Yes, and … Productions presents
SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD by Jason Robert Brown
Downtown, Los Angeles | October 16-25, 2009
Musical theatre favorite, Songs for a New World , written by award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, will run for only 6 performances at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy in Downtown Los Angeles from October 16-25.
Songs for a New World is about one moment – or rather, isolated moments in the lives of many characters – in a variety of eras. Jason Robert Brown transports his audience from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge 57 stories above Fifth Avenue to meet a startling array of characters. They range from a young man who has determined that basketball is his ticket out of the ghetto to a woman whose dream of marrying rich nabs her the man of her dreams and a soulless marriage. These are the stories and characters of today, the songs for a new world.
Little Tokyo community leaders and performers Helen H. Ota and Michael C. Palma formed Yes, and … Productions to produce this highly acclaimed musical.
“The songs and characters of this musical remind us that while life is quirky, enjoyable, uplifting, sad and challenging, we are not alone in these feelings and we should cherish each experience we have however big or small,” Ota said. She is the artistic director and a cast member of Cold Tofu Improv, and on the board of directors of the Nisei Week Foundation and Japanese American Cultural and Community Center.
“Songs for a New World resonates with me because it tells us that life can have an ‘unexpected bend.’ A week after I first heard the music, my 91-year old grandmother passed away. I am not sure if I am reading too much into the song, but it helped me realize that life can throw you a curve ball that you have to deal with. I dedicate this production to my late grandmother,” Palma said. He is a stage, film and television actor, and also a professional photographer.
Directing the show is Peter J. Kuo. His recent production, LETTERS TO A STUDENT REVOLUTIONARY, received Best of Fest at the FC Director's Festival and was featured on KNBC. Select directing credits: BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL, ELECTION DAY, THE SOUND OF A VOICE, I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY, CHINATOWN CORRESPONDENT, A GIRLS GUIDE TO CHAOS. Companies he has worked with are Diversity University Irvine (Founder), Cornerstone Theater Company, Metamorphosis, Sacred Fools, Moving Arts and AddWord Productions.
“Songs for a New World is all about those ‘a-ha,’ ‘gasp’ and ‘oh crap’ moments in life. Everyone has had them, we’re just packaging them into a performance with lights and music. During these life changing moments, so much goes on in our heads, and everything we feel or want to say are delivered in these emotionally raw performances. Each and every person in the audience will leave having felt a piece of their life being shared on stage,” Kuo said.
Songs for a New World stars Randy Guiaya, Myra Cris Ocenar, Helen H. Ota and Michael C. Palma. The musical director is Lisa Joe with musicians David Levray, Glenn Ochenkoski and Nathan Wang.
Songs for a New World runs October 16-25 with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are $35 for opening night, $25 general, and $20 for students, seniors, JANM members and groups of 10+. The National Center for the Preservation of Democracy is located at 111 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. To purchase tickets visit www.BrownPaperTickets.com/78295 or call (800) 838-3006. Visit our blog at www.YesAndProductions.blogspot.com to learn more about the show.
