Photo Flash: Jeffrey Li, Telly Leung And More Star In Reading Of CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET

America's Got Talent's Jeffrey Li made his musical theater debut in the developmental reading of Lainie Sakakura (producer/book) and Paul Fujimoto's (music/lyrics) CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, a musical adaptation of The New York Times Best Selling novel, HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET by Jamie Ford at The Playroom Theater in New York on September 17.

The 13-year-old singing sensation joins Broadway vet Telly Leung, who is currently starring as Aladdin on Broadway, Alan Ariano, Jane Bernhard, Rick Faugno, Kenny Ingram, Fenton Li, Carol To Moy, Mary Beth Purdy, Alex Sanchez, Avelina Sanchez, Yuka Takara, Allyson Tucker and Joshua Turchin.

The creative team includes director Darren Lee, Music Supervisor Mark Hummel, Music Director Shane Parus, Cantonese Consultant Fenton Li, Production Stage Manager Debora Porazzi and General Manager Joey Monda of Dailey-Monda Management.

1942 wartime Seattle. 12 year old Henry Lee, a Chinese American boy, has a secret love of jazz music and a best friend, Sheldon who is an African America jazz saxophone player. Henry's life is turned upside down when he meets Keiko, a Japanese American girl and the only other Asian kid in school. A multi-generational story about fathers and sons, coming of age, Seattle jazz, racism, blind patriotism. and unbreakable bonds.

Jamie Ford is the great-grandson of Nevada mining pioneer, Min Chung, who emigrated from Kaiping, China to San Francisco in 1865, where he adopted the western name "Ford," thus confusing countless generations. His debut novel, HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, spent two years on the New York Times bestseller list and went on to win the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. His second book, SONGS OF WILLOW FROST, was also a national bestseller. His work has been translated into 35 languages. His latest novel is LOVE AND OTHER CONSOLATION PRIZES.

Lainie Sakakura is the daughter of Norio Sakakura (changed to William after he was imprisoned at Rohwer War Relocation Center during WWII), and Yukiko Sakakura (a singer who immigrated to San Francisco from Japan). NYC based freelance director/choreographer, Lainie has directed at the Cherry Lane Theatre, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, Summer Stage, Neighborhood Playhouse and received the 2015 Joe A. Callaway Award for Outstanding Choreography and the 2002 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Choreography. A Broadway veteran performer (including 6 original casts). Adjunct professor at Pace University and NYU New Studio on Broadway.

Paul Fujimoto is a Japanese American composer/lyricist and trumpet player, born and raised in Seattle, now based in NYC. Current projects include NOT EXACTLY ROMEO, THE THIRD ACT and in addition to CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET. His songs have been performed by Tony-winners and nominees and have been showcased in many NYC concert venues as well as student showcases around the world. Paul also dabbles in jazz composition/arranging and is an award-winning trumpet player. Training: University of Washington, BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. paulfujimotomusic.com.

Photo Credit: Lia Chang