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 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 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...

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The sub-series includes script in book, playbills, theater advertisements, journals about Asian American theater scene. Works related are The Chickencoop Chinaman/The Year of the Dragon by Frank Chin, The Teahouse of the August Moon, The King and I, The World of Suzie Wong, The Owl and the Pussy Cat, and Pacific Overtures.

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...