World Premiere of ROAD TO SAIGON at East West Players

East West Players (EWP), the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, continues its 44th season, themed Art Is..., with the world premiere of ROAD TO SAIGON, developed and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera, with musical direction and arrangements by Nathan Wang, and featuring Joan Almedilla, Jennifer Paz, and Jenni Selma in the cast. This production of ROAD TO SAIGON is made possible with the generous support of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Endowment for East West Players.

The coveted role of Kim in the musical MISS SAIGON has been performed by an elite group of talented women on Broadway and around the world. However, this evening does not tell Kim's story, but the stories of the actresses who have played this powerhouse role. Hear Joan Almedilla, Jennifer Paz, and Jenni Selma in a heart-warming, passionate, and musical journey as they share memories about family, relationships, careers, and personal milestones on their individual roads to Saigon.

“Closing our 44th Season with ROAD TO SAIGON is a great achievement in many ways,” says Tim Dang, EWP’s Producing Artistic Director. “This season – which has been entertaining and thought-provoking with ART, PO BOY TANGO, and CAVE QUEST – has demonstrated the importance of art in our daily lives, especially during this challenging time when funding has been drastically cut and we need to be more creative on a day-to-day basis. We have learned how to value art, but for these performers who have dreamt of being artists all their lives, the ROAD TO SAIGON is an homage to them.”

Jon Lawrence Rivera is a four-time Ovation Award nominee and the founding artistic director of Playwrights’ Arena. His productions have garnered over 100 local and international awards. He has directed East West Players’ THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE JOY LUCK CLUB, and MIXED MESSAGES.

Nathan Wang is a Fulbright Scholar who has earned numerous Theatre LA Ovation Awards, Drama-Logue Awards, a Singapore Grammy and several Emmys for his music in television. His work with East West Players includes THE TEMPEST, RED, and IMELDA. He is the recipient of East West Players’ Made in America Award.

Joan Almedilla’s career took off when she landed the role of Kim in the Broadway production of MISS SAIGON. She then moved on to portray the role of Fantine on the Third National Tour of LES MISERABLES. Her other credits include the Broadway National Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and IT’S ONLY LIFE and SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD for the Rubicon Theatre Company which has been nominated for several Ovation Awards including Best Ensemble Cast.

Jennifer Paz has played the title role of MISS SAIGON with several companies, most recently receiving the 2008 Ovation Award for Best Lead Actress. She was again nominated for a 2009 Ovation Award for her work in THE LAST FIVE YEARS with EWP. Her Broadway and regional highlights include LES MISERABLES, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE WHO’S TOMMY, EVITA, and David Henry Hwang’s adapted FLOWER DRUM SONG.

Jenni Selma has appeared on Broadway as the understudy to Kim in MISS SAIGON, as well as the first national tour. She has also appeared on CBS’ Star Search and many national commercials. She is actively involved with East West Players, having sung at numerous events and earning rave reviews as a standout performer in EWP’s LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.

Additional funding is provided by the Aratani Foundation, the California Community Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Shubert Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the LA County Arts Commission and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. Opening night sponsor is Southern California Edison.

All performances of ROAD TO SAIGON will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. ROAD TO SAIGON opens Wednesday, May 19, 2010 and closes on Sunday, June 13, 2010. Opening night will be accompanied by a pre-performance cocktail reception and a post-show reception with the Cast and Creative Team. Performances are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Previews are Thursday through Saturday, May 13–15 at 8pm and Sunday, May 16 at 2pm. The Pay-What-You-Can Performance will be held Thursday, May 20 at 8 pm.

Special Events include “Wine Down Friday”, where a complimentary glass of wine is served every non-preview Friday prior to and during intermission of the show. “Next Generation Community Night” which offers complimentary pizza, soda & beer, and $1 opportunity drawings will be Wednesday, May 26 at 7pm. A post-show discussion will be held on Sunday, May 30.

General Tickets range from $40 - $50. Preview tickets are $25 for all seats. Opening night tickets are $70 for all seats. Tickets are currently on sale. For ticket purchases or more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org. Senior, student, and group discounts are available. Dates and details are subject to change.