East West Players (EWP), the nation’s longest-running professional theater of color in the country and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, is pleased to that announce that the award-winning Broadway musical Mamma Mia! will be part of its 53rd Anniversary Season, Culture Shock, which takes place from Fall 2018 through Summer 2019. With Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, and Book by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! will be directed by Snehal Desai and close out the season. Mamma Mia! begins performances on May 9, 2019 and runs until June 9, 2019, with opening night on May 16, 2019.“In all of our seasons, we feature a musical, and for our 53rd season, I am so excited to bring Mamma Mia! to East West Players. Reflecting on the theme of ‘culture shock,’ this unique production of Mamma Mia! will feature a diverse, Asian American-led cast—challenging the perception of who is perceived as an American abroad and exploring the culture shocks we often feel in our own families generationally,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai.
EWP’s 53rd season commences with the Los Angeles premiere of Vietgone, written by Qui Nguyen and directed by Jennifer Chang. Vietgone spins a modern twist on the classic boy-meets-girl story: Quang and Tong are refugees fleeing the Vietnam War, who hook up and fall in love in a relocation camp in Arkansas. Bold, and fearless, Vietgone takes audiences on a hilariously rip-roaring ride across 1970s America with a hot soundtrack that serves up hip-hop, sass, and revolution. Performances run from October 18 – November 11, 2018.
Next is the world premiere of Man of God, written by Anna Moench and directed by Jesca Prudencio. A hidden discovery in a hotel bathroom changes the lives of four Korean Christian girls on a mission trip to Thailand. Samantha is hurt that someone she trusted could betray her. Jen is worried about how this might affect her college applications. Kyung-Hwa thinks everyone should adjust their expectations. Mimi’s out for blood. Amid the neon lights and go go bars in Bangkok, the girls plot revenge in this funny, feminist thriller. Performances run from January 31 – February 24, 2019.
EWP’s 53rd season closes with Mamma Mia!, with Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, Book by Catherine Johnson, and directed by Snehal Desai. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island they last visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless hits sets the scene for this infectious tale of love and frolicking fun, creating an unforgettable musical experience that will leave you dancing in the aisles! Performances run from May 9 – June 9, 2019.
Throughout the year, East West Players will also be presenting a series of community conversations and readings of new works titled, Counter-Culture.
All performances will take place at East West Players’ David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Single ticket sales for Mamma Mia! will be announced at a later date. Season subscription options are available at www.eastwestplayers.org. For information about the 53rd season, please visit www.eastwestplayers.org or call (213) 625-7000. Dates, details, and ticket prices are subject to change.
As the nation’s premier Asian American theatre organization, East West Players produces artistic work and educational programs that foster dialogue exploring Asian Pacific Islander (API) experiences. Founded in 1965, at a time when APIs faced limited or no opportunities to see their experiences reflected outside of stereotypical and demeaning caricatures in the American landscape, EWP not only ensures that API stories are told, but works to increase access, inclusion, and representation in the economy.
For more information about East West Players, please visit www.eastwestplayers.org.
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