Photo Flash: First Look at THE EMPEROR'S NIGHTINGALE

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre, breaking new ground through a new educational initiative and reaching out to elementary grade students and families with children, launches the 2018-2019 season with the New York premiere of the play The Emperor's Nightingale, by Damon Chua. Directed by Chongren Fan, the six-member cast features Leanne Cabrera, Ya Han Chang, Dinh James Doan, Jonathan Frye, Brian Kim, and Roger Yeh. Performances began November 25, 2018 at The Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street) for a limited engagement through Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. Opening Night is Saturday afternoon, December 1, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. with post show reception on 2nd Floor Lounge.

The Emperor's Nightingale by Damon Chua, directed by Chongren Fan, is a family-friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Nightingale," set in 18th century China, and brings to light the youthful exploits of the future Emperor Qianlong. This TYA production emphasizes the importance of leadership guided by a moral compass, through the story about two rival teen brothers competing for the throne. The play employs traditional Chinese lion dance, puppetry, and a pair of tigers and pandas to tell this fun, thrilling tale.

The creative design team consists of two veteran Pan Asian Rep designers: Set by You-Shin Chen (Acquittal), Lights by Leslie Smith (Acquittal, No-No Boy), and two Pan Asian Rep newcomers: Costumes by Karen Boyer (Romulus the Great), Sound by Joseph Wolfslau (Romulus the Great). The Stage Management team is Kristine Schlachter and Sabrina Morabito.

Tickets for The Emperor's Nightingale are priced at $30, plus $2.25 theater restoration fee, and will play the following performance schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at www.telecharge.com, (212) 239-6200, or by visiting the box office.

There will be Special Student Matinee performances on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. To bring your school to a performance and more information, please email info@panasianrep.org or call (212) 868-4030.

If you would like to coordinate a post-show meet & greet with the artists, please call Pan Asian Rep at (212) 868-4030 or email info@panasianrep.org

For more information about Pan Asian Rep, visit www.panasianrep.org. For information about Theatre Row, visit www.theatrerow.org

Photo Credit: John Quincy Lee