Opening Sept. 23, 2006
Filipino Hearts
A Theater Mu World Premiere Musical
Co-presented by the Southern Theater
Directed by Mary Beidler Gearen
Music Direction by Anita Ruth
Choreographed by Sandra Agustin
Fight Choreography by Allen Malicsi Eric "Pogi" Sumangil
Set Design by Joe Stanley
Lighting Design by Mike Kittel
Stage Managed by JC St. Onge
Featuring Sandra Agustin, Francesca Dawis, Isabella Dawis, Jennifer Kelley, Chau Le, Allen Malicsi, Lita Malicsi, Eliza Rasheed, Randy Reyes, Eric "Pogi" Sumangil, Rose Le Tran, Elizabeth Truong, Ethan Xiong
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.
"Benny Luna is our Asian American Everyman Performer," explains Rick Shiomi. "He's frustrated by everyday realities while dreaming of great things. But tapping into his own soul he discovers a power that transforms his life and art." This is the second new musical Mu has written and produced and follows the success of The Walleye Kid: The Musical. Once again Kurt Miyashiro has created the music and lyrics for this piece. "Working with Kurt Miyashiro is like stirring a pot and the music just seems to waft up from the broth," explained co-author Rick Shiomi. "As I hear his melodies, the lyrics start flowing, until the music and lyrics form a distinct song."
"I was intrigued right away by my first read of the early version of Filipino Hearts," explains Director Mary Beidler Gearen. "I got a strong sense of the power and importance of oral tradition, the beauty of the struggle for identity both from within and without one's cultural comfort zones, and the legitimizing effect that two disenfranchised yet morally convicted people can have upon each other."
Dates: September 23 - October 8, 2006
Venue: The Southern Theater (1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.)
Previews: Friday, Sept. 22 at 8pm (Tickets: $10)
Performances: Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm Monday, Oct. 2 at 8pm
Tickets: $20
Monday, Oct. 2: Pay-what-you-can
Discounts for students, seniors and groups
Reservations: 612-340-1725
