Abstract

These interviews with Chinese American performers take an intimate look at the popular nightclub era of the 1930s through 1950s. The Chinese American performers talk about their personal experiences during the era and the role that race played in entertainment.

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 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 Ivy Tam on February 17, 2004 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. Ivy was an ensemble dancer in the 1958 Rogers and Hammerstein production of "Flower Drum Song." She was also a nightclub dancer. In this interview, Ivy Tam provides insight into how dancers at Forbidden City were scouted as talent for the musical production and movie version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Flower Drum Song.” She also discusses how she herself was considered for but ultimately...

Abstract In this interview, husband and wife, George and Ruth Wong, talk about how they were both performers at the China Doll Night Club. George Wong describes how he was born in China and trained in acrobatics there. When he was 9, he was in an acrobatic troupe that toured Europe. Ruth Wong was born in the United States but was sent back to China with her mother and siblings to get an education during the Depression Era. She talks about growing up in a neighborhood where she was picked on for being...

Abstract Jadin Wong grew up in a little town in a musical family where she had an interest in movies and stage performance at a young age. She left home at 14 and went to Hollywood to pursue a performance career. After being in films, she trained in ballet and became a professional dancer. She explains the different types of dance she did and their influences on her style. She talks about her experiences at the China Doll Night Club and what it was like to perform there. She reflects on changing body...

Abstract Jami (Jameson) Gong is a Chinese American comedian and local Chinatown resident. Born August 23, 1969 in New York City, Jami is the son of immigrant parents from Hong Kong and Southern China. His parents immigrated to the United States in 1967 with a desire for better opportunities and a better life for their children. He reminisces about his time growing up and living in Chinatown, the pollution problem, the changing demographics over time, and the education he and his siblings received....

Abstract In this interview, Larry Long describes growing up in Australia and how he began tap dancing. With a lot of natural talent he quickly got jobs to dance and was able to join a touring performance. However, his dance career was interrupted when he was drafted for the Australian army. After his term he then came to United States, got a job, returned to Australia to get a visa and then came back to the United States. After working some on the West Coast, Long then traveled to New York, performed...

Abstract Ming Chu describes her experiences as a young performer in New York City. At the age of 15 she began dancing at a club and eventually got the opportunity to tour Europe. While in Europe she performed through WWII for troupes and was in several films. She discusses growing up and how her father died when she was two and her mother died when she was a young adult. She was raised in Florida but lived in NYC to train at Carnegie Hall in dance. She shares her motivations for entering show...

Abstract Stanley Toy talks about immigrating to United States alone when he was 14 or 15 as a paper son. Toy first began work in a laundry and went on to farm-work before getting an article published in a Chinese American newspaper. Later on he learned to dance and was able to begin performing in his 20s. After getting drafted in the 1940s, Toy continued to dance and eventually was balancing several jobs including performing. He speaks briefly about his relationship with family and how his...