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Scope and Contents An interview with Alvin Ing conducted by David Lewis Hammarstrom on April 15, 2003 by phone. Alvin has performed in more productions of “Flower Drum Song” than any other actor, including as Uncle Chin in the 2002 revival of "Flower Drum Song" written by David Henry Hwang. In this interview, Alvin Ing recalls his experience auditioning, performing and touring. He also shares first impressions and memories of Rodgers and Hammerstein and fellow cast members, makes comparisons...

Scope and Contents An interview conducted with Arabella Hong on June 11, 2003 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. The interview was done over the phone. Arabella played Helen Chao in the 1958 production of Rogers and Hammerstein's "Flower Drum Song."In this interview, Arabella discusses her experience on the show, including auditioning for the role, receiving vocal coaching, and making changes to her scene. She also provides a window into the creation and honing of her song “Love, Look Away” and the...

Scope and Contents A phone interview conducted with Chao Li Chi on August 14, 2003 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. Chi played Dr. Lu Fong in the 1958 Rogers and Hammerstein production of "Flower Drum Song." He passed away in 2010. Chao Li Chi begins the interview by describing the rehearsal process for the show’s theme song “A Hundred Million Miracles,” and the cultural significance of flower drum song as a folk dance style from Anhui Province, where C. Y. Lee, the author of the Flower Drum Song novel...

Scope and Contents A phone interview conducted with Eric Chan on August 13, 2003 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. Eric was a part of the ensemble cast in the 2002 revival of "Flower Drum Song" written by David Henry Hwang. In the interview, Eric is asked to give his thoughts on various versions of “Flower Drum Song” and gives insight into changes made to the show as it transitioned from workshop to Broadway production. A significant portion of the interview addresses the reasons that the show met with...

Scope and Contents An interview with actor Patrick Adiarte conducted by David Lewis Hammarstrom on April 14, 2003 by phone. Patrick played Wang San in the 1958 theater production of Rogers and Hammerstein's production of "Flower Drum Song" and reprised the role in the 1961 film adaptation. In this interview, Patrick discusses “Flower Drum Song” and his acting career. He goes into particular detail about Flower Drum Song’s casting process and his recollection of opening night. This interview is one...

Scope and Contents Ronald Banks was cast as Chao in David Henry Hwang’s 2001 Broadway-bound revival of "Flower Drum Song” at Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. In addition, Banks understudied two leads, Wang Shi Yang/Sammy Fong and Chinn, for this show. In this interview, Ronald discusses his experience on “Flower Drum Song” and what it was like being a performer in New York City and Los Angeles. His interview covers such topics as the production, rehearsals, changes in the script, the...

Scope and Contents A phone interview conducted with Thomas Kouo on August 12, 2003 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. Thomas was an ensemble cast member in the 2002 revival of "Flower Drum Song" written by David Henry Hwang. In this interview, Thomas Kouo discusses early workshop readings of "Flower Drum Song,” rehearsals, critics and audience reception, Asian stereotypes, directing, and the impact of 9/11. This interview is one of a series of 18 interviews that author David Lewis Hammarstrom conducted...

Scope and Contents Interview with Wonci Lui conducted by phone on June 7, 2003 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. Wonci was an ensemble dancer during the 1958 production of Rogers and Hammerstein's "Flower Drum Song."In this interview, Wonci Lui talks about her experience as a dancer in the original production of “Flower Drum Song,” the opening night, and her recollection of director Gene Kelly. Lui discusses how she was cast in "Flower Drum Song," Asian stereotypes in the show, and the development of the...