This is awesome. East West Players, the nation's premier Asian American theatre organization, launches its 43rd anniversary season with the world premiere Be Like Water by Dan Kwong, directed by Chris Tashima, with martial arts choreography by Diana Lee Inosanto and Ron Balicki, and dance choreography by Blythe Matsui.
Set in the 1970s a few years after Bruce Lee's death, Be Like Water tells the story of 14-year-old Tracy Fong, who is trying to deal with school bullies and famly expectations. As a huge fan of Bruce Lee, she trains in martial arts to deal with her rivals. However when she bypasses the philosophies of Jeet Kune Do, the Ghost of Bruce Lee appears to guide her.
It's kind of like the Asian American theater version of No Retreat, No Surrender. Awesome. The show opens tonight at the David Henry Hwang Theatre in Los Angeles' Little Tokyo, and runs through October 12. Here are some details:
You all know I'm crazy about any and all things Bruce Lee. So I'm really looking forward to checking out this production. Everbody needs a little bit of help from Bruce every now and then—especially 1970s-era Asian American teenagers. Oh, because I'm sure you're wondering, the Ghost of Bruce Lee is played by Cesar Cipriano. For more information on Be Like Water, visit the East West Players website here.
BE LIKE WATER
By Dan Kwong
Directed by Chris Tashima
Martial Arts Choreography by Diana Lee Inosanto & Ron Balicki
Dance Choreography by Blythe Matsui
In association 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
Preview Performances Sept 11-14, $20 all seats, $12 w/ valid student I.D.
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.
