Scott Keiji Takeda

Cast Announced For Ma-Yi Theater Company's SUMO 相æ'² At The Public Theater

Ma-Yi Theater Company and The Public Theater announced the cast for SUMO 相撲, featuring a diverse ensemble of performers. The production explores themes of tradition and identity through the lens of sumo wrestling.

Interview: The Ageless Gedde Watanabe Returns to PACIFIC OVERTURES After 48 Years

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.

Jon Jon Briones and Gedde Watanabe Lead PACIFIC OVERTURES At East West Players

East West Players announced the cast for the upcoming production of PACIFIC OVERTURES, set to return to the stage. The production will feature a talented ensemble bringing this classic musical to life.

Ma-Yi Theater and Second Generation Productions to Present Three Play Readings at Theatre Row

Ma-Yi Theater and Second Generation Productions will present three play readings at Theatre Row this month, showcasing new works and diverse voices in contemporary theater. Learn more about the readings and see how to purchase tickets.

VIDEO: Watch a Chat with Ralph B. Peña, Director of SUMO at La Jolla Playhouse

Watch Ralph B. Peña, director of SUMO, reveal how the team approached the fight choreography in the show, as well as finding the challenging balance between the spiritual and competitive aspects of the sport in this new video from La Jolla Playhouse!

VIDEO: Watch a Chat with James Yaegashi, Cultural/Martial Arts Consultant & Co-Fight Director of SUMO at La Jolla Playhouse

Watch James Yaegashi, Cultural/Martial Arts Consultant and Co-Fight Director of SUMO, talk about training for the battles onstage and creating the illusion of an iconic visual in this new video from La Jolla Playhouse!

Ma-Yi Theater Company Unveils Fall 2023 Season Featuring World Premiere of Lisa Sanaye Dring's SUMO & More

Ma-Yi Theater Company has revealed programming for the fall 2023 season including the world premiere of SUMO, by Lisa Sanaye Dring, directed by Ralph B. Peña, in a co-production with La Jolla Playhouse.

La Jolla Playhouse Reveals Cast and Creative Team for SUMO

La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the cast and creative team for their upcoming production of SUM. Discover the talented individuals who will be creating this theatrical experience and get ready to be amazed by their collective artistry.

West Coast Jewish Theatre' s FUGU Now Available Free Online

We're in the middle of a pandemic and the theatres are closed. Rather than waiting for months until everything re-opens in order to entertain you, West Coast Jewish Theatre will be placing visual records of several of their past productions online for your enjoyment. First up will be its 2017 World Premiere production of the acclaimed play Fugu, presented online via YouTube.

BWW Spotlight Series: Meet Jennifer Chang, a Director, Actor and Educator Who Helped Found Chalk Repertory Theatre

This Spotlight focuses on Jennifer Chang, a director, actor and educator who helped found Chalk Repertory Theatre, a production company which matches plays to site-specific locations around Los Angeles. I first worked with Jennifer on Chalk Rep's production of Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan which featured a multicultural cast, performed outdoors throughout the lawns and courtyards at the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles where the pre-eminent collection of Oscar Wilde materials in the world is housed.

BWW Review: THE GREAT LEAP brings basketball to the Cygnet Theatre

THE GREAT LEAP is an entertaining and thought-provoking way of combining history, politics, culture, and basketball.  It is playing at the Cygnet Theatre through February 16th.

Cygnet Theatre To Present THE GREAT LEAP in January

Cygnet Theatre will present the sharp-witted new drama The Great Leap by Lauren Yee. Directed by Rob Lutfy, this show runs January 22 through February 16, 2020. Opening Night for media is on the Chinese New Year (Year of the Rat), Saturday, January 25 at 8:00PM.

VIDEO: Netflix Releases the Trailer for HUGE IN FRANCE

Huge In France, a semi-autobiographical look at comedian Gad Elmaleh's experience reinventing himself in the US, will launch globally April 12, 2019 on Netflix. The series focuses on Gad's career, personal life, and rediscovery of his identity in the absence of the fame he's become accustomed to overseas.

MainStreet Announces Cast & Creative Team For THE EMPEROR'S NIGHTINGALE!

The treasured tale by Hans Christian Andersen of a wise bird that helps save a kingdom gets a new twist in this adaptation set in 18th-century China. The West Coast Premiere of The Emperor's Nightingale by Damon Chua, directed by Tim Dang, opens May 4th and runs through May 19th at the Lewis Family Playhouse. Tickets are priced at $18.00 for General admission, and $16.00 for Seniors and Youth up to age 12.

Review: VALLEY OF THE HEART Recounts a Cross-Cultural Love Surviving World War II

For playwright, director and El Teatro Campesino founder Luis Valdez, who was born in Delano, CA as the second of ten children born to migrant farm worker parents who made a living picking whatever crop was in season, Cupertino will always be known for the rich land that once grew an abundance of crops and fruits trees during the time he lived in the area shortly after World War II. His latest play, the phenomenal VALLEY OF THE HEART at the Mark Taper Forum through December 9, 2018, uses California history as a jumping-off point to tell an important story about the fight to maintain dignity, identity, family and faith in the once-fertile farmland that is now known as the Silicon Valley.

Center Theatre Group Offers Spanish Language Open Captioning For VALLEY OF THE HEART

Center Theatre Group will offer Spanish-language translations of the 8 p.m. performance of Luis Valdez's "Valley of the Heart" on Friday, December 7 at the Mark Taper Forum. Each show will be performed in English with Spanish translations running simultaneously on open caption screens. Audience members wishing to view the open captions should request to be seated in the captioning area when purchasing tickets.

Photo Flash: VALLEY OF THE HEART At Mark Taper Forum Celebrates Opening Night

Center Theatre Group's production of 'Valley of the Heart' celerbated its opening night! See photos from the event below.

Luis Valdez's VALLEY OF THE HEART Opens At Taper

Currently in previews, Center Theatre Group's production of "Valley of the Heart" will open on November 7 at 8 p.m. at the Mark Taper Forum. Written and directed by Luis Valdez ("Zoot Suit") and presented in association with El Teatro Campesino, the production will run through December 9, 2018.

Performances Begin For VALLEY OF THE HEART At Mark Taper Forum

Performances for Center Theatre Group's production of "Valley of the Heart" will begin on October 30 at the Mark Taper Forum. Written and directed by Luis Valdez ("Zoot Suit") and presented in association with El Teatro Campesino, the production will run through December 9, 2018. The opening will be on Wednesday, November 7 at 8 p.m.

Rehearsals Have Begun For Luis Valdez's VALLEY OF THE HEART At Taper

Rehearsals have begun for Center Theatre Group's production of "Valley of the Heart," which is written and directed by Luis Valdez ("Zoot Suit"). Presented in association with El Teatro Campesino, the production will play at the Mark Taper Forum October 30 through December 9, 2018. The opening will be on Wednesday, November 7.