Mu presents 2006-07 Season

Mu Performing Arts is pleased to announce its line-up for the 2006-2007 Season. This year marks the 14th season of performance for Mu. The Mu Performing Arts 2006-2007 season includes four mainstage productions, comprised of three Theater Mu theatrical presentations and one Mu Daiko concert, and three developing artist festivals. In addition this year, Mu will be participating in the first ever National Asian American Theatre Festival in New York, NY. Season 2006-2007 will take place at The Southern Theater, The Guthrie Theater - Dowling Studio, SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development, and other local venues. Season tickets are available for $60 or individual tickets can be purchased for each production. More ticket information is available below or by calling at 612-824-4804 or visiting www.muperformingarts.org.

The season features an array of groundbreaking firsts, as well as some memorable markers beginning with a world premiere musical created, produced and performed by local Mu artists, with music & lyrics by Kurt Miyashiro (The Walleye Kid: The Musical), the 10th anniversary Mu Daiko annual concert that continues to draw sold-out houses, a collaboration with the Guthrie Theater in their new Dowling Studio, and a world premiere play for youth. Three festivals showcase developing playwrights, composers, directors, taiko players, and actors and demonstrate Mu's commitment to developing Asian American artists locally and nationally. Mu closes out the season with participation in the first national Asian American Theatre Festival in New York in June 2007.

"As I participated in the Next Big Bang, The First National Asian American Theater Conference this summer, I realized that Mu is in the midst of a surge in creative and organizational energy," said Artistic Director Rick Shiomi. "We are here, there and everywhere this season, doing so much groundbreaking work and reaching new milestones."

Mu Performing Arts Mainstage
The 2006-2007 mainstage season opens with Filipino Hearts, a Theater Mu world premiere musical written by R.A. Shiomi and Allen Malicsi with lyrics and music by Kurt Miyashiro (The Walleye Kid: The Musical). Benny Luna, an aspiring theater artist, heads back to the Philippines to get in touch with his roots. Amidst a clash of cultures, he makes unexpected discoveries and fights for a forbidden romance. Filipino Hearts blends folktale, music, martial arts and movement with a modern story in signature Mu style. Filipino Hearts runs Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm from September 23 - October 8, 2006 at The Southern Theater (1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.). Tickets are $20 with $2 discount for students & seniors. Groups of 10 or more receive $4 off per ticket, and children 12 & under are 1/2 off. There will be a pay-what-you-can performance on Monday, October 2nd at 8pm and a preview performance on Friday, Sept. 22nd at 8pm for $10. Tickets are available at 612-340-1725.

Mu Daiko is back with the energy, spirit, and artistry that has rocked its audiences for the past decade. Taiko Dreams: The 10th Anniversary Mu Daiko concert revisits Mu Daiko classics and explores new territory with the pounding rhythms, elegant choreography, and joyous energy that marks their signature work. Be among the first to hear the new composition written especially for the group's new odaiko, which will be the largest taiko drum in Minnesota. The second weekend, Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble joins Mu Daiko onstage. Based in San Francisco, this dynamic taiko group is "inspired to balance the sensitive and elegant aspects of taiko playing with the strong and powerful." The 10th anniversary Mu Daiko concert, Taiko Dreams, takes place weekends December 1-10, 2006 at The Southern Theater (1420 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis). Performances take place Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm, with one Thursday 8pm performance on Dec 7. Dec. 1-7 features Mu Daiko solo with tickets available for $22. Dec. 8-10 features featuring Mu Daiko with special guests Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble with tickets available for $27. (Ticket prices include a $2 Southern Theater building preservation fee). There is a $2 discount for students & seniors, $4 discount for groups of 10 or more (Mu Daiko solo performances only), and children under 12 get half off the general admission price. Call 612-340-1725 for tickets.

Mu Performing Arts will be participating in two collaborations during the month of March 2007. The first, Journey of the Drum, is a world premiere children's play with music co-produced with SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development. Set in ancient Japan, a young woman who secretly loves to drum is challenged to prove her ability by playing taiko in the farthest reaches of the land. Journey of the Drum will be performed from March 2-22, 2007 at F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium in the Landmark Center. Show dates, times and ticket prices TBA. Call 651-225-9265 for reservations.

Also in March 2007, Mu Performing Arts collaborates with the Guthrie Theater for the first time. In Circle Around the Island, a revival of the 1999 production, Playwright/Director/Performer Marcus Quiniones delves into his childhood memories on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i. Through the extraordinary communion of mystical companions, family guardians, and Hawaiian music and movement inspired by hula, Circle Around the Island takes us deep into his heart and island home. This enchanting tale of self-discovery draws on elemental forces to tell a story of loss, belief, and home. Circle Around the Island will be performed from March 3-18, 2007 at The Guthrie Theater - Dowling Studio. Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 1pm and Sunday, March 11 at 1pm and 7pm. Call 612-377-2224 for reservations.

Mu is very pleased to take part in the first National Asian American Theatre Festival June 11-24, 2007 in New York. Mu will perform Happy Valley by Aurorae Khoo from the 2005-2006 season in this groundbreaking event that will showcase work by Asian American theatre companies and performing artists from across the country.

Mu Performing Arts Festivals
Mu Performing Arts Festivals provide a forum for the development of emerging artists and serve as a testing ground for new work that may be presented on the mainstage in the future. "It's what keeps our company constantly creative and vibrant with new energy," said Mu Performing Arts Artistic Director Rick Shiomi.

During the 15th annual New Eyes Festival, Mu artists perform brand new works-in-progress by local and national composers, lyricists, and playwrights. (Performance dates, time and locations TBA.)

Mu Daiko students take the stage in June 2007 for the annual taiko recital, Passing the Beat. Passion and discipline explode into rhythm as students and instructors perform new and classic pieces from the Mu Daiko repertoire. (Performance dates, time and location TBA.)

Mu's annual New Directions Festival, a showcase of new, up-and-coming directors, will feature Dipped In Love written by Sarah Jane Moore and directed by Jennifer Weir. (Performance dates, time and location TBA).

For more information or ticket reservations for Mu Performing Arts Festivals, call 612-824-4804 or visit www.muperformingarts.org

About Mu Performing Arts
Founded in 1992 as Theater Mu, Mu Performing Arts is the foremost Asian American theater and taiko company in the Midwest. Mu Performing Arts encompasses the theatrical presentations of Theater Mu and the professional taiko (Japanese drumming) group, Mu Daiko. Through the core value of giving voice to the Asian American experience and the transformational power of their works, Mu Performing Arts successfully merges Eastern and Western, traditional and contemporary theatrical forms.

Mu Performing Arts' mainstage season includes three Theater Mu theatrical productions, one Mu Daiko concert, and several festivals highlighting new works, emerging directors and taiko artists. Outreach programs to schools, community organizations and corporations reach over 35,000 people annually and Mu Performing Arts offers residencies and classes to develop theater and taiko skills for adults and children in the Twin Cities.

The meaning of Mu: Our Mu (pronounced "moo") is the Korean pronunciation of the Chinese ideogram for the shaman/artist/warrior who connects the heavens and earth through the tree of life. For more information about Mu Performing Arts call 612-824-4804 or visit www.muperformingarts.org.

Interviews & Artwork available upon request - contact Mu Performing Arts, 612-824-4804 or info@muperformingarts.org

MU PERFORMING ARTS SEASON 2006-2007: Mainstage and Festival Dates
More information is available at www.muperformingarts.org

MAINSTAGE
Filipino Hearts
A Theater Mu Original Musical co-presented with The Southern Theater
Book by R.A. Shiomi and Allen Malicsi
Music & lyrics by Kurt Miyashiro
Directed by Mary Gearen
Dates: Sept 23- Oct 8, 2006
Showtimes: Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm; Monday, Oct. 2 at 8pm (Pay-what-able)
Preview: Fri., Sept. 22 at 8pm (Tickets: $10)
Tickets: $20 (Thursdays - Saturdays & Sundays); Pay-what-able: Monday, Oct. 2 at 8pm
Venue: The Southern Theater - 1420 Washington Avenue S, Minneapolis
Reservations: 612-340-1725 (Southern Theater Box Office)

Taiko Dreams: The 10th Anniversary Mu Daiko Concert
With Special Guests Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble (Dec, 8-10 only)
co-presented with The Southern Theater
Dates: Dec 1 - 10, 2006
Showtimes: Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm
Tickets: Dec. 1-7: Mu Daiko solo (Tickets: $22)
Dec. 8-10: Mu Daiko with Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble (Tickets: $27)
Venue: The Southern Theater - 1420 Washington Ave. S, Minneapolis
Reservations: 612-340-1725 (Southern Theater Box Office)

Journey of the Drum
Co-produced with SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development
March 2-22, 2007
F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium in the Landmark Center
Show dates and tickets TBA
Reservations: 651-227-9264 (SteppingStone Theatre Box Office)

Circle Around the Island
Co-presented with The Guthrie Theater
Written by Marcus Quiniones
Directed by Randy Reyes
March 3 - 18, 2007
Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 1pm and Sunday, March 11 at 1pm and 7pm
The Guthrie Theater - Dowling Studio
Reservations: 612-377-2224 (Guthrie Theater Box Office)

FESTIVALS
New Eyes Festival
Dates, venue & tickets TBA
Reservations: 612-824-4804

New Directions Festival
Dipped In Love by Sarah Jane Moore
Directed by Jennifer Weir
Dates, venue & tickets TBA
Reservations: 612-824-4804

Questions? Email



	Mu Performing Arts Announces 2006-2007 Season Mu Performing Arts is pleased to announce its line-up for the 2006-2007 Season. This year marks the 14th season of performance for Mu. The Mu Performing Arts 2006-2007 season includes four mainstage productions, comprised of three Theater Mu theatrical presentations and one Mu Daiko concert, and three developing artist festivals. In addition this year, Mu will be participating in the first ever National Asian American Theatre Festival in New York, NY. Season 2006-2007 will take place at The Southern Theater, The Guthrie Theater - Dowling Studio, SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development, and other local venues. Season tickets are available for $60 or individual tickets can be purchased for each production. More ticket information is available below or by calling at 612-824-4804 or visiting www.muperformingarts.org. The season features an array of groundbreaking firsts, as well as some memorable markers beginning with a world premiere musical created, produced and performed by local Mu artists, with music & lyrics by Kurt Miyashiro (The Walleye Kid: The Musical), the 10th anniversary Mu Daiko annual concert that continues to draw sold-out houses, a collaboration with the Guthrie Theater in their new Dowling Studio, and a world premiere play for youth. Three festivals showcase developing playwrights, composers, directors, taiko players, and actors and demonstrate Mu's commitment to developing Asian American artists locally and nationally. Mu closes out the season with participation in the first national Asian American Theatre Festival in New York in June 2007. "As I participated in the Next Big Bang, The First National Asian American Theater Conference this summer, I realized that Mu is in the midst of a surge in creative and organizational energy," said Artistic Director Rick Shiomi. "We are here, there and everywhere this season, doing so much groundbreaking work and reaching new milestones." Mu Performing Arts Mainstage The 2006-2007 mainstage season opens with Filipino Hearts, a Theater Mu world premiere musical written by R.A. Shiomi and Allen Malicsi with lyrics and music by Kurt Miyashiro (The Walleye Kid: The Musical). Benny Luna, an aspiring theater artist, heads back to the Philippines to get in touch with his roots. Amidst a clash of cultures, he makes unexpected discoveries and fights for a forbidden romance. Filipino Hearts blends folktale, music, martial arts and movement with a modern story in signature Mu style. Filipino Hearts runs Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm from September 23 - October 8, 2006 at The Southern Theater (1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.). Tickets are $20 with $2 discount for students & seniors. Groups of 10 or more receive $4 off per ticket, and children 12 & under are 1/2 off. There will be a pay-what-you-can performance on Monday, October 2nd at 8pm and a preview performance on Friday, Sept. 22nd at 8pm for $10. Tickets are available at 612-340-1725. Mu Daiko is back with the energy, spirit, and artistry that has rocked its audiences for the past decade. Taiko Dreams: The 10th Anniversary Mu Daiko concert revisits Mu Daiko classics and explores new territory with the pounding rhythms, elegant choreography, and joyous energy that marks their signature work. Be among the first to hear the new composition written especially for the group's new odaiko, which will be the largest taiko drum in Minnesota. The second weekend, Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble joins Mu Daiko onstage. Based in San Francisco, this dynamic taiko group is "inspired to balance the sensitive and elegant aspects of taiko playing with the strong and powerful." The 10th anniversary Mu Daiko concert, Taiko Dreams, takes place weekends December 1-10, 2006 at The Southern Theater (1420 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis). Performances take place Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm, with one Thursday 8pm performance on Dec 7. Dec. 1-7 features Mu Daiko solo with tickets available for $22. Dec. 8-10 features featuring Mu Daiko with special guests Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble with tickets available for $27. (Ticket prices include a $2 Southern Theater building preservation fee). There is a $2 discount for students & seniors, $4 discount for groups of 10 or more (Mu Daiko solo performances only), and children under 12 get half off the general admission price. Call 612-340-1725 for tickets. Mu Performing Arts will be participating in two collaborations during the month of March 2007. The first, Journey of the Drum, is a world premiere children's play with music co-produced with SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development. Set in ancient Japan, a young woman who secretly loves to drum is challenged to prove her ability by playing taiko in the farthest reaches of the land. Journey of the Drum will be performed from March 2-22, 2007 at F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium in the Landmark Center. Show dates, times and ticket prices TBA. Call 651-225-9265 for reservations. Also in March 2007, Mu Performing Arts collaborates with the Guthrie Theater for the first time. In Circle Around the Island, a revival of the 1999 production, Playwright/Director/Performer Marcus Quiniones delves into his childhood memories on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i. Through the extraordinary communion of mystical companions, family guardians, and Hawaiian music and movement inspired by hula, Circle Around the Island takes us deep into his heart and island home. This enchanting tale of self-discovery draws on elemental forces to tell a story of loss, belief, and home. Circle Around the Island will be performed from March 3-18, 2007 at The Guthrie Theater - Dowling Studio. Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 1pm and Sunday, March 11 at 1pm and 7pm. Call 612-377-2224 for reservations. Mu is very pleased to take part in the first National Asian American Theatre Festival June 11-24, 2007 in New York. Mu will perform Happy Valley by Aurorae Khoo from the 2005-2006 season in this groundbreaking event that will showcase work by Asian American theatre companies and performing artists from across the country. Mu Performing Arts Festivals Mu Performing Arts Festivals provide a forum for the development of emerging artists and serve as a testing ground for new work that may be presented on the mainstage in the future. "It's what keeps our company constantly creative and vibrant with new energy," said Mu Performing Arts Artistic Director Rick Shiomi. During the 15th annual New Eyes Festival, Mu artists perform brand new works-in-progress by local and national composers, lyricists, and playwrights. (Performance dates, time and locations TBA.) Mu Daiko students take the stage in June 2007 for the annual taiko recital, Passing the Beat. Passion and discipline explode into rhythm as students and instructors perform new and classic pieces from the Mu Daiko repertoire. (Performance dates, time and location TBA.) Mu's annual New Directions Festival, a showcase of new, up-and-coming directors, will feature Dipped In Love written by Sarah Jane Moore and directed by Jennifer Weir. (Performance dates, time and location TBA). For more information or ticket reservations for Mu Performing Arts Festivals, call 612-824-4804 or visit www.muperformingarts.org About Mu Performing Arts Founded in 1992 as Theater Mu, Mu Performing Arts is the foremost Asian American theater and taiko company in the Midwest. Mu Performing Arts encompasses the theatrical presentations of Theater Mu and the professional taiko (Japanese drumming) group, Mu Daiko. Through the core value of giving voice to the Asian American experience and the transformational power of their works, Mu Performing Arts successfully merges Eastern and Western, traditional and contemporary theatrical forms. Mu Performing Arts' mainstage season includes three Theater Mu theatrical productions, one Mu Daiko concert, and several festivals highlighting new works, emerging directors and taiko artists. Outreach programs to schools, community organizations and corporations reach over 35,000 people annually and Mu Performing Arts offers residencies and classes to develop theater and taiko skills for adults and children in the Twin Cities. The meaning of Mu: Our Mu (pronounced "moo") is the Korean pronunciation of the Chinese ideogram for the shaman/artist/warrior who connects the heavens and earth through the tree of life. For more information about Mu Performing Arts call 612-824-4804 or visit www.muperformingarts.org. Interviews & Artwork available upon request - contact Mu Performing Arts, 612-824-4804 or info@muperformingarts.org MU PERFORMING ARTS SEASON 2006-2007: Mainstage and Festival Dates More information is available at www.muperformingarts.org MAINSTAGE *Filipino Hearts* A Theater Mu Original Musical co-presented with The Southern Theater Book by R.A. Shiomi and Allen Malicsi Music & lyrics by Kurt Miyashiro Directed by Mary Gearen Dates: Sept 23- Oct 8, 2006 Showtimes: Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm; Monday, Oct. 2 at 8pm (Pay-what-able) Preview: Fri., Sept. 22 at 8pm (Tickets: $10) Tickets: $20 (Thursdays - Saturdays & Sundays); Pay-what-able: Monday, Oct. 2 at 8pm Venue: The Southern Theater - 1420 Washington Avenue S, Minneapolis Reservations: 612-340-1725 (Southern Theater Box Office) *Taiko Dreams: The 10th Anniversary Mu Daiko Concert* With Special Guests Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble (Dec, 8-10 only) co-presented with The Southern Theater Dates: Dec 1 - 10, 2006 Showtimes: Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm Tickets: Dec. 1-7: Mu Daiko solo (Tickets: $22) Dec. 8-10: Mu Daiko with Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble (Tickets: $27) Venue: The Southern Theater - 1420 Washington Ave. S, Minneapolis Reservations: 612-340-1725 (Southern Theater Box Office) *Journey of the Drum* Co-produced with SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development March 2-22, 2007 F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium in the Landmark Center Show dates and tickets TBA Reservations: 651-227-9264 (SteppingStone Theatre Box Office) *Circle Around the Island* Co-presented with The Guthrie Theater Written by Marcus Quiniones Directed by Randy Reyes March 3 - 18, 2007 Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 1pm and Sunday, March 11 at 1pm and 7pm The Guthrie Theater - Dowling Studio Reservations: 612-377-2224 (Guthrie Theater Box Office) FESTIVALS *New Eyes Festival* Dates, venue & tickets TBA Reservations: 612-824-4804 *New Directions Festival* Dipped In Love by Sarah Jane Moore Directed by Jennifer Weir Dates, venue & tickets TBA Reservations: 612-824-4804 *Passing the Beat* June 2007 The Southern Theater 612-340-1725 Home \| News \| Calendar \| Directory \| Library \| Plays Copyright 2006, Roger W. Tang Questions? Email

Mu Performing Arts Announces 2006-2007 Season