Scope and Contents A phone interview conducted with Lea Salonga on August 8, 2003 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. Lea starred as Mei-Li in the 2002 revival of "Flower Drum Song" written by David Henry Hwang.Throughout the interview, Lea is asked to share her thoughts on the differences between the Los Angeles and New York performances of “Flower Drum Song.” Most notably, she is asked about the potential impact of factors such as audience and critical reception might have had on the success of the show...

Scope and Contents A phone interview with Ole Kittleson conducted on March 9, 2004 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. David Lewis Hammarstrom interviews Ole Kittleson about his involvement in the revival of "Flower Drum Song" as a school production at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in San Diego. The main topics of discussion include ethnic diversity when casting actors and actresses for a production, his thoughts on the different productions of “Flower Drum Song” throughout the years, and...

Scope and Contents A phone interview conducted with Pat Suzuki on August 17, 2004 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. Pat played Linda Low in the 1958 Rogers and Hammerstein production of "Flower Drum Song."Pat Suzuki is interviewed by David Lewis Hammarstrom about her role as Linda Low in the original cast of the 1958 “Flower Drum Song” Broadway musical. Topics of discussion include her experiences working with the production team and other cast members, thoughts on the later iterations of “Flower Drum...

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 A phone interview conducted with Ronald Banks by David Lewis Hammarstrom on August 1, 2003. Ronald played Chao in the 2002 revival of "Flower Drum Song" written by David Henry Hwang. 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 impact of 9/11, Asian stereotypes, his Japanese heritage, and...

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 with Sanda Allen conducted by David Lewis Hammarstrom on August 7, 2003. Sandra played Linda Low in the 2002 revival of "Flower Drum Song" written by David Henry Hwang. In this interview, Sandra discusses her experience on "Flower Drum Song" and what it was like being a performer in New York City and Los Angeles. She shares her background and thoughts about the Broadway production. This interview is one of a series of 18 interviews that author David Lewis...

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...