DCPA Theatre Company Announces Full Cast And Creative Team For Qui Nguyen's VIETGONE

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is proud to announce full casting and creative team for the Theater Company's production of the "raucous, immensely moving comedy" (The New York Times) Vietgone by Qui Nguyen.

Bubbling with infectious energy, this rap-spitting, pop culture-crusted dramedy is an ode to the real-life courtship of Playwright Qui Nguyen's parents. Forced to leave their country during the height of the Vietnam War, two refugees find themselves at the same relocation camp in Arkansas - the land of Harleys, hot dogs and "howdy!" Before they find their way into each other's arms, they'll have to blaze a trail in their weird new world and leave behind the baggage they didn't pack. Jump on this emotional ride for an adventure that hums with excitement as it hops across time and around the globe through the highs and lows of love.

The Denver production of Vietgone will feature Melody Butiu (Broadway's Doctor Zhivago) as Ensemble, Jordan De Leon (Drury Lane's 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as Ensemble, Brian Lee Huynh (Broadway's War Horse) as Ensemble, Lisa Helmi Johanson (National Tour, Avenue Q) as Tong and Glenn Morizio (LA Theatre Ensemble's Romeo and Juliet) as Quang.

The production, which opens the Theatre Company's 2018-19 Season, will be directed by Seema Sueko (Deputy Artistic Director, Arena Stage) and include designs by Jason Sherwood (Scenic Designer, DCPA's The Who's Tommy), Valérie Thérèse Bart (Costume Designer, DCPA's The Great Leap), Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew (Lighting Designer, DCPA's Smart People), Andre Pluess (Sound Designer), Douglas Langworthy (Dramaturg), Bianca Mikahn (Rap Consultant), Harriet Bass, CSA (Casting), and stage management by Christopher C. Ewing (Stage Manager) and Rick Mireles (Assistant Stage Manager).

"The Denver Center has done a fantastic job of introducing new voices and new storytelling styles to this community. What Qui is on to with Vietgone is a beautiful continuation of that thread and I'm thrilled that it will kick off our 40th anniversary season," said Chris Coleman, DCPA Theatre Company Artistic Director. "Qui Nguyen is undeniably a fresh, irreverent voice in the American theatre and the exploration of his parent's saucy romance through rap music and hilarious dialogue takes us on a journey through a very different America than most of us grew up with."

"Qui has written an origin story that is highly imaginative and unique, while also being universal," said Seema Sueko, director of Vietgone. "It's explosive and exuberant and then switches quickly to intimate and heartfelt. In Vietgone, Qui gives us a perspective on the Vietnam War that the majority of Americans are unfamiliar with. I am so honored to be part of Chris Coleman's first season in Denver can't wait to dive into this eye-opening and heart-expanding love story."

Tickets for Vietgone may be purchased at denvercenter.org, 303-893-4100 or in person in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex at 14th and Curtis starting on July 18. Tickets for the majority of other Denver Center productions will go on sale on August 3.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is the largest non-profit theatre organization in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, immersive plays. Last season the DCPA engaged with more than 1.2 million visitors, generating a $150 million economic impact in ticket sales alone. Additionally, DCPA Education serves more than 105,000 students of all ages and skill levels through classes, in-school programs, matinees and audience engagement opportunities.

Programming at the DCPA is made possible through the generous support of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District; Theatre Company sponsors Larimer Square and Daniel L. Ritchie, and media sponsors The Denver Post and CBS4. Please be advised that the DCPA is the ONLY authorized ticket seller for Broadway tours and shows by DCPA Theatre Company, Cabaret and Off-Center. Tickets bought through secondary ticket vendors may exceed face value or be invalid

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