East West Players extends upcoming world premiere production of Imelda: A New Musical
East West Players, the nation's premier Asian American theatre, will extend its highly anticipated world premiere production of Imelda: A New Musical book by Sachi Oyama, music by Nathan Wang, lyrics by Aaron Coleman, directed by Tim Dang, musical direction by Nathan Wang and choreography by Reggie Lee. Opening May 11, 2005 the show will run an additional two weeks and close on June 19, 2005. Imelda: A New Musical is the final show of East West Players 39th Anniversary Season New Perspectives.
Does the story of the First Lady of the Philippines go beyond the shoes? In this musical biography, Imelda Marcos emerges aggressive, naïve and ultimately discovers that her husband‚s newfound power is a means to obtain everything she was once denied. Thief or political ploy? Greed or need? This production was developed by East West Players and the Academy for New Musical Theatre.
"I have always thought that the life of Imelda Marcos would make a great story for a play. While growing up in Hawaii in the 60s and 70s I always heard news of what Ferdinand and Imelda were doing, good or bad, glamorous or controversial. But Imelda, who became infamous for her alleged collection of 3000 pairs of shoes, was larger than life," said East West Players Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. "Imelda: A New Musical is another opportunity to showcase the stellar artistic talent of the Asian American community and add a uniquely Filipino story to the stages of American theatre."
The cast includes Liza Del Mundo as "Imelda Marcos;" Giovanni Jose Ortega as "Ferdinand Marcos;" Antoine Diel as "Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino," a Senator of the Philippines who was assassinated while trying to unseat Ferdinand from the presidency; and Myra Cris Ocenar as "Corazon Aquino," the wife of Benigno Aquino who eventually succeeds Ferdinand as president of the Philippines. Other members of the cast include Rinabeth Apostol, Louise Marie M. Cornillez, Evan D‚Angeles, M.J. Deocariza, Ramona DuBarry, Bryan Geli, Golda Inquito, Marc Macalintal, Blythe Matsui, Michael C. Palma, Theresa Pedrena, Annie Katsura Rollins and Joe Santiago.
The musicians includes John Abella, Russell Chan, Gary Chase, Timo Chen, Greg Chun, Evanne Lee and Jeremy Meronuck.
The design team includes set designer Victoria Petrovich, costume designer Ivy Chou, lighting designer Jerry M. Sonnenberg, property master Kenneth T. Takemoto and stage manager Robert "Bobby" Fromer.
All performances are in the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts, located in Little Tokyo at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Opening night is May 11, 2005 (includes gala reception with the director, cast and crew) and closing on June 19, 2005. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm (no Saturday matinee on May 14). Previews are May 5-7 at 8 pm and May 8 at 2 pm. An American Sign Language-interpreted performance is scheduled for June 4 at 2 pm.
General ticket prices are $38 in the orchestra and $33 in the balcony. Preview tickets are $20 for all seats. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.eastwestplayers.org or calling (213) 625-7000. Senior, student and group discounts are available.
Imelda: A New Musical is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, James Irvine Foundation, California Community Foundation and BMI Foundation.
