THREE YEAR SWIM CLUB Returns to East West Players, Now thru 8/19

Back by popular demand, THREE YEAR SWIM CLUB returns to East West Players tonight, July 27th and runs through August 19th.

East West Players (EWP), the nation’s largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work and the longest-running professional theatre of color in the country, will remount THREE YEAR SWIM CLUB, the popular and critically-acclaimed production that was a part of the 46th Anniversary Season. Written by Lee Tonouchi, this production is directed and choreographed by Keo Woolford. The original cast of Jared Asato, Kelsey Chock, Kaliko Kauahi, Blake Kushi, Mapuana Makia, and Chris Takemoto-Gentile will reprise their rolds of the famed Coach and his Olympic hopefuls.

This play is inspired by the true life story of Coach Soichi Sakamoto, who trained the youth of Maui to swim in the plantation irrigation ditches on their path to becoming Olympic champions. Set on the island of Maui in the 1930's, this heartwarming play becomes transcendent as the art of hula becomes the metaphor for competitive swimming.

"We are pleased to bring THREE YEAR SWIM CLUB back to the EWP stage, as it resonated with audiences across the Southland during the initial run," says Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. "In the spirit of the Summer Olympics, this production dives into an inspiring story of perseverance, dedication and heart – experiences and memories of small-town kids with a dream of Olympic proportions."

THREE YEAR SWIM CLUB is presented in association with the Hawaiian Inter-Club Council of Southern California and the Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

The Hawaiian Inter-Club Council of Southern California (HICCSC) is an association of Hawaiian cultural groups that works to preserve and build awareness of Hawaiian culture. HICCSC is also the host organization of the Ho'olaule'a held each year on the third week in July in Alondra Park, and welcomes thousands of attendees over the weekend.

Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY) produces professional theatre and drama education programs that make a difference in the lives of young people, families and educators in the state of Hawai‘i. HTY is committed to producing shows that are about and for the people of Hawaii.

All performances will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. THREE YEAR SWIM CLUB currently runs tonight, July 27-August 19th. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. A great opportunity for youth groups, summer camps and more. Please contact East West Players for group sales details.

General Admission tickets range from $26-36. For ticket purchases or more information, call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org. Senior, student, and group discounts are available. Dates, prices, and details are subject to change.