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 Blythe Matsui on September 15, 2003 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. Blythe was a member of the ensemble cast in the 2002 revivial of "Flower Drum Song" written by David Henry Hwang. In this interview, Blythe discusses researching and auditioning for the role of Linda Low, not getting the part, being offered the job of understudy, and her disappointment about not being selected to go on to the subsequent New York production. She also provides a candid...

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 A phone interview conducted with Jodi Long on February 23, 2004 by David Lewis Hammarstrom. Jodi played Madame Liang in the 2002 revival of "Flower Drum Song" written by David Henry Hwang. In this interview, Jodi Long goes into particular detail about Flower Drum Song’s casting process and her parents, who are both actors. This interview is one of a series of 18 interviews that author David Lewis Hammarstrom conducted in 2003 as part of research for his book, Flower Drum Songs:...

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 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 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...