Joan Almedilla Will Lead MASTER CLASS at Sierra Madre Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025
Sierra Madre Playhouse will wrap its multi-week Lunar New Year celebration with Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning play Master Class, a theatrical production inspired by the legendary masterclasses presented by iconic opera diva Maria Callas.
PACIFIC OVERTURES Extends at East West Players Through Early December
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 19, 2024
East West Players has extended its revival of the acclaimed Tony-nominated musical Pacific Overtures. This production of Pacific Overtures continues the theater’s long-standing relationship with the work of Stephen Sondheim. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Interview: The Ageless Gedde Watanabe Returns to PACIFIC OVERTURES After 48 Years
by Gil Kaan - Nov 11, 2024
Stephen Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures has just opened at the East West Players. Former EWP Artistic director Tim Dang returns to direct the cast led by Jon Jon Briones and Gedde Watanabe with Scott Keiji Takeda, Brian Kim McCormick, Adam Kaokept, Kerry K. Carnahan, Ashley En-Fu Matthews, Kavin Panmeechao, Kurt Kanazawa, Sittichai Chaiyahat, Nina Kasuya, Aric Martin, Gemma, Kit Dezolt and Norge Yi. Gedde found time after the opening to answer a few of my queries.
Review: East West Players Presents Energetic SPRING AWAKENING
by Michael Quintos - Nov 15, 2023
Based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 play about a group of young students ill-informed about their budding sexuality, this 2006 Broadway adaptation is buoyed by its alt-rock score by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik. EWP's new production boasts a pleasantly diverse cast blessed with excellent singing voices.
East West Players Extends SPRING AWAKENING
by Stephi Wild - Nov 9, 2023
East West Players has announced the extension of the Tony Award winning best musical Spring Awakening. Based on the play by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening features book & lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik.
Interview: Tamlyn Tomita Springs Into Action With SPRING AWAKENING & All Her Projects
by Gil Kaan - Oct 27, 2023
The final production of East West Players’ 57th Season, the Tony Award winning musical Spring Awakening opens October 29, 2023 (with previews already begun). Former EWP Artistic Director Tim Dang directs the cast of Mia Sempertegui, Thomas K. Winter, Marcus Phillips, Madison Grepo, Tamlyn Tomita, Daniel Blinkoff, Jaylen Baham, James Everts, Genki Hall, Sarah Marie Hernandez, Justine Rafael, Eric Renna and Leianna Weaver. Long-time EWP supporter Tamlyn will be making her EWP debut in this production. Tamilyn sprung into Q&A mode to answer a few of my queries,
Interview: Prince Gomolvilas Brings His BROTHERS PARANORMAL Back To His Artistic Home
by Gil Kaan - Nov 9, 2022
East West Players conclude their 56th season with Prince Gomolvilas’ The Brothers Paranormal opening November 20, 2022 (with previews beginning November 17th). Jeff Lui directs the cast of David Huynh, Roy Vongtama, Tamika Simpkins, Jasper Louis, Emily Kuroda and Pearrie Hammie. Prince found some time before his lunch to answer a few of my queries.
BWW Review: KING OF THE YEES at Sierra Madre Playhouse
by Evan Henerson - Jun 4, 2022
As directed by Tim Dang for the Sierra Madre Playhouse, KING OF THE YEES is a comedy and a quest, a Caroll-ian plunge through Chinatown led by a sure-handed guide who is seeking some penetrating answers. The author of the hit play CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND is a rock star and this gem from 2017, staged with all kinds of finesse at SMP, is a winner.
East West Players to Be Honored By City Leaders For Pride Month
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 28, 2021
East West Players, the nation's largest producer of Asian American theatrical works, along with EWP Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai, will be honored by city leaders on Wednesday, June 30th at 3:30pm at a LA CityView Channel 35 program, broadcast live as part of the virtual celebrations for the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Heritage Month, commonly known as “Pride Month,” in the City of Los Angeles.
BWW Interview: Greg Watanabe – A NO-NO BOY FOR US ALL
by Gil Kaan - May 3, 2021
In sync with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, L.A. Theatre Works will be releasing two audio theater recordings about the horrific Japanese American experience during World War II - Jeanne Sakata’s FOR US ALL and Ken Narasaki’s NO-NO BOY. FOR US ALL’s available for purchase now, with NO-NO BOY on May 15, 2021. Anna Lyse Erikson directs both show’s large ensemble casts, with Greg Watanabe voicing the lead characters in both.