Rick Shiomi News

Minneapolis and Saint Paul theatre artists joined James A. Rocco to create HOLD YOUR HAND TWIN CITIES, proving #NothingCanStopLiveTheatre

Actress Anna May Wong (1905-1961) was incredibly prolific, appearing in silent movies, 'talkies,' television, plays and vaudeville. She was also stifled by a close-minded industry which largely limited the Chinese American actress to stereotyped roles, and the Hays code which kept her out of romantic leads.

Actress Anna May Wong (1905-1961) was incredibly prolific, appearing in silent movies, 'talkies,' television, plays and vaudeville. She was also stifled by a close-minded industry which largely limited the Chinese American actress to stereotyped roles, and the Hays code which kept her out of romantic leads.

Why would you run from the "greatest country in the world"? InterAct Theatre Company presents Mia Chung's expressionistic and intensely relevant story of two sisters' perilous journey as they flee oppression in North Korea. You for Me for You is a harrowing, poetic, and satirical tale that creates metaphorical context for larger questions of immigration, assimilation, and human connection, casting a light on the culture clash between American values and North Korea's notoriously inscrutable regime. 

Mu Performing Arts released casting and thematic details today for the World Premiere production of ?tot: THE UNTOLD, YET SPECTACULAR STORY OF ?(a filipino)?HULK HOGAN?, June 17 - 26, 2016, written by playwright ?Victor Maog?and directed by ?Randy Reyes at Park Square Theatre's Boss Thrust Stage. This production is the final play of the 2015?2016 season and marks Mu's 50th World Premiere of new works by Asian American artists and playwrights.

Theatre Philadelphia is thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2015 Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre. Now in its second season since its successful relaunch, the 2015 Barrymore Awards will celebrate and honor outstanding achievements in professional theatre throughout the Greater Philadelphia region during the 2014/15 season.

Park Square continues its 40th season with Julia Cho's THE LANGUAGE ARCHIVE. George (Kurt Kwan*) speaks a dozen languages, but he can't communicate with his wife, Mary. Consumed by his quest to document the dying languages of disappearing cultures, George is unable to say what he needs to say so Mary sets off for a new adventure. THE LANGUAGE ARCHIVE is a magical and quirky fable about finding the words that can change your world. Talkin' Broadway called it "…a tour de force… passionate, wise and wonderful."

Between the national pride celebrated on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the oft overlooked commemoration of Executive Order 9066 to intern Japanese-Americans in the 1940s, Plays & Players presents two theatrical events that remind us of the struggles we have overcome and the steps yet to be taken: Voices of a People's History of the United States and Hold These Truths.

Asian Arts Initiative will serve as the host for the 4th National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival, presented by the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Actors (CAATA) this October, bringing the event to Philadelphia for the first time. The Conference and Festival (ConFest) will feature a series of Asian American theater productions open to the general public and offer conference attendees a full schedule of professional development programming under the 2014 theme 'Home: Here? There? Where?' from today, Oct. 8-12, 2014.

Asian Arts Initiative will serve as the host for the 4th National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival, presented by the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Actors (CAATA) this October, bringing the event to Philadelphia for the first time. The Conference and Festival (ConFest) will feature a series of Asian American theater productions open to the general public and offer conference attendees a full schedule of professional development programming under the 2014 theme "Home: Here? There? Where?" from Oct. 8-12, 2014.

Kevin Hart and Charlee Chiv elevated this iconic show to a whole new level!

With Sexy Laundry opening tonight, the entire cast roster for the theatre's biggest season is almost complete. Nearly 300 Minnesota artists - including actors, directors, designers and technical operators - will mount 18 productions on two stages. The season lineup confirms Park Square's commitment to the work of women writers like Amy Herzog, Michele Riml and Alice Walker. The casting emphasizes Park Square as a home for local artists of color, from returning favorites like James A. Williams, T. Mychael Rambo and Regina Williams to dozens of debuts like Dominique Wooten, Kurt Kwan and Sarah Ochs.

As the recipient of four awards, to include Westword's "Best of 2014: Specialty Theatre Group" and John Moore's "2013 True West Special Award", Theatre Esprit Asia proved a successful inaugural season with a bright future in Denver's theatre scene. Much has happened since the close of their first year with an addition to the artistic team, collaborations with other theatre groups and a change in venue.

The 10th Anniversary Ivey Awards announced today that Mu Performing Arts Artistic Director Randy Reyes will return as event co-host along with new co-host actor-singer Christina Baldwin, 'a staple in the Twin Cities theater community' (Minnesota Original).

A few weeks ago I wrote that the Guthrie's My Fair Lady is the must-see summer musical. Correction: it's one of two. Mu Performing Arts' production of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music should also be on your must-see list; it's every bit as good as My Fair Lady. The songs might not be as 'hummable and quotable,' but they're clever and beautifully complex in a way that only a Sondheim score can be. The music sounds gorgeous, the costumes are luscious, the show is funny but a little sad too, and the cast is fantastic (and by the way, they also happen to be Asian-American). It's another gorgeous production of a classic.

Continuing our tradition of producing new plays that speak to the social and contemporary issues of our time, InterAct will stretch its limits and audience's imaginations by producing four diverse plays starting in October 2014. Scroll down to learn more about the upcoming season.

InterAct Theatre Company proudly announces a season of world premieres for the upcoming 2014/15 season. Continuing its tradition of producing new plays that speak to the social and contemporary issues of our time, InterAct will stretch its limits and our imaginations by producing four diverse plays starting in October 24, 2014.

Nationally recognized for his work in Asian American theater, playwright and director Rick Shiomi will visit Philadelphia to direct a new play-reading series, "The Way Home," co-presented by Asian Arts Initiative and InterAct Theatre Company on select Monday evenings this spring. Through contemporary performance, the free series explores diverse perspectives on what "home" means to the Asian American community and its constituents.

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) opens its 62nd season as the longest-running theatre in Minneapolis with THE IMAGINARY INVALID by Moliere in weekend performances September 6-29, 2013.

The 9th Annual Ivey Awards honoring the 'Heroes of Twin Cities Theater' are set for Monday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. This year, the talented, versatile Randy Reyes joins the delightful Shanan Custer to co-host the show at the Historic State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. Tickets ($35-$125) for the extravaganza - featuring a VIP reception, red carpet fashion, live entertainment, awards and after-party - are on sale now. Check out fun promo photos for the awards ceremony below!