East West Players (EWP), the nation’s largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work and the longest-running professional theater of color in the country, continues its 50th Anniversary Season, Golden. The season, celebrated over two years has already completed the Los Angeles Premiere of “Animals Out of Paper” by Rajiv Joseph; the West Coast Premiere of “Takarazuka!!!” by Susan Soon He Stanton; the World Premiere of “Washer/Dryer” by Nandita Shenoy; and the rock musical “The Who’s Tommy,” book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff and music and lyrics by Pete Townshend.“This milestone season has been quite a journey as we introduce a new generation of artists and audiences to the theatre and prepare for the next chapter of East West Players, ” said Tim Dang, EWP Producing Artistic Director. “We continue our diverse season expanding our artist and audience bases.”
“Chinglish,” by David Henry Hwang and directed by Jeff Liu, is about an American businessman who’s desperately looking to score a lucrative contract for his family’s firm travels to China, only to learn how much he doesn’t understand: his translators are unreliable, his consultant may be a fraud, and he is captivated by Xi, the beautiful, seemingly supportive government official who talks the talk – but what is she saying, anyway? From East West Players’ favorite playwright comes this uproarious comedy. Runs September 10, 2015 through October 11, 2015.
The “Artistic Director’s Choice”: Plays such as “The Joy Luck Club,” “Equus,” and “Three Year Swim Club” are some of Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang’s favorite plays of recent years. Stay tuned for another favorite play in continued celebration of our 50th anniversary! Runs November 5 through December 6, 2015.
“Criers For Hire,” by Giovanni Ortega and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera, marks its world premiere at East West Players. Aurora, Remedios, and Eugenia are three of the most sought-after professional funeral criers in Monterey Park. They are eager to welcome Aurora’s 14-year-old daughter Gaya from the Philippines into their world and teach her their somber trade. However, they soon realize that Gaya has the opposite effect on people, making them laugh instead of cry. What ensues is a hilarious and heartwarming story of cultural identity, mother/daughter relationships, and finding home in a new country. Runs February 11, 2016 through March 13, 2016.
Closing out the season is “La Cage Aux Folles,” book by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics & music by Jerry Herman, based on the book by Jean Poiret. This production is directed by Tim Dang, musical direction by Marc Macalintal, and choreography by Reggie Lee. The beloved Tony award winning musical closes our 50th anniversary season. Georges is the suave owner of a glitzy drag club. Partnered romantically with his high-strung star performer Albin, they live a charmed life – until George’s son, Jean-Michel, turns up with his fiancée. Cultures collide as Georges and Albin are introduced to Jean-Michel’s fiancée and her ultra-conservative parents, and the strength of family and feather boas are tested in this jubilant musical that inspired “The Birdcage.” In association with the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Runs May 12, 2016 through June 12, 2016.
All performances will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Season Subscriptions are available with General Subscriptions starting at $135. Wednesday, Thursday, Student, and Senior Subscriptions are discounted to $130. Preview Subscriptions are $89. Opening Night subscriptions include pre-show cocktails and a post-show reception and are $235. Season Subscription purchases and additional information can be found at www.EastWestPlayers.org or by calling 213-625-7000. All plays and dates subject to change.
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