FLOWER DRUM SONG 50th Anniv. Celebration to Feature Leung, Suzuki & More at David Henry Hwang Theatre 2/2

There will be a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song at the David Henry Hwang Theatre of East West Players, 120 Judge John Aiso Street in Los Angeles on Monday, February 2 at 7 pm.

The honorary chair persons of the evening are Nancy Kwan, Pat Suzuki, James Shigeta and David Henry Hwang. Suzuki starred in the original Broadway production; Kwan and Shigeta were the stars of the film version. Hwang wrote the book for the 2002 Broadway version. The evening is being put together by Alvin Ing, a cast member of the original production, and as well as an original member of the 2002 production; he also originated roles in the original production and the Broadway revival of "Pacific Ovetures."

The program will include performances of the major songs from the musical including "I Enjoy Being a Girl," "Grant Avenue," "Love Look Away," "Sunday," "Fan Tan Fanny," and "Gliding Through My Memoree. The numbers will be performed by cast members of the 2002 Broadway Version and its previous production at Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. They include Jodi Long, who played Madame Liang, Rich Cerrulo who understudied Wang Ta on Broadway, Telly Leung, Blythe Matsui, Mark Oka, Yuka Takara, Lainie Takakura and Robert Tatad.

The cast also includes Jenn Aedo and Erin Quill, who appeared in the San Jose production.

Tickets are $50, which includes a banquet following at Plum Tree Inn. For more information please email aling89@cs.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.