Christine Toy Johnson, Thom Sesma, Ali Ewoldt, Jose Llana, Ann Harada, Telly Leung and More Set for The Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre on May 19, 2013

In celebration of Asian Heritage month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee of Actors’ Equity Association and ReImagined World Entertainment will present the debut of “The Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project”, an evening of works created and sung by Asian American theatre artists. The free 90-minute concert will take place on Sunday, May 19 at 8 p.m. at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42 St. in New York.
Featuring original words and music by Adam Gwon, Timothy Huang, Christine Toy Johnson, Leon Ko, Felice Kuan, Robert Lee, Yan Li, and Jason Ma, the event will be directed by Alan Muraoka and emceed by Ann Harada (CINDERELLA).

Singers will include Jose Llana (HERE LIES LOVE, SPELLING BEE), Ali Ewoldt (THE FANTASTICKS, LES MISERABLES), Telly Leung (GODSPELL, RENT), Christine Toy Johnson (THE MUSIC MAN, HELLO, DOLLY!), Thom Sesma (THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’, THE LION KING), Joshua dela Cruz (HERE LIES LOVE), Ann Sanders (AVENUE Q), Daniel J. Edwards (ANYTHING GOES), Raymond J. Lee (ANYTHING GOES), Cindy Cheung, Brooke Ishibashi, Brian Jose, Karl Josef Co, Jaygee Macapugay, Marc de la Cruz, Joanne Javien, Gyu Jin Lim, Helen Park, Diane Phelan and Hansel Tan.

Tickets are free, but seating is limited. Please RSVP to EEO@actorsequity.org before Friday, May 17.

The Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project was founded by librettist/lyricist/actor Christine Toy Johnson in 2012 as an ongoing initiative to increase the visibility of Asian American theatre artists, putting to rest the misconception that we do not exist. The artists taking part in this event have collectively performed in over 40 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, have had their works produced around the world, and have been participants in The BMI Musical Theatre Writing Workshop, The Dramatists Guild Fellows Program, and the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at NYU.

This performance of the Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project is made possible in part with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

Other articles by Lia Chang:
Lorey Hayes’ Power Play Set for National Black Theatre Festival 7/29-8/3
Photos & Video: Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars, Manu Narayan, Deep Singh and More
Photos: Working Theater’s World Premiere of Ed Cardona, Jr.’s La Ruta through May 12, 2013
Christine Toy Johnson and Raul Aranas Lead the Cast of the National Asian Artists Project’s (NAAP) Benefit Presentation of Hello Dolly!, at The Pershing Square Signature Center on April 29 and May 6
Playing Lady Thiang in the Harbor Lights’ Production of The King and I is a dream come true for Christine Toy Johnson
Theater of the Stars Presents The King and I Starring Ronobir Lahiri, Victoria Mallory, Raul Aranas, Ali Ewoldt, Josh Dela Cruz, Jee Hyun Lim and Raphael Aranas, Helmed by Baayork Lee on Tour through September 11, 2012
Two-Time Grammy Nominated Hiroshima Kicks off 2013 Spring Tour at The Laguna Playhouse, with Special Guest Taiko Master Kenny Endo on April 15, 2013
Mu Performing Arts Honors Rick Shiomi at Mu Gala 2013 on April 27, 2013; Randy Reyes to Succeed Shiomi as Artistic Director
Photos: All-Access Pass to August Wilson’s Two Trains Running with John Earl Jelks, Harvy Blanks, Chuck Cooper, Anthony Chisholm, Owiso Odera, Roslyn Ruff and James A. Williams
Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Conrad Ricamora, Kelvin Moon Loh and More Set for World Premiere of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love at The Public, April 2 – May 19, 2013
Keith David, January LaVoy, John Douglas Thompson, Glynn Turman, Lillias White and More Set for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the CTG/Mark Taper Forum, April 24 – June 9, 2013
Multimedia: Manu Narayan Dazzles as Richard Roma in La Jolla Playhouse’s Revival of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross
Albee, Hwang, Enos, Taylor, Wilson, Clarke and Jacobs-Jenkins Set for Signature Theatre’s 2013-14 Season
Signature Theatre’s Revival of David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad Set for Wuzhen Theatre Festival in Wuzhen, China, May 9-12, 2013
Photos: David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad Opening Night at Signature Theatre
Photos: Partying with the Cast of David Henry Hwang’s Golden Child
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist. She is a Signature Theatre alumni who was in the cast of Sam Shepard’s Chicago, during his Signature 1996-1997 Playwright-in-Residence Season. Lia is headed for the National Black Theatre Festival this summer to reprise her role as Carole Barbara in Lorey Hayes’ Power Play with Pauletta Pearson Washington, Roscoe Orman, Lorey Hayes, Marcus Naylor and Penwah.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2013 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

SPEAK UP CONNIE, written and performed by Cindy Cheung and directed by BD Wong Set for 2012 All For One Theatre Festival, September 15 & 23

Cindy Cheung

SPEAK UP CONNIE, written and performed by Cindy Cheung and directed by BD Wong, will have two performances on Saturday, September 15 @ 2PM, and Sunday, September 23 @ 7PM, at the Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce Street, NYC as part of the 2012 All For One Theatre Festival.

SPEAK UP CONNIE is a finding-your-voice extravaganza! Featuring original songs accompanied by the ukulele, “nice Chinese girl” Cindy (not Connie) Cheung tells the story of being raised Conflict-Avoidant in suburban Southern California and learning to speak up – as an Asian American, an actor and a daughter.

Cindy Cheung

CINDY CHEUNG (PERFORMER/PLAYWRIGHT)
Cindy Cheung (Writer/Performer) is originally from La Palma, CA, and has lived in NYC for 14 years, working in theater, TV and film. Last year, she decided to explore writing (again) and was blessed to find herself in Matt Hoverman’s solo show class. A couple of classes, a dozen workshop performances and a text to BD Wong later, she arrives with the show you see before you.

Favorite theater credits include: Middletown (Vineyard), The Sugar House at the Edge of the Wilderness (Ma-Yi), The Seagull and Antigone, (NAATCO), Sides: The Fear Is Real… (Ma-Yi/Mr. Miyagi’s Theater Company), Masha No Home (E.S.T.), W;t (Florida Studio Theater), A Christmas Carol (South Coast Rep), Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods (East West Players). Film and TV credits include: Children of Invention (Sundance 2009), Lady In The Water, Robot Stories, Falling For Grace, “Bored To Death,” “White Collar,” “Fringe,” “Law and Order,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “One Life To Live” and “Sex and the City.” She has an MFA from A.C.T. and a marital commitment from her husband, novelist Ed Lin.

BD Wong

BD WONG (DIRECTOR)
Broadway: M. Butterfly (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics’ Circle, Clarence Derwent Awards); Face Value; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; Pacific Overtures. Regional: Herringbone (La Jolla, Williamstown, McCarter Theater). Television: “AWAKE,” “LAW & ORDER: SVU,” HBO’s “OZ,” “MARCO POLO.” Film: White Frog, The Freshman, Father of the Bride (1 and 2), Jurassic Park, Seven Years in Tibet, Mulan (1 and 2), The Salton Sea, Stay. Author of the critically acclaimed memoir, Following Foo (The Electronic Adventures of the Chestnut Man), published by Harper Collins. Community service recognitions from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Asian AIDS Project, GLAAD, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Association of Asian-Pacific American Artists, East/West Players, Second Generation. Board member: Actors’ Fund of America.

All performances of the 2012 AFO Theater Festival will be at The Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce Street, NYC (west of 7th Avenue South, 3 blocks south of Christopher Street), and accessible via the A, B, C, D, F and M trains to West 4th Street or the #1 to Christopher Street. From Christopher Street (#1 train) walk three blocks south on Seventh Avenue to COMMERCE STREET (also called CHERRY LANE). Turn right onto Commerce Street and walk to the end of the block. The theatre is on the left hand side. From the West 4th Street station (at Sixth Avenue), (A, B, C, D, E, F, and M trains), walk west along Bleecker Street to Seventh Avenue. At Seventh Avenue, continue west along COMMERCE STREET (also called CHERRY LANE), which is just south of Bleecker. The theatre is at the end of the block, on the left hand side.

Regular Seats: $25, Student Rush: $15, Senior Citizen: $20, Group Discount (10+): $15, Festival Pass (1 ticket to a performance of each show): $200
Buy tickets online at http://www.afofest.org/tickets or call Ovation Tix at (212) 352-3101. Tickets for all performances will also available for purchase at The Cherry Lane Box Office, 38 Commerce Street, one hour prior to performance, beginning September 14th.

For more information visit www.afofest.org. Follow us on Twitter at @AFOfestival and on Facebook at facebook.com/afofestival.

The All For One Theater Festival launched its inaugural season on 11.11.11 – November 11, 2011 – at Theatre 80 St. Marks in New York City, presenting a program of 15 highly acclaimed full-length solo works plus 6 short pieces, 5 panels with leaders of solo performance, and 8 workshops led by the solo performance community’s most respected instructors. A New Works Series and an evening of excerpts were also presented.

With its second NY season this fall, All For One continues to build its burgeoning community of solo theater performers, writers, directors, educators and audiences. All For One works year-round to promote its Festival shows and workshops and expand the audiences for these amazing artists.

AFO Theater Festival is a non-profit organization devoted to the advancement of solo performance. Its mission is to provide career sustaining performing and teaching opportunities for these extraordinary solo artists. The AFO’s new collaboration with The ShowStore, which offers touring and booking support for plays from the Festival’s first and up-coming seasons, is an expansion of this mission.

Other Articles by Lia Chang:
Greg Watanabe, Julyana Soelistyo and Jennifer Lim Lead the Cast of Signature Theatre’s Production of David Henry Hwang’s Golden Child, October 23-December 2, 2012
André De Shields Returns to The Laurie Beechman Theatre with I Put A Spell on You, October 5 and 12
MTC’s An Enemy of The People Starring Boyd Gaines and Richard Thomas Begin Previews at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Tony Award – winning Playwright Terrence McNally to be Honored at Westport Country Playhouse Annual Gala, September 24, 2012
Signature Theatre’s World Premiere of Sam Shepard’s Heartless Starring Lois Smith, Gary Cole, Jenny Bacon, Betty Gilpin, and Julianne Nicholson Extends through September 30, 2012
Photos: Tonya Pinkins, André De Shields, S. Epatha Merkerson, Billy Porter and George C. Wolfe at 54 Below
Sean Dugan Set for West Coast Premiere of George C. Wolfe’s Tony Award-Winning Production of The Normal Heart at A.C.T., September 13 – October 7, 2012
David Henry Hwang to Receive the 2012 Steinberg Distinguished Playwright Award at the 5th Annual Steinberg Playwright “Mimi” Awards on October 29, 2012
Faith Prince and Jason Graae: The Prince & the Showboy in Concert at 54 Below, August 21-25, 2012
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
In Rehearsal with BD Wong at Dixon Place for Live Concert Recording of Herringbone
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
BD Wong to Star in Live Concert Recording of HERRINGBONE for Two Nights Only as a Benefit for Dixon Place, May 21-22
Photos: David Henry Hwang, Oskar Eustis, BD Wong, Brian d’Arcy James, Francis Jue, Jennifer Lim and Leigh Silverman at WNYC’s The Greene Space
Photos: BD Wong, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Brandon Victor Dixon, Tom Viola at “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids”
BD Wong in Rehearsal for “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids”
Broadwayworld.com Photo Flash: Library of Congress’ IN REHEARSAL Exhibit

Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2012 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Shinsai: Theaters for Japan Photos: (3pm) with André Bishop, Mary Beth Hurt, Jennifer Lim, Angela Lin, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Richard Thomas, Jay O. Sanders, and more

Richard Thomas. Photo by Lia Chang

On March 11, 2012, regional theater companies across the country presented Shinsai: Theaters for Japan, a series of benefit performances to raise funds for Japanese theater artists devastated by last year’s great earthquake (Shinsai).

New York City’s leading theatre companies, including Atlantic Theater Company, Lincoln Center Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Theatre Workshop, The Play Company, Playwrights Horizons and The Public Theater, joined forces to present performances at 3pm and 8pm at the Great Hall at Cooper Union, Seventh Street at Third Avenue in New York.

Thom Sesma and Paolo Montalban. Photo by Lia Chang

Director Barlett Sher. Photo by Lia Chang

Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza) helmed a stellar lineup of artists. The cast of the 3pm performance featured Michi Barall, Cindy Cheung, Lisa Emery, Mary Beth Hurt, Peter Kim, Jennifer Lim, Angela Lin, Paolo Montalban, Olivia Oguma, Jay O. Sanders, Thom Sesma, Jon Norman Schneider, Sab Shimono, Richard Thomas, Jade Wu, James Yaegashi and Stacey Yen.

The ensemble of actors performed a series of ten minute plays and musical numbers by award-winning American and Japanese writers and composers including The Remaining by Shoki Kokami; A Few Stout Individuals by John Guare; Sayonara II by Oriza Hirata; Wind from the Northwest by Kumiko Shinohara; and Dropping by the House by Yoji Sakate. Playwrights Philip Kan Gotanda (Child is Father to Man), Richard Greenberg (Where Were We) and Suzan-Lori-Parks (The Length of this Play Has the Half Life of Uranium, a “forever play” for Japan on 3.11), contributed original work to the benefit which featured a segment from the 1976 musical Pacific Overtures revised especially for the occasion by its creators librettist John Weidman and composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Playwrights Suzan-Lori Parks, Philip Kan Gotanda, John Weidman and Kumiko Shinohara.
Photo by Lia Chang

With musical direction by Paul Gemignani, scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, lighting design by Donald Holder and sound design by Scott Lehrer.

All proceeds from the performances that day around the country, will be sent from the Dramatists Guild Fund to the Japan Playwrights Association, who will in turn distribute the monies to those members of Japan’s theatre community who were stricken by the earthquake.

James Yaegashi and Sab Shimono in CHILD IS FATHER TO MAN by Philip Kan Gotanda. Photo by Lia Chang

Shinsai (SHEEN-sigh) means great quake in Japanese. The genesis of the event began shortly after the disaster when actor James Yaegashi, whose family is from a nearby area, called friends in New York theatre to say “We as a theatre community have to do something to help our fellow artists on the other side of the world.” This galvanized the various theatre professionals to whom Yaegashi reached out who in turn joined forces with the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, Cooper Union, Dramatists Guild Fund, Japan Playwrights Association, Japan Society, The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center and Theatre Communications Group to present this nation-wide effort. The Dramatists Guild Fund is the fiscal sponsor for Shinsai: Theaters for Japan, collecting donations on behalf of Japan Playwrights Association (JPA) through June 1, 2012 to help restore the conditions that surround the Japanese theater. Click here to donate now.

Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, playwright Philip Kan Gotanda, James Yaegashi. Photo by Lia Chang

Olivia Oguma, Jennifer Lim, Cindy Cheung, Sab Shimono, Thom Sesma, Paolo Montalban, Peter Kim, Jon Norman Schneider and Angel Desai. Photo by Lia Chang

Angela Lin, director Barlett Sher, Lincoln Center Theater Dramaturg Anne Cattaneo, Andre Bishop, Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater, Jade Wu and playwright Philip Kan Gotanda. Photo by Lia Chang

Richard Thomas, Paolo Montalban, Thom Sesma, Olivia Oguma, Barlett Sher, Angela Lin, Jennifer Lim, Jon Norman Schneider, Peter Kim, Michi Barall and Kumiko Shinohara. Photo by Lia Chang

Jade Wu, Angel Desai, Philip Kan Gotanda, Sab Shimono and Michi Barall. Photo by Lia Chang

Jay O. Sanders, Jennifer Ikeda, John Guare, Mary Beth Hurt, Barlett Sher, Suzan-Lori Parks and Philip Kan Gotanda. Photo by Lia Chang

Click below for a slideshow of the 3pm performance.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Photos: Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (8pm) with Oskar Eustis, Patti LuPone, Lisa Emery, Ann Harada, Paolo Montalban, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Henry Stram and more
For additional information: visit www.tcg.org/shinsai. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SHINSAI-Theaters-for-Japan/286171358070366

James Yaegashi, Pacific Overtures' librettist John Weidman, director Bartlett Sher and musical director Paul Gemignani. Photo by Lia Chang

Angela Lin, director Bartlett Sher and Lia Chang. Photo by Peter Kim

Other articles by Lia Chang:
Photos: In Rehearsal with Director Bartlett Sher and the cast of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan
Thom Sesma, Patti LuPone, Cindy Cheung, Jennifer Lim, Sab Shimono, James Yaegashi and more set for Shinsai: Theaters for Japan Benefit on March 11 at the Great Hall at Cooper Union in New York
Photos: BD Wong in Rehearsal for “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids”
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2012 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at lia@backstagepasswithliachang.com.

Shinsai: Theaters for Japan Photos: (8pm) with Oskar Eustis, Patti LuPone, Lisa Emery, Ann Harada, Paolo Montalban, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Henry Stram, Richard Thomas, John Weidman and more

Patti LuPone and Ann Harada. Photo by Lia Chang

On March 11, 2012, regional theater companies across the country presented Shinsai: Theaters for Japan, a series of benefit performances to raise funds for Japanese theater artists devastated by last year’s great earthquake (Shinsai).

New York City’s leading theatre companies, including Atlantic Theater Company, Lincoln Center Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Theatre Workshop, The Play Company, Playwrights Horizons and The Public Theater, joined forces to present performances at 3pm and 8pm at the Great Hall at Cooper Union, Seventh Street at Third Avenue in New York.

Oskar Eustis, artistic director of The Public Theater and His Excellency and Madame Shigeyuki Hiroki, Ambassador & Consul General of Japan in New York. Photo by Lia Chang

Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza) helmed a stellar lineup of artists.

Director Barlett Sher. Photo by Lia Chang

The cast of the 8pm performance featured Michi Barall, Joel de la Fuente, Angel Desai, Lisa Emery, Ann Harada, Jennifer Ikeda, Paul Juhn, Li Jun Li, Patti LuPone, Paolo Montalban, Olivia Oguma, Jeffrey Omura, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Henry Stram, Richard Thomas, Adria Vitlar and Johnny Wu.

The ensemble of actors performed a series of ten minute plays and musical numbers by award-winning American and Japanese writers and composers including Seascape by Edward Albee; Hassaku by Nen Ishihara; The Sonic Life of Giant Tortoises by Toshiki Okada; “Underwater” from Caroline, or Change, Book and Lyrics by Tony Kushner, Music by Jeanine Tesori; Abandon Home by Toshiro Suzue; A Problem of Blood by Yoji Sakate; and “Skin of Our Teeth” from the musical The Skin of Our Teeth, Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, Book by Joseph Stein. Playwrights Naomi Iizuka (The Isabel Who Disappeared) and Doug Wright (A Guide to Japanese Etiquette), contributed original work to the benefit which featured a segment from the 1976 musical Pacific Overtures revised especially for the occasion by its creators librettist John Weidman and composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Ann Harada, Johnny Wu, Angel Desai, Paul Juhn, Li Jun Li, Olivia Oguma, Jeffery Omura, Thom Sesma, Paolo Montalban, Sab Shimono and Adria Vitlar sing Four Black Dragons/Next. Photo by Lia Chang

With musical direction by Paul Gemignani, scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, lighting design by Donald Holder and sound design by Scott Lehrer.

The cast of Shinsai. Photo by Lia Chang

All proceeds from the performances that day around the country, will be sent from the Dramatists Guild Fund to the Japan Playwrights Association, who will in turn distribute the monies to those members of Japan’s theatre community who were stricken by the earthquake.

James Yaegashi and Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of the Public Theater. Photo by Lia Chang

Shinsai (SHEEN-sigh) means great quake in Japanese. The genesis of the event began shortly after the disaster when actor James Yaegashi, whose family is from a nearby area, called friends in New York theatre to say “We as a theatre community have to do something to help our fellow artists on the other side of the world.” This galvanized the various theatre professionals to whom Yaegashi reached out who in turn joined forces with the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, Cooper Union, Dramatists Guild Fund, Japan Playwrights Association, Japan Society, The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center and Theatre Communications Group to present this nation-wide effort. The Dramatists Guild Fund is the fiscal sponsor for Shinsai: Theaters for Japan, collecting donations on behalf of Japan Playwrights Association (JPA) through June 1, 2012 to help restore the conditions that surround the Japanese theater. Click here to donate now.

Ann Harada, Henry Stram, Lia Emery and Richard Thomas. Photo by Lia Chang

Sab Shimono and Pacific Overtures librettist John Weidman. Photo by Lia Chang

Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, playwright Philip Kan Gotanda, James Yaegashi. Photo by Lia Chang

Click below for a slideshow of the 8pm performance.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Photo Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (3pm) with André Bishop, Mary Beth Hurt, Jennifer Lim, Angela Lin, Philip Kan Gotanda, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Richard Thomas, Jay O. Sanders, and more

For additional information: visit www.tcg.org/shinsai. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SHINSAI-Theaters-for-Japan/286171358070366

James Yaegashi, Pacific Overtures' librettist John Weidman, director Bartlett Sher and musical director Paul Gemignani. Photo by Lia Chang

Other articles by Lia Chang:
Photos: In Rehearsal with Director Bartlett Sher and the cast of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan
Thom Sesma, Patti LuPone, Cindy Cheung, Jennifer Lim, Sab Shimono, James Yaegashi and more set for Shinsai: Theaters for Japan Benefit on March 11 at the Great Hall at Cooper Union in New York
Photos: BD Wong in Rehearsal for “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids”
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Angela Lin, director Bartlett Sher and Lia Chang. Photo by Peter Kim

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2012 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at lia@backstagepasswithliachang.com.

Lia Chang Photos: In Rehearsal with Director Bartlett Sher and the cast of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan

Paolo Montalban and Thom Sesma. Photo by Lia Chang

On Sunday, March 11, 2012, Shinsai: Theaters for Japan, will be performed at 3pm and 8pm at the Great Hall at Cooper Union, Seventh Street at Third Avenue in New York.

Director Bartlett Sher (far right) and the cast of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan in the Lincoln Center rehearsal hall on Friday, March 9, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

Shinsai: Theaters for Japan, a two performance benefit to raise funds that will go directly to Japanese theater artists devastated by last year’s great earthquake (Shinsai), will feature Michi Barall, Cindy Cheung, Lisa Emery, Joel de la Fuente, Angel Desai, Ann Harada, Mary Beth Hurt, Jennifer Ikeda, Paul Juhn, Peter Kim, Li Jun Li, Jennifer Lim, Angela Lin, Patti LuPone, Paolo Montalban, Olivia Oguma, Jeffrey Omura, Jay O. Sanders, Jon Norman Schneider, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Henry Stram, Richard Thomas, Adria Vitlar, Jade Wu, Johnny Wu, James Yaegashi and Stacey Yen, under the direction of Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher.

Sab Shimono, Jade Wu, Jon Norman Schneider, Thom Sesma, Michi Barall and Angela Lin in Wind from Northwest by Kumiko Shinohara. Photo by Lia Chang

Patti LuPone and Henry Stram will appear in the 8pm performance only. Jay O. Sanders and Mary Beth Hurt will appear in the 3pm performance only. Richard Thomas will appear in both the 3pm and 8pm performances.

Jay O. Sanders, Mary Beth Hurt and Richard Thomas in A Few Stout Individuals by John Guare. Photo by Lia Chang

Edward Albee. Photo by Lia Chang

This stellar lineup will perform a series of ten minute plays and musical numbers by an eclectic group of award-winning American and Japanese writers and composers including Edward Albee, Shoki Kokami, Oriza Hirata, Richard Greenberg, John Guare, Kumiko Shinohara, John Kander, Fred Ebb & Joseph Stein, Tony Kushner & Jeanine Tesori, Nen Ishihara, Toshiki Okada, Toshiro Suzue and Yoji Sakate. Playwrights Philip Kan Gotanda, Richard Greenberg, Suzan-Lori-Parks, Naomi Iizuka and Doug Wright will contribute original work to the benefit which will also feature a segment from the 1976 musical Pacific Overtures revised especially for the occasion by its creators librettist John Weidman and composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

John Weidman and Stephen Sondheim's Four Black Dragons/Next, a revised segment from Pacific Overtures. Photo by Lia Chang

The New York performances of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan will be just one of many presentations taking place on March 11, the first anniversary of the quake, at regional theatres throughout the United States. All proceeds from the performances that day around the country, will be sent from the Dramatists Guild Fund to the Japan Playwrights Association, who will in turn distribute the monies to those members of Japan’s theatre community who were stricken by the earthquake.

Musical director Paul Gemignani (seated far left) rehearses with the cast of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan in the Lincoln Center rehearsal hall on Friday, March 9, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

New York City’s leading theatre companies, including Atlantic Theater Company, Lincoln Center Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Theatre Workshop, The Play Company, Playwrights Horizons and The Public Theater, have joined forces to present Shinsai: Theaters for Japan.

Playwright Philip Kan Gotanda contributed Child is Father to Man for the Shinsai: Theaters for Japan Benefit. Photo by Lia Chang

Shinsai (SHEEN-sigh) means great quake in Japanese. The genesis of the event began shortly after the disaster when actor James Yaegashi, whose family is from a nearby area, called friends in New York theatre to say “We as a theatre community have to do something to help our fellow artists on the other side of the world.” This galvanized the various theatre professionals to whom Yaegashi reached out who in turn joined forces with the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, Cooper Union, Dramatists Guild Fund, Japan Playwrights Association, Japan Society, The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center and Theatre Communications Group to present this nation-wide effort.

Lisa Emery and James Yaegashi in Where Were We by Richard Greenberg. Photo by Lia Chang

Tickets to Shinsai: Theaters for Japan, priced at $25 for each performance are available at the Public Theater box office (425 Lafayette Street), by phone at (212) 967-7555 or by visiting www.publictheater.org.

Jennifer Lim, Stacey Yen and Mary Beth Hurt in The Length of This Play Has the Half Life of Uranium, a "forever" play for Japan on 3.11 by Suzan-Lori Parks. Photo by Lia Chang

For additional information: visit www.tcg.org/shinsai. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SHINSAI-Theaters-for-Japan/286171358070366

James Yaegashi, Pacific Overtures' librettist John Weidman, director Bartlett Sher and musical director Paul Gemignani. Photo by Lia Chang

Other articles by Lia Chang:
Thom Sesma, Patti LuPone, Cindy Cheung, Jennifer Lim, Sab Shimono, James Yaegashi and more set for Shinsai: Theaters for Japan Benefit on March 11 at the Great Hall at Cooper Union in New York
Multimedia: Exclusive photos and video of Disney’s The Lion King Las Vegas -In the Makeup Chair with Thom Sesma
The SFIAAFF30 Kicks Off with World Premiere of White Frog Featuring Booboo Stewart, Harry Shum, Jr., Joan Chen, Kelly Hu and BD Wong, at the Castro Theater on March 8
Tony award-winning actor BD Wong stars in NBC’s Awake; video preview and interview
David Henry Hwang to Receive 2012 William Inge Distinguished Achievement in the American Theatre Award
Chinglish Playwright David Henry Hwang Moderates “RepresentAsian: The Changing Face of New York Theater” at Pope Auditorium at Fordham University
Photos & Video: Celebrate Chinese New Year with David Henry Hwang’s Chinglish
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Coming to America through The Angel Island Immigration Station
Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) Media Advisory on Jeremy Lin News Coverage
Gary Wilmes & Scott Shepherd Set for Elevator Repair Service’s GATZ at The Public, March 14-May 6, 2012
Orville Mendoza Joins the Broadway Cast of Peter and the Starcatcher, Previews Begin March 28 at the Brooks Atkinson
Photos: Laila Robins, Sean Dugan, C.J. Wilson, Peter Francis James, Bill Irwin and Tricia Paoluccio at Signature Theatre Company’s revival of Edward Albee’s The Lady From Dubuque
Pan Asian Rep’s 35th Anniversary Gala on March 19 honors Daniel Dae Kim and Dr. Patrica E. Taylor; New Season includes Stella Rising, BAUDELAIRE: La Mort
Photos: Larry Bryggman, Denise Burse, Peter Jay Fernandez, Tim Hopper, Arliss Howard, Kobi Libii, Mary McCann, Neil Pepe, David Pittu, Steve Rosen, Sheila Tapia, Debra Winger at Atlantic Theatre’s Opening Night of Gabe McKinley’s CQ/CX
Athol Fugard’s Blood Knot, starring Colman Domingo & Scott Shepherd in The Alice Griffith Jewel Box at The Pershing Square Signature Center through March 11, 2012
Photos: “How To Succeed” stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rose Hemingway and John Larroquette at Lord & Taylor for Windows Unveiling
Multimedia: Promises, Promises’ Stars Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes at Lord & Taylor Fifth Ave
Broadwayworld.com Photo Flash: Library of Congress’ IN REHEARSAL Exhibit
Photos: David Duchovny, John Earl Jelks, Amanda Peet, Tracee Chimo at Opening Night Party of Neil LaBute’s Break of Noon
Celebrating my mom – AN ACTIVE VISION: BEVERLY UMEHARA…LABOR ACTIVIST…1945-1999
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Lia Chang. Photo by Brianne Michelle Photography

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.
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