East West celebrates 35 years

East West Players (EWP) celebrated its milestone 35th Anniversary on May 14, 2001 with a black tie gala at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. Corporate executives, community leaders, celebrities, and supporters gathered for an evening of camaraderie, class, and comedy as they honored executive producer Terrence Chang, actress Lucy Liu, Sony Pictures Entertainment and former EWP Chair Andrew King Wong, D.D.S. Each of the honorees was recognized for raising the visibility of the Asian Pacific Islander community through their achievements in entertainment, arts, and media.

East West Players, the premier Asian Pacific American theatre in the country, enlisted the powerhouse talents and comic charms of Amy Hill and Clyde Kusatsu as the evening's MCs to keep things moving along at a quick pace. Opening the program, Ova Saopeng, dressed in full Kabuki costume and make-up,mesmerized the audience with an unforgettable "welcome." A thirteen-piece orchestra, conducted by musical director Nathan Wang, impressed the audience with classic melodies from Broadway. Extended ovations were given to soloists Michael K. Lee (MISS SAIGON, RENT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR on Broadway) and Jennifer Paz (National Tour of MISS SAIGON, Sally Bowles in EWP's production of CABARET) who entertained the audience with their vocal prowess. Gedde Watanabe, heading an ensemble of twenty singers kept the audience in high spirits with opening and closing numbers that showcased the diversity and depth of Asian Pacific Islander talent. Award presenters actress Nancy Kwan, EWP Board President Daniel M. Mayeda, film maker John Woo, and actress Anne Heche recognized the honorees with charm and grace.

Poignant moments included deaf patron Sin-Yi Ko who, through an ASL interpreter, spoke of the empowering experience of seeing EWP's productions at special Theatre Access Performances (TAP) that are sign interpreted and funded by the Weingart Foundation. Brightwood School eighth graders, participating in EWP's Partners in Education and Arts Collaboration (PEAC) initiative, gave testimony to how the arts have enhanced their ability to share themselves and their diverse cultures with others. All the honorees stressed the importance of East West Players as it continues to give voice to the Asian Pacific Islander community through engaging and empowering theatre.

The festive, party-like atmosphere was evident throughout the evening, from the classy VIP Reception to the incredible Silent Auction to the delectable dessert buffet. Guests ogled at a display case that featured an Oscar, a Tony, an Emmy, a Grammy and an Ovation Award, reflecting the achievements of EWP artists.

The event raised over $190,000 to benefit East West Players artistic, educational, and outreach programs. Tim Dang, Producing Artistic Director, said, "We are delighted -- and proud -- of the strong community support that East West Players enjoys. But, more importantly, an evening like this, re-emphasizes our deep-felt belief that the Arts must be an integral part of the fabric of the community. We have created a powerful voice that helps promote change in our ever-growing society. When we meet again next year, let's hope we can again acknowledge the growing impact we have in sharing our voice with the community at large. There is so much to celebrate and, yet, so much work still to be done."