Crazy Talented Asians (Los Angeles, CA)

Crazy Talented Asians
East West Players

Crazy Talented Asians (October 25 and 26, 2019), the second event in the series, is a two-night celebration of Asian American talent curated by singer/songwriter AJ Rafael. Headliners will include The Filharmonic (Friday, October 25) and Mama Bares (Saturday, October 26). Crazy Talented Asians has previously been produced by Rafael as a regular, one-night only event at the Rockwell Table and Stage, as well as a benefit performance at East West Players during the run of the Spring 2019 musical Mamma Mia!

“I’m excited to host Crazy Talented Asians (CTA) at East West Players because we share the same mission of making sure Asians are represented not only in the mainstream but for that kid in the audience who sees someone like them on that stage doing something they might want to pursue when they grow up,” says Rafael. “I’m honored to share the stage with these performers who are not only amazing at what they do, but who are proud of their identity and culture. These are artists who are aware of the responsibility they have to show that Asian Americans don’t have to just give in to the stereotypes we were given by the media.”

Rafael elaborates, “Crazy Talented Asians started way before it even existed, making videos in my living room with a bunch of my friends who just loved music and wanted to jam. A lot of those friends happened to be Asian, and we used YouTube & social media because it was the only platform we could be celebrated for who we were. CTA is that, a live band, and some of my friends and family bringing that to the East West Players stage to celebrate a night of dance, poetry, and music,”.Featured performances for Crazy Talented Asians will include:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019

The Filharmonic (The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Sing-Off) are an LA-based a cappella group of Filipino-American youngsters who were featured in NBC’S hit musical competition The Sing-Off. The 5-piece vocal group made the semi-finals, joined The Sing-Off national tour, and were featured in the Universal Pictures hit movie Pitch Perfect 2. The Filharmonic brings their unique blend of hip hop, pop and 90’s nostalgia to more than 150 college stages nationwide, and was named the #1 college booked entertainment group of the year in 2016.  The Filharmonic includes Jules Cruz– Vocal Bass, Joe Caigoy – Tenor, Trace Gaynor – Tenor, Niko Del Rey – Beat Boxer, and VJ Rosales – Tenor.

Comedian and actor Sherry Cola (Good Trouble) will also make a Friday night appearance.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019:

Mama Bares are four fierce and humorous women sharing their stories of motherhood, careers, and family through music.  Oh, and they just happen to be extremely talented singers who have graced the stage in Broadway productions, which include Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, and Wicked. Hear the Mama Bares roar! The Mama Bares & Baby Bares include Broadway Stars Deedee Magno Hall, Jennifer Paz, Joan Almedilla, Ai Cheung and their children.

Performers appearing both nights include:

• AJ Rafael (Music Director)
• Justine Rafael (Singer/Actress)
• Alyssa Navarro (Singer/Actress – Disneyland’s Mickey & The Magical Map)
• Nayah Damasen (Singer/Actress – Grey’s Anatomy)
• Ashley Argota (Singer/Actress – The Fosters, True Jackson VP)
• JR De Guzman (Comedian – Comedy Central, Netflix)
• Deedee Magno Hall (Singer/Actress – Steven Universe, Wicked Nat’l Tour, Miss Saigon Broadway)
• Jennifer Paz (Singer/Actress – Steven Universe, Miss Saigon Nat’l Tour)
• Jon Jon Briones (Singer/Actor – ACS: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Miss Saigon West End and Broadway Revival)
• Yellow Paco (Comedian – HigaTV)

Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular @ DCA Reunion ft Cassie Simone, Sam Pablo, Jennifer Kumiyama, Oliver Almonte & Terranne Butac.

Musical group numbers choreographed by Jasmine Rafael ft. Kevin Perdido (Mamma Mia!, East West Players), Jules Aurora (Singer/Songwriter/Influencer, CBS’s The Young And The Restless), Danny Bernardo (Mamma Mia!, East West Players), Edelyn Okano (Into the Woods, Hollywood Bowl), Anthea Neri (Disenchanted, Off Broadway), Grace Yoo (Into the Woods, Hollywood Bowl), Andrew Ge (Mamma Mia!, East West Players), Michael Palma (Mamma Mia!, East West Players), Yvette Lu (Hamilton), and Steven Agdeppa (Mamma Mia!, East West Players).

Tickets and showtimes for Respect Your Elders! Comedy Fest (October 11, 12, and 13, $25.00 to $45.00) and Crazy Talented Asians (October 25 and 26, $30.00 to $50.00) are available online at www.eastwestplayers.org, or by calling (213) 625-7000 Monday – Friday 10AM-6PM. All performances are at the David Henry Hwang Theater, located in the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.