Scope and Contents This collection mostly contains materials procured by Alex Jay and focus on Chinese American writers and playwrights, artists and illustrators, actors, comic book artists, filmmakers, designers, and architects. There are various periodicals, artwork, books, comic books, recipes, playbills, and other items either by Chinese Americans or about Chinese Americans, all dating between 1914 and 2015. Objects are also searchable via PastPerfect Online System at...

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 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 with Baayork Lee conducted by David Lewis Hammarstrom on June 27, 2003. Baayork was an ensemble dancer in the 1958 Rogers and Hammerstein production of "Flower Drum Song."Asked to share memories of rehearsals or shows, she recalls working closely with choreographer Carole Haney on some of the dance numbers, understudying and unexpectedly going on as “Fan Tan Fannie” for one performance, and watching and learning dance steps on the side. She also offers her views...

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 by David Lewis Hammarstrom with David Lober on June 17, 2003. David was part of the dance ensemble of the 1958 Rogers and Hammerstein production of "Flower Drum Song."In this interview, David shares various aspects of his experience on “Flower Drum Song,” including auditioning, working with choreographer Carole Haney and director Gene Kelly, serving as dance captain, being let go during the national tour, appealing his firing through an Actors’ Equity...

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 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...