East West Players | Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, November 15, 2025
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (P)
LOA
$1144 weekly minimum (Ref. to LORT)
Equity actors for roles in FLOWER DRUM SONG (See breakdown).
Co-production with the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.
All Asian American / Asian / AANHPI identifying actors are encouraged to audition.
Prepare a short song in the style of the show. Singing from the show is encouraged. No longer than 1-minute.
Also, bring your headshot and resume stapled together.
If you are unable to attend these in-person auditions, you may submit a video audition at:
casting@eastwestplayers.org.
East West Theatre
120 Judge John Aiso Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Paid parking is available in the surrounding lots and meters.
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by David Henry Hwang
Based on the original book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joseph Fields
Based on the novel by C.Y. Lee
Choreographer: TBD
Expected to attend:
Lily Tung Crystal (Director, EWP Artistic Director)
Marc Macalintal (Music Director)
Allen Lucky Weaver (Casting Director / Assistant Choreographer)
Andrew Lederman (Accompanist)
Rehearsals Begin: March 10, 2026
Tech Begins: April 7, 2026
Previews: April 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 2026
Opening Night: April 23, 2026
Closing: May 31, 2026
www.eastwestplayers.org
EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.
An Equity Monitor will be provided.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
SYNOPSIS: This captivating tale will receive a newly updated book for 2026 by the Tony Award-winning playwright, librettist, screenwriter, and EWP theater namesake David Henry Hwang. At a time when conversations about identity and cultural preservation are more important than ever, Hwang’s reworking of the book for the Spring 2026 production allows Asian Americans to reclaim this cherished story in a meaningful way, illuminating the complexities and richness of the community’s continuous evolution.
Flower Drum Song pulls back the curtain on themes of assimilation and tradition in 1960’s San Francisco Chinatown as Mei-li, a young Chinese opera artist fleeing communism, arrives in America, where she is immediately drawn into the dazzling world of the Grant Avenue nightclubs.
MEI LI: 20s, Asian, Female Identifying. A new immigrant from China, Wu Mei-Li treasures her flower drum, a memory of her dear father. Traditional and modest, but strong-willed and determined, she is fascinated by Linda and Ta and their American ways. She falls for Ta and gradually becomes more acclimated to American customs while maintaining respect for her past.
WANG CHI-YANG / SAMMY FONG: 50-60s, Asian, Male Identifying. A Chinese opera actor and immigrant to San Francisco, Wang Chi-Yang runs the Golden Pearl Theater in Chinatown. The oldest friend of Mei-Li’s father, Wang lost his wife on their journey to the U.S. and has raised his son alone. Though he first clings to his mission to perform traditional Chinese opera, he later embraces the razzle-dazzle of American show biz, renaming the theater “Club Chop Suey” and performing as “Sammy Fong.”
WANG TA: 20s, Asian, Male Identifying. Wang’s Chinese American son, Ta has been performing in his father’s Chinese opera for years in traditional women’s roles. Infatuated with Linda Low, he nonetheless finds himself smitten by Mei-Li’s beauty, sincerity, and honesty. Still, he keeps his distance, and nearly loses the great love of his life. Despite conflict with his father, Ta is a loyal son and a good man.
LINDA LOW: 20s-30s, Asian, Female Identifying. A Chinese American cabaret performer, Linda is a fiery, confident American who embraces her femininity and sex appeal as sources of power. A knockout performer, she incorporates Mei-Li’s ideas into her act and wows the audience with her engaging numbers. Savvy in matters of the heart, she helps Mei-Li and Ta find romance.
MADAME RITA LIANG: 40s-60s, Asian, Female Identifying. A Chinese American talent agent, Rita Liang is an ambitious businesswoman with a big personality. She has a vision to transform Golden Pearl into the hottest nightspot in Chinatown, and later to franchise the clubs all over the country. Strong and independent, she is wary of pursuing a relationship with Sammy Fong, despite their mutual attraction.
CHIN: 60s, Asian, Male Identifying. An old family friend of the Wangs, Chin is a wise Chinese man. He is amused by Linda and Ta’s new approach to Nightclub Night, and helps guide Ta toward true happiness with Mei-Li.
HARVARD: 20s, Asian, Male Identifying. A young Chinese American man, Harvard is so eager to perform at Club Chop Suey that he agrees to make costumes in exchange for a featured spot. Unfortunately, he’s not quite talented enough to pull off the big sailor number.
CHAO HAI-LUNG: 20s-30s, Asian, Male Identifying. A new immigrant from China with traditional ideals, Chao met Mei-Li on their trip overseas. After getting a job in a fortune cookie factory, he pursues Mei-Li romantically, asking her to return to China with him.
ENSEMBLE: Asian, all genders and ages. Citizens of the People's Republic of China, Mei-Li's Father, Soldiers, Refugees, Chinese Opera Company Members, Immigrants, Showgirls, Chorus Boys, Citizens of San Francisco Chinatown, and various other ensemble roles.
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