Little Tokyo Connected!

I saw a great play in Little Tokyo the other night. The play was written by Japanese-Chinese American performance artist Dan Kwong in his first time out as a playwright. It was my first East West Players show in several years and I have to say that it was fantastic.

Things I loved about it were the 13 year old heroine played by Saya Tomioka, a terrific script, energetic dancing and choreography mixed with some impressive martial arts, cool 70s era clothing, funky music from back in the (my) day. tear-jerking mother-daughter drama (yes that was me sobbing in Row F), and hilarious comedy (something to expect when watching Dan Kwong's work... and look out for the young and fresh Shawn Huang),

Anyways, if you are a Bruce Lee fan, or wish you had been a kung fu-fighting teenage girl dealing with growing up, racism and her dysfunctional family, come down to Little Tokyo to check it out. Get your tickets now, cause the show I was at was a full house. Opening night is Wednesday, 9/17 and it runs through 10/12.
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BE LIKE WATER

By Dan Kwong
Directed by Chris Tashima

Martial Arts Choreography by Diana Lee Inosanto & Ron Balicki
Dance Choreography by Blythe Matsui

East West Players in association with Cedar Grove OnStage

Chicago, 1978. Disco rules. Five years since the tragic death of legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. Tracy Fong is a 13-year old ass-kicking, gung-fu fanatic tomboy, challenged by school bullies, airhead rivals, and a mother who just wants her to be a "normal" girl. When bad goes to worse, the Ghost of Bruce Lee appears to teach her the true meaning of strength and the true power of water.

(This production contains adult language)

WORLD PREMIERE

Opening Night Sept 17, $60 all seats, includes pre-show hosted bar & post-show reception with cast and crew

Performance Run Sept 18-Oct 12, Wed - Sat at 8PM; Sun at 2PM, $35 Orchestra, $30 Balcony

Pay-What-You-Can Performance Thur, September 18 at 8PM

Next Generation Community Night Wed, Sept 24 at 7pm. Free Pizza, Soda & Live Music.
$1 Opportunity Drawing Tickets. Prizes include Nintendo DS & Bruce Lee merchandise.

American Sign Language-interpreted Performance Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 2PM
$20 tickets for deaf & hard of hearing patrons.

Wine Down Fridays (Must be 21 years of age to drink)
Join us on Fridays and enjoy complimentary glasses of white or red wine served before the production