East West Announces Mamma Mia crew

East West Players (EWP), the nation’s longest-running professional theater of color and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, is pleased to announce the cast and creative team for award-winning Broadway musical Mamma Mia! With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, and book by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! is directed by East West Players’ Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai, musical direction by Marc Macalintal, and choreography by Preston Mui. Mamma Mia! begins performances on May 9th and runs through June 9, 2019, with opening night on May 16, 2019.

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!

East West Players is thrilled to include Mamma Mia! as part of our 53rd Anniversary Season Culture Shock that is about disrupting the status quo and taking charge of the “outsider”narrative. “I am so excited to bring Mamma Mia! to East West Players. Reflecting on the theme of ‘culture shock,’ this unique production will feature a diverse, Asian American-led cast—challenging the perception of who is perceived as an American abroad and exploring the culture shock we often feel in our own families generationally,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai.

The cast of Mamma Mia is headlined by Joan Almedilla (Lady Thiang on the Broadway national tour of The King And I), Grace Yoo (Nan Goto in East West Players’ Allegiance), Alan Ariano (Broadway’s The King And I), and singers, songwriters Jules Aurora and AJ Rafael. The entire cast is as follows:

Joan Almedilla            AJ Rafael                     Edelyn Okano
Elvira Barjau               Kevin Perdido              Dekontee Turkile
Anthea Neri                 Nicole Santiago          Steven Agdeppa
Grace Yoo                   Jules Aurora                Andrew Ge
Max Torrez                  Ala Tiata
Alan Ariano
Danny Bernardo
Michael Palma                                                           

The creative team includes Snehal Desai (Director), Marc Macalintal (Music Director), Preston Mui (Choreography), Stephanie Nguyen (Costume Designer), Anna Robinson (Scenic Designer), Karyn Lawrence (Lighting Designer), Christian Lee (Sound Designer), and Brandon Hong Cheng (Stage Manager).

All performances of Mamma Mia! will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 in Little Tokyo. Previews are Thursday, May 9th through Sunday, May 12, with 8pm shows from Friday to Saturday, and a 2pm matinee show on Sunday. All preview seats are $35. Regular performances are from Friday, May 17 through Sunday, June 9, with 8pm shows from Friday to Saturday, and 2pm matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday. Regular performance ticket prices range from $50 to $75. Opening night is Thursday, May 16th at 8pm. The production runs until June 9th.

Tickets may be purchased online at eastwestplayers.org or by calling (213) 625-7000. At time of purchase please mention any wheelchair/accessible seating needs. Student, senior, and group discounts are available. Dates, details, and ticket prices are subject to change.

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, was founded in 1965, at a time when Asian Pacific Islanders (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, please visit eastwestplayers.org

#EastWestPlayers  #EWPMammaMia  #EWP53 #EWPCultureShock