Interview: Matthew Brys Yee and DON'T LET ME GO at Project REAL in Asbury Park

"Don't Let Me Go" is a new play written and directed by Matthew Brys Yee. It will be performed at Project REAL in Asbury Park on August 19th and 20th. The show is about a group of friends, Mark, Jason, and Tony and how their friendship is tested. The group's true feelings about each other are thrown into chaos as they battle about what it means to love someone. "Don't Let Me Go" is a moving story about looking for love, finding love, and losing love. The play's reveals how people really are with their sense of perfection and flaws. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Matthew Brys Yee about his career and "Don't Let Me Go."

Matthew Brys Yee is a New Jersey resident and a Theatre Major at Brookdale Community College. He has been cast in three productions of Godspell playing Judas and singing "All Good Gifts," and "Light of the World." Other theatrical credits include: Mary Poppins; Rent; Carousel; Hair; Spamalot; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Once On This Island; Seussical. Technical credits include: Director of A Gay Thing (BPAC); Assistant Stage Manager of The Winter's Tale (BPAC); Choreographer of Aladdin Jr. (Marlboro Community Players); Lighting Board Operate of Dog Sees God (BPAC).

What has inspired your theatrical career?

I was inspired by a lot of exposure to theater when I was younger. My parents are both theatergoers so we saw all kinds of shows when I was younger - community and professional. But I think the turning point for me was the first time I saw the film, "The King & I," starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner. It was the first show I saw that had Asian actors. Every since then, I knew my mission was to open up more doors for Asians and other under-represented minorities in theater.

Tell us a little about your current education and how it is moving your career forward.

Ever since starting as a theater major at Brookdale Community College, I have met amazing people in the theater world. John Bukovec and Sherri Vanderspiegel at the Brookdale Performing Arts Center helped challenge me, expand my horizons, and inspire me as a continue to grow and create as an actor. They were two people that helped push me toward applying for the marketing internship at Two River Theater in Red Bank, NJ. Now, I work part-time at the Two River box office.

Why has your activism been so rewarding for you?

I've always been someone who likes to help people. I guess it was inspired by my family trips to Disney World, seeing the cast members brighten people's days. I liked that. I liked making a difference. And when Eric Wuethrich and Tank Teachworth offered me the opportunity to join the Project REAL core group, I couldn't say no. To work alongside such passionate people while educating about HIV and AIDS can't be beat. Especially now since I work for Asbury Park Now as a summer job and have not only been able to embrace Asbury Park, but also to interact with the community a lot more than I would have been able to previously.

How has "Don't Let Me Go" evolved from its original conception?

Oh geez. The very first draft of this play was a mess - way too many swears, too many ideas flying around, the characters were two dimensional - and it was more of a cathartic outlet than a play. I was going through a lot of change in my life and, like any artist, it reflected in my work. But one day I asked myself: Could this be performed? The answer: No. Since then I have worked through the script to add, remove, and rework to make it the best possible form it can be. I have gone through 23 drafts and feel very confident in the script now.

Tell us a little about the cast and crew of the show.

We have a pretty even cast - 4 male, 4 female - Gustavo Brito (Mark), Andy Mako (Jason), Stephen Doucette (Tony), Christopher Erbe (Ethan), Jaime Marcinczyk (Allie), Lexie Calabro (Sarah), Bailie Stypa (Brittany), and Samantha Sanchez (Nicki). The production team includes: myself (Producer/Director/Playwright), Dan Seitz (Set / Lighting Designer), Alanna Whitesell (Costume Designer), Laura Vedder (Media Consultant); and Jen Lucero (Stage Combat Advisor). These are some of the most dedicated, hard-working people I have worked with and I'm proud to be their director because of it. I couldn't be more thankful to have a group of people believe in my work so much and have so much faith in me. It really is overwhelming.

Is there anything else you want BWW readers to know.

"Don't Let Me Go" reflects the now - who we are as people, the society we live in - while also celebrating art in all its forms. Anyone can relate to this piece whether you are this character or you know someone who is that character. I definitely think we achieved that through rehearsals. Now, I'm just excited to show it to the public.

"Don't Let Me Go" will be performed at Project REAL, 805 4th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ, 07712 on August 19th and 20th at 8:00 pm. For tickets email: dontletmegoplay@gmail.com. Follow them at on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DontLetMeGoPlay/ and on Instagram @dontletmegoplay.

For more information on Project REAL, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ProjectRealAP/ and on

Instagram @projectrealap.

Photo: Courtesy of "Don't Let Me Go."

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