Photos: Pan Asian Repertory Theatre Presents THE EMPEROR'S NIGHTINGALE

By popular demand, a Lunar New Year Special: Pan Asian Repertory Theatre (Tisa Chang, Founding Artistic Producing Director), continuing their educational initiative to serve elementary grade students and families with children, has launched its 43rd season with the return engagement of the acclaimed 2018 production of The Emperor's Nightingale by Damon Chua. Performances began January 11, 2020 for a limited engagement through January 26, 2020 at in Theatre 5 at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street).

Directed by Chongren Fan, the six-member cast features original cast members Leanne Cabrera, Dinh James Doan, and Jonathan Frye who are joined by Kiet Tai Cao, David Huynh, and Xiaoqing Zhang.

The Emperor's Nightingale by Damon Chua, directed by Chongren Fan, is a family-friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Nightingale," set in 18th century China, and brings to light the youthful exploits of the future Emperor Qianlong. Nominated by the Off-Broadway Alliance for "Best Family Show", this TYA production emphasizes the importance of leadership guided by a moral compass, through the story about two rival teen brothers competing for the throne. The play employs traditional Chinese lion dance, puppetry, folk songs and a pair of tigers and pandas to tell this fun, thrilling tale.

"Chongren Fan's staging, for Pan Asian Reparatory Theatre, uses shadow puppets, playful costumes, and goofy humor to bring the story to life," said Elizabeth Vincentelli of The New Yorker. "It is refreshing to be able to bring kids to such a show, rather than to one of the corporate monoliths crowding the holidays."

The creative design team includes Set by You-Shin Chen (Acquittal), Costumes by Karen Boyer (Romulus the Great), Lights by Leslie Smith (Acquittal, No-No Boy), and Sound by Joseph Wolfslau (Romulus the Great). The Stage Management team is Kristine Schlachter and Sabrina Morabito.

The Emperor's Nightingale will play select public performances and student matinees. Tickets for Public Performances may be purchased at www.telecharge.com, (212) 239-6200, or by visiting the box office.