East West Players (EWP), the nation’s largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work and the longest-running professional theater of color in the country, announces its extended 50th Anniversary Season, GOLDEN, a celebration that will take place over the next two years. On the heels of a record-breaking Visionary Awards Gala, Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang, announces the shows that comprise the GOLDEN season, which will take place from Fall 2014 through Summer 2016.
“We are proud to offer eight innovative and inspiring productions to celebrate our Golden Anniversary,” said Tim Dang, East West Players’ Producing Artistic Director. EWP’s actual 50th Birthday is June 26, 2015. “We’re excited to choose a season that will be absolutely global, a season that dares to be different, a season like you’ve never experienced at any other theater in the US because we are leading the charge to encourage diversity for all theaters to open up their storytelling and include the stories of the world in which we live. The future is here. This is the next chapter of East West Players.”
The Los Angeles Premiere of Animals Out of Paper by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Laurie Woolery: When a world-renowned origami artist opens her studio to a teenage prodigy and his school teacher, she discovers that life and love can’t be folded neatly in this drama about finding the perfect design. A quirky and melancholy play, by the author of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,that has been hailed as “pitch-perfect” by the NY Times. Runs September 4 through October 5, 2014.
The West Coast Premiere of Takarazuka!!! by Susan Soon He Stanton, directed by Leslie Ishii: Yuko is the star of the Takarazuka Revue, an all-female Japanese performance troupe that has put on melodramatic spectacles for nearly a hundred years. The lead performer can only be a star for two years and Yuko is being forced to retire. However, strange accidents keep happening calling this tradition into question. Part ghost story, part love story, part All About Eve, Takarazuka!!! is a thrilling and hilarious new black comedy. Runs November 6 through December 7, 2014.
Washer/Dryer by Nandita Shenoy: Why is Sonya so hesitant to introduce her new husband Michael to the people in her building? Why does the doorman keep calling her about a package in the lobby? Tempers and misunderstandings flair, and mayhem ensues as the arrival of Michael’s mother, some nosy neighbors, and Sonya’s best friend Sam force Michael and Sonya to re-evaluate their relationship and decide whether all is fair in love and real estate. East West Players presents the world premiere of this new farce. Runs February 12 through March 15, 2015.
The Who’s Tommy Book by Pete Townshend & Des McAnuff, Music & Lyrics by Pete Townshend, Additional Music & Lyrics by John Entwistle & Keith Moon, Directed by Snehal Desai: Deprived of sight, hearing and speech by the shock of what he has witnessed as a child, young Tommy Walker seems lost to life – until he reveals an uncanny talent for the game of pinball. When his lost senses are suddenly restored, Tommy is hailed as a living miracle – but will the fans who turn to him for enlightenment want to hear what he has to say? The classic rock musical arrives for the first time at East West Players in an electrifying new production. Runs May 7 through June 7, 2015.
Chinglish by David Henry Hwang, directed by Jeff Liu: An American businessman desperately looking to score a lucrative contract for his family’s firm travels to China, only to learn how much he doesn’t understand: his translators are unreliable, his consultant may be a fraud, and he is captivated by Xu, the beautiful, seemingly supportive government official who talks the talk—but what is she saying, anyway? From East West Player’s favorite playwright comes an uproarious new comedy. Runs September 10 through October 11, 2015.
World Premiere: The world premiere of a new play commissioned in honor of East West Players’ 50th anniversary. Runs November 5 through December 6, 2015.
Artistic Director’s Choice: Last season’s world premiere of A Nice Indian Boy introduced a bold new voice to the American theatre scene and was the sleeper hit of the season loved by critics and audiences alike. Stay tuned for Artistic Director Tim Dang’s announcement of the next hit by a rising talent in the American theater scene. Runs February 11 through March 13, 2016.
La Cage Aux Folles book by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics & music by Jerry Herman, based on the book by Jean Poiret, directed by Tim Dang: The beloved Tony Award Winning musical comes to East West Players to close our 50th anniversary season. Georges is the suave owner of a glitzy drag club on the French Riviera. Partnered romantically with his high-strung star performer Albin, the pair live a charmed life—until Georges’ son, Jean-Michel, turns up with his fiancee. Cultures collide as Georges and Albin are introduced to Jean-Michel’s fiancée and her ultra-conservative parents as the strength of family and feather boas are tested in this jubilant musical that inspired The Birdcage. Rights pending. Runs May 12 through June 12, 2016.
All performances will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Season subscriptions are available with eight plays over two years starting at $275. Wednesday, Thursday, Student, and Senior Subscriptions are discounted to $240. First-time Subscriptions start at $200. Preview Subscriptions are $155. Opening Night subscriptions, which include pre-show cocktails and a post-show reception, are $430. Season Subscription purchases can be made at this time. Single ticket sales and other subscription options will be announced at a later date. Additional information can be found at EastWestPlayers.org or by calling 213-625-7000. All plays, dates, and personnel subject to change.
