Second Generation Productions proudly presents the world premiere production of
Making Tracks
a new Asian-American rock musical

Old and new worlds collide when Second Generation Productions presents their new musical, Making Tracks, January 30th through February 14th at the Taipei Theater (lower level of the McGraw Hill Building, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, between 48th and 49th Streets.) Opening night is set for Thursday, February 4th. Tickets ($20, general admission), can be ordered by calling (212) 340.1095. The performance schedule will be January 30 through February 14, (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri at 8pm, Sat at 2 and 8pm, Sun at 3pm). Listings editors: please note that this is an Equity off-Broadway LOA production, and should be listed under off-Broadway.

Making Tracks incorporates dance, original songs, music and multimedia to tell the story of the sometimes uncompromising assimilation of Asians into American culture and the plight of generations of Asian immigrants to find their way to and in a new land. From the building of the railroads, the grueling experience of Angel Island, the heart-rending stories of the picture brides, the famed Forbidden City nightclub in San Francisco, the tragedy of World War II internment camps and the critical role of Asian American engineers in building the high-tech backbone of America, the Asian-American experience is captured in a unique and fresh light - as documental and historical as it is thoroughly engaging and powerful. The themes of the piece are woven together through the story of a young second generation Asian American woman and her discovery of the treasures of her family, history and culture. Throughout twelve musical scenes, the history of Asian Americans in the United States comes magically to life, incorporating ghosts and storytellers, gorgeous costumes and laptop computers.

The creative team behind Making Tracks is a dynamic cross-section of the next generation of theatrical talent. Brian Yorkey, Matt Eddy and Welly Yang have written the book and lyrics. Yang earned rave reviews last summer for his performance in the acclaimed production of Falsettoland at the Vineyard Theatre, and is also a former principal in the Broadway production of Miss Saigon. The composer is Julliard graduate Woody Pak and the director is Lenny Leibowitz. Award-winning choreographer Shawn Ku, former dance captain of Broadways The King and I, will serve as the musicals choreographer. Elaine McCarthy will be the multimedia designer, with sound design by Virg Nafarette and lighting by Richard Tatum. The set design is by Sarah Lambert, who recently designed Gross Indecency, among other productions. The cast includes Cindy Cheung, Lydia Gaston, Mel Gionson, Tim Huang, Tom Kouo, Michael Minn, Kiki Mortisugu, Aiko Nakasone (original Broadway cast of Rent), Rodney To, Virginia Wing and Welly Yang. The producers for 2G productions are Gladys Chen and Romeo Joven.

Making Tracks was first presented in New York as a workshop production in January, 1998 at Princeton University and Pace Downtown Theatre. This will be the productions official world premiere, completely re-cast and restructured. The Taipei theatre is a little-known gem, situated in the heart of midtown. Sitting quietly and largely unused for theatrical purposes, the beautiful 234-seat space is located on the lower level of the McGraw Hill Building.

Second Generation Productions is a young and energetic non-profit performing arts company dedicated to nurturing a richer and more daring world culture by infusing it with the vitality of Asian American artists. The organization maintains several ongoing programs throughout the year, including New Sounds (a cabaret series at local venues), The Artists Initiative (programs that include readings of new works and workshops for promising creative artists) and The Artists Resource (a resource of resumes and headshots of actors, directors, writers and designers.) Past 2G productions have included Unfinished Dreams at the Miller Theatre, From Chinatown with Love, a modern dance concert at the Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors Festival, Chapters , an original one-act play and Pennies for Peace, a musical celebration of artist Lin Shih-Pao’s three-ton peace sculpture of the same name. Earlier this season, 2G presented a workshop of the play Big Hunk O’ Burnin’ Love at the Producers Club II, which is to be followed by a college tour of Making Tracks, prior to its summer engagement in Taipei itself.

contact: Phil Geoffrey Bond
Tony Origlio Publicity
(212) 695.7400