cafe, 3 Spruce St @ Gold St
SUBWAY: 1,2 Park Place / 4,5,6 Brooklyn Bridge / N,R City Hall / A,C
Nassau St / J,M,Z Chambers St
TICKETS: $15
INside NY 212 279 4488 OUTside NY 1 888- fringeNYC
www.FringeNYC.org
NY International Fringe Festivel
Alter Ego Productions (NYC)
Fatwa !
Anuvab Pal's
Directed by Michael Barakiva
August 14 to 26, 2004
Venue:
Players Theater, 3C
115 MacDougal Street
(South of West 3rd Street)
New York, NY 10012
SHOWTIMES:
Saturday, August 14th at 2:45PM
Sunday, August 15th at 10:15PM
Friday, August 20th at 5:45PM
Saturday, August 21st at 9:45PM
Sunday, August 22nd at 7:45PM
Wednesday, August 25th at 4:15PM
Thursday, August 26th at 9:15PM
Tickets: $15
Buy online via TicketWeb at:
Alter Ego Productions
Fatwa is a play about the how far two people go to gain literary immortality. Our two characters, Michael Jordan and Mohammed Ali, are not the famous ones. They have the same names but are these two old hopeless failed writers, who are almost dead and ready for obscurity. As a last effort, one of them, Michael Jordan, writes a blasphemous book in an effort to get an Islamic Death Edict (Fatwa) on his head. Sadly, the Middle East fails to issue any edict or even respond to the novel. Pissed off, Mr. Jordan seeks the help of Mr. Ali to perform a staged "deadly act" before a video camera, that will apparently make both of them world famous. Mr. Ali's only qualification to perform this act is that he just happens to be "Middle Eastern Looking". The outcome of their brave and amateur act is the heart of our play. Audiences can expect a comedy that makes you think about the way America looks at the world and the way the world looks back at America.
- Anuvab Pal, Playwright and SALAAM Theatre's Literary Manager
Recent Press:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/87697.html
FringeNYC is happening from August 13th - 29th, 2004
http://www.fringenyc.org
Lodestone Theatre (LA, CA)
Harlequin
August 25, 2004
A special benefit screening of Lodestone's first short film
HARLEQUIN
A lonely New Year's Eve. A nearly deserted office building. On this night, Colleen will wish for true love. But be careful what you wish for...
Directed by Philip W. Chung
Written by Isaac Ho, Angela Kang, Diana Mar & Judy Soo Hoo
Produced by Cheryl Melchor
Starring: James K. Lee, Yi Lin, Emily Liu, Jeff Liu, Camille Mana, Ginni Ramos, Linda Shing, Leonard Wu, Phil Young, Ryun Yu & Jimmy Kim as the DJ
(HARLEQUIN contains adult themes, nudity, sexual situations and graphic violence. For mature audiences only.)
***Also screening with 2 other shorts from Lodestone members***
QI LIME PIE
Ant Farm Films presents an infomercial about an exciting new product that will change your life!
Directed by Jeff Liu
Written by Russ Riggins
Produced by Heeli Kim-Jeng & Russ Riggins
Starring: Russ Riggins, Heeli Kim-Jeng & Charles Kim
BEAUTIFUL
A young man in a dress faces his moment of truth.
Directed by Ryun Yu
Written and Produced by Ryun Yu and Jeff Liu
Starring: Jeff Liu & Derek Livingston
WHEN:
Wed., August 25, 2004 (ONE NIGHT ONLY)
2 screenings: 8pm and 9:30pm
(Doors open at 7:30 PM)
WHERE:
Barnsdall Art Park Theatre in Los Feliz (theatre is at the top of the hill)4800 Hollywood Blvd. (between Normandie and Vermont)
Hollywood, CA 90027
(There is FREE parking surrounding the theatre including a lot at the bottom of the hill. In all other spaces, please park diagonally, head in, as opposed to parallel parking.)
TICKETS:
ONLY $5 presale (if purchased by August 23)
$7 at the door
To purchase pre-sale tickets, send a check made out to Lodestone Theatre Ensemble ($5 per ticket) and mail it to: Harlequin, c/o Lodestone Theatre Ensemble, PO Box 1072, Studio City, CA 91614. Checks must be received by August 23 to receive pre-sale price. Please include your name and phone number/e-mail address so we can confirm your tickets and specify whether you will attend the 8 or 9:30 PM screening.
All proceeds from this screening will support Lodestone's production of HARLEQUIN and the world premiere of CLAIM TO FAME currently running at the Whitefire Theatre.
Locus Arts (SF, CA)
Banyan
by Jeannie Garroga
August 30, 2004
Come see Jeannie Barroga's BANYAN (Act I) and an excerpt of emerging writer Andrės Saito's JUST LIKE HERMANOS.Come out and watch the players play,soak up some good theater, and revel in the Locus vibe.
FYI: For BANYAN - directed by Michelle Talgarow:
Brian Rivera
Karla Acosta
Jennifer Cantorna
Michael Dorado
Davis Duffield
Zac Jaffee
Alan Quismorio
Bernie Rosquites
Monday, August 30th
Doors open 7.30PM; show starts at 8pm
Locus Arts, @ Galeria de la Raza
2857 24th Street, @ Bryant, SF
$5
FOR FULL INFORMATION:
http://www.locusarts.org/calendar.html?date=30+7+2004
Pork Filled Players (Seattle, WA)
at
Bumbershoot
Seattle Centerhouse Theatre
September 6, 2004
Seattle's longest running Asian American sketch comedy group descends on this Pacific Northwest institution, held over Labor Day!
Ummm...did anyone ever tell them, "you break it, you pay for it"?
AlterEgo Productions
Fatwa!
by Anuvab Pal
September 2 to 12, 2004
"Explosive in its irony . . . . . . Fatwa! is a show to be seen for the unique wit of its writing and the cleverness of the story it tells"
- NYtheatre.com review at the NYC International Fringe Festival, August '04
AlterEgo Productions is extending the run of
Anuvab Pal's FATWA !
Directed by Michael Barakiva
from NYC International Fringe Festival '04 to
The Blue Heron Arts Center (24th, Park & Lex)
http://www.blueheron-nyc.org/
Shows:
Sept02 (Thur) thru Sept04 (Sat) at 8:00
Sept 05 (Sun) at 2:00
Sept 08 (Wed) thru Sept11 (Sat) at 8:00
Sept 12 (Sun) at 2:00
To purchase the $15/- Tickets:
Web: http://www.smarttix.com/
http://www.alteregoproductions.org/>
Phone: (212) 868-4444
Theater Mania - "The professionalism, wit and daring on abundant display . . . . make AlterEgo Productions a company to look out for"
Woodminster Summer Musicals (Oakland, CA)
Flower Drum Song
book by David Henry Hwang
music by Rodgers and Hammerstein
September 3 to 12, 2004
SALAAM Theatre (NYC, NY)
AWAAZ** - New Voices/ New Plays
9/10
by Richard Willett
Directed by Eliza Beckwith.
September 10, 2004
9/10 tells four stories that take place the night before September 11, 2001. It's a play about tragedy, comedy, and the timeless ability of New York City to inspire dreams.
Featuring Al Rodriguez, Chuck Patterson, Denis Bergin, Nicole Zanzarella, Bill Dobbins, Poorna Jagannathan, Masa Naganishi and Christine Farrell.
Q&A and complimentary hors d'oeuvres and libations for your pleasure.
SALAAM Theatre
16 West 32nd Street - 10th floor
Between Fifth Avenue and Broadway
New York, NY 10001
Admission by donation: (nobody is turned away due to lack of funds)
$5 minimum, $10 suggested, $15 appreciated
Reservations RECOMMENDED:
Phone: 212.330.8097
Email: rsvp@SALAAMtheatre.org
Take time to remember the day that will remain permanently carved into our creative spirits. It was three years ago at about this time when the city stopped. When our eyes were opened up to the atrocities happening around the world. We want to remember our loved ones lost...Rest in Peace...
STUDIO at REDCAT (LA, CA)
Curated by Hassan Christopher and Denise Uyehara
September 12 to 13, 2004
Admission: $10, $6 students
REDCAT, CalArts' downtown center for innovative visual, performing and media arts, Announces the September Edition of Studio, an Ongoing Series Featuring New Works and Works-in-Progress by Los Angeles Artists.
The Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) announces the Fall edition of Studio, an ongoing series of new works and works-in-progress in dance, theater, multi-media and music by Los Angeles area artists. The high-tech REDCAT serves as a working tool for adventurous artists and audiences in Los Angeles to develop innovative new performances and experiment with the boundaries of their disciplines.
The September edition of Studio is guest-curated by Denise Uyehara; performance artist, writer and playwright, and Hassan Christopher; choreographer, dancer and Artistic Director of the Company of Strangers.
Studio will be presented at REDCAT, located in the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex, Sunday, September 12th and Monday, September 13th at 8:30pm. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $6 for all students with valid ID. Seating is general admission. Tickets may be purchased at the REDCAT box office located at the corner of 2nd and Hope streets, by calling 213.237.2800 or at www.redcat.org
