East West Players cancels upcoming production of Motty-Chon

East West Players, the nation's premier Asian American theatre, will cancel its upcoming production of Motty-Chon by Perry Miyake. East West Players‚ Founding Artistic Director Mako, who was cast as one of the leads of the play, has taken ill and will not be able to continue with the production. Mak'‚s wife, Shizuko Hoshi, is also in the play and is leaving to care for him.

"It was a difficult decision to cancel the final production of our historic 40th Anniversary season. We were all excited to see Mako back on East West Players‚ stage. Just a few days ago, Mako was determined that the show must go on, but his health is a priority," said current Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. "In other situations when actors leave a play, their roles are re-cast. However, Mako and Shizuko are such important members of the East West Players family that, out of respect, we could not continue without them. We are thinking good thoughts for Mako and his family for improved health."

Mako was East West Players artistic director when the organization was founded in 1965 until he stepped down in 1988. He earned a 1966 Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor in The Sand Pebbles and a 1976 Tony Award nomination his portrayal of the "Reciter" in the Broadway production of Pacific Overtures by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman. Motty-Chon would have been Mako's first performance at East West Players‚ David Henry Hwang Theater, the organization's home since 1998.

Mako wishes to thank those who were supporting his return to East West Players. Correspondence to the family can be sent to East West Players, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; (213) 625-7000; info@eastwestplayers.org.