East West Players brings the glitz, glamour and guilty pleasures of Las Vegas to Little Tokyo.
On Saturday, August 15th, East West Players (EWP) will kick off its 44th season with One Night Only: That’s Sooo Vegas. Directed by Marilyn Tokuda with musical direction by Nathan Wang, this one night only benefit performance offers the fun and excitement of a Las Vegas variety show without the hassle of driving out to the desert.
“Over the years, East West Players has showcased some of the best Asian American acting and musical theatre talent. Our One Night Only fundraiser gives us the opportunity to highlight other types of Asian American talent ranging from stand up comedy routines to variety acts to singing groups to celebrity impersonations,” says Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. “With all the reality talent shows on television, we want to showcase that Asian Americans have talent too, all kinds of talent! These performances will match the level of entertainment that EWP is known for and will leave you wanting more.”
Returning as the Master of Ceremonies for One Night Only will be Marcus Choi who was also featured in East West Players’ box-office hit PIPPIN as the Leading Player. Marcus is a Broadway veteran having been in the original cast of WICKED and FLOWER DRUM SONG’s revival.
That’s Sooo Vegas will bring back some of Las Vegas more traditionally known performance types including an Asian American Rat Pack, a lounge lizard, female impersonators and the non-verbal theatrical act of an all Filipino Brown Man Group.
Choi will be featured as one of the Asian American Rat Pack members, which also includes vocalists Ethan Le Phong, Randy Guiaya and Lito Villareal. Our Filipino Brown Man Group comprises of members of Room to Improv, led by Marc Macalintal. In addition, our lounge lizard singer, Robert Covarubious promises to bring an interactive schmoozing performance. Additional talent to be confirmed.
One Night Only: That’s Sooo Vegas will be held on Saturday, August 15th, 2009 at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts located at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The event starts at 6:00pm with a hosted bar and reception with cuisines prepared by Japon Bistro, it continues with the performance at 7:30pm, and concludes with a raffle drawing and dessert reception. One Night Only is a benefit concert and all proceeds will go toward East West Players’ arts and education programs. Various levels of sponsorships are available and single tickets are $250 for VIP, $100 in the orchestra and $60 in the balcony. For more information on tickets and sponsorships, contact the Development Manager Lisa Tang at ltang@eastwestplayers.org or call (213) 625-7000 x17.
