So, I don’t quite know what I feel about Flower Drum Song. The piece opened in 1958 on Broadway and was subsequently made into a 1961 musical film. Nancy Kwan – Linda Low. England, England, Accessibility Statement Terms Privacy |StageAgent © 2020. Infatuated with Linda Low, he nonetheless finds himself smitten by Mei-Li’s beauty and honesty. It is the showpiece for the character of Linda Low, the lead showgirl. Chinatown, San Francisco in the late 1950s. Flower drum song (original, musical, comedy, broadway) opened in new york city dec 1, 1958 and played through may 7, 1960. Traditional and modest, but strong-willed and determined, she is fascinated by Linda and Ta and their American ways. Gain full access to show guides, character breakdowns, auditions, monologues and more! Strong and independent, she is wary of pursuing a relationship with Sammy Fong, despite their mutual attraction. Sammy Fong is the gambling, Americanized, smooth-talking Asian playboy. The show ran for 600 performances. Over the course of the piece, we see generations of Asian-Americans grappling with their identity, pulled between a desire to uphold the traditions of their Asian past and a need to feel vitally part of the American present. Characters on Flower Drum Song (1961) Dr. Li; Linda Low; Wang Chi-Yang; Wang Ta; Wang San; Tradesman; Square Dance Caller; Frankie Wing; Helen Chao; Holdup Man; All Cast Savvy in matters of the heart, she helps Mei-Li and Ta find romance. In 1961, it was rare for an Asian man to be a lead romantic role, and in 2020 it isn’t that different. As Linda Low and Wang Ta, the two flirted and … The weakest of the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein musicals to be adapted for the screen, Flower Drum Song is noteworthy for its use of Asian characters and actors of Asian descent. I recently sang "Sunday" for my Musical Theater Workshop class at Queens College. A new immigrant from China, Wu Mei-Li treasures her flower drum, a memory of her dear father. A new immigrant from China, Wu Mei-Li treasures her flower drum, a memory of her dear father. The songs are enjoyable and well-performed. This charming, bittersweet tale of romance and the powerful bonds of family tells the story of Wang Ta, who wants what every young American man wants: a great career and a woman to love. It was the eighth stage musical by the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Baker George Chakiris Joan Swift Irene Tsu Laurette Luez. Before we unpack the individual manifestations of Flower Drum Song, a brief survey of the work’s path through history is in order. Still, he keeps his distance, and nearly loses the great love of his life. Wang’s Chinese American son, now in his twenties, Ta has been performing in his father’s Chinese opera for years in traditional women’s roles. FLOWER DRUM SONG CONDENSED SYNOPSIS. Mr. Lee: A Chinese American restaurant owner. An old family friend of the Wangs, Chin is a wise Chinese man in his sixties. Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. On TCM. The novel tells the story of Chinese immigrants in San Francisco, and was a bestseller in its time. Editorial Reviews. Flower Drum Song characters breakdowns including full descriptions with standard casting requirements and expert analysis. With Nancy Kwan, James Shigeta, Benson Fong, Jack Soo. Ta prefers more contemporary Western fare, particularly when it stars provocative nightclub sensation Linda Low. Ta prefers more contemporary Western fare, particularly when it stars provocative nightclub sensation Linda Low. Set in the late 1950s, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song centers on naive immigrant, Mei-Li, who arrives in San Francisco's Chinatown, after fleeing communist China. Six decades ago, 'Flower Drum Song' featured Hollywood's first Asian-American cast “It was probably the portrayal of Chinese Americans that … The New York press was treated to a sneak peek of the upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, which begins previews at … An immediate bestseller, it inspired the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. She has a vision to transform Golden Pearl into the hottest nightspot in Chinatown, and later to franchise the clubs all over the country. Chao Hai-Lung: A new immigrant from China, Chao met Mei-Li on their trip overseas. Originally published in 1957, The Flower Drum Song was a groundbreaking work of popular literature. 'Flower Drum Song' cast Nancy Kwan as Linda Low Nancy Kwan Ka Shen, most commonly known as Nancy Kwan, was a very well-known Chinese American actor, philanthropist, and a former dance. in the novel, her character kills herself. Harvard: A young Chinese American man, Harvard is so eager to perform at Club Chop Suey that he agrees to make costumes in exchange for a featured spot. Producers. These two characters exhibit textbook qualities of their respective archetypes. This charming, bittersweet tale of romance and the powerful bonds of family tells the story of Wang Ta, who wants what every young American man wants: a great career and a woman to love. A Chinese American showgirl, Linda is a fiery, confident American who embraces her femininity and sex appeal as sources of power. It is the basis of 1958 musical Flower Drum Song, and later a movie of the same title, released in 1961, starring Nancy Kwan and James Shigeta. Sets were designed by Oliver Smith, costumes by Irene Sharaff and lighting by Peggy Clark. Mr. Wang himself is a Chinese gentleman of the old school, his son Wang Ta is caught between Chinese tradition and American ways, his second son Wang San is entirely Americanized, and his sister-in-law, Madam Liang, is an enthusiastic candidate for citizenship. She falls for Ta and gradually becomes more acclimated to American customs while maintaining respect for her past. The characters in Flower Drum Song are also strange stereotypes. A Chinese opera actor and immigrant to San Francisco, Wang Chi-Yang runs the Golden Pearl Theater in Chinatown. In “Flower Drum Song,” Kwan and Shigeta also played characters who were not quite meant for each other. A knockout performer, she incorporates Mei-Li’s ideas into her act and wows the audience with her smoky, sexy “Fan Tan Fannie” number. The musical is a comedic love story about growing up Chinese in America, the clash between the traditional values of the old country and the modern ways of America. Sadly, “Flower Drum Song” was one of Shigeta’s last leading roles, though he continued acting in supporting years for years following. C. Y. Lee pub-lished The Flower Drum Song, his first novel, in 1957, with the noted New York firm of Farrar, Straus and Cudahy and to generally favorable reviews. Storyline. flower drum song condensed synopsis At the Golden Pearl Theater in San Francisco, Wang Chi-Yang presents traditional Chinese opera, often with his son Ta playing the female roles. A young woman arrives in San Francisco's Chinatown from Hong Kong with the intention of marrying a rakish nightclub owner, unaware he is involved with one of his singers. Flower drum song much of the fundamental charm, grace and novelty of rodgers & hammerstein's [1958 broadway hit] flower drum song has been overwhelmed by the sheer opulence and glamour with which. After the Boston tryouts, Flower Drum Song opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on December 1, 1958. "I Enjoy Being a Girl" is a show tune from the 1958 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song. Based on the 1957 novel “The Flower Drum Song” by Chinese-American author C. Y. Lee, “Flower Drum Song,” the Broadway musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, premiered in … It is the showpiece for the character of Linda Low, the lead showgirl. The young refugee is befriended by Wang, who is struggling to keep the Chinese Opera theatrical tradition alive, despite his son's determination to turn the family theatre into a rowdy nightclub. The Flower Drum Song is a novel by Chinese-American author C. Y. Lee, first published in 1957. The opening of Flower Drum Song finds the household of Wang Chi Yang faced with problems of adjustment. From 1961, featuring DL faves the delicate, some say the flower-like, Mioyshi Umeki, Nancy Kwan, James Shingeta and Juanita Hall. After getting a job in a fortune cookie factory, he pursues Mei-Li romantically, asking her to return to China with him. Based on a novel by C. Y. Lee. Director. This film version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical is filled with memorable song-and-dance numbers showcasing the … Flower Drum Song Original Broadway Cast Recording. Flower Drum Song (The New Broadway Cast Recording) - Download the Album Now! Mr. Chong: The Chinese American owner of the On Leock Fortune Cookie Factory. List of Characters in Flower Drum Song: Flower Drum Song Sheet Music (Vocal Selections) Flower Drum Song Film Version On DVD. Sadly, “Flower Drum Song” was one of Shigeta’s last leading roles, though he continued acting in supporting years for years following. Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. The oldest friend of Mei-Li’s father, Wang lost his wife on their journey to the U.S. and has raised his son alone. It was a major breakthrough at the time to have a lavish film showcasing Asian performers, but darn, there are also issues with how these characters were presented! Chinese stowaway Mei Li (Miyoshi Umeki) arrives in San Francisco with her father to meet her fiancé, wealthy nightclub owner Sammy Fong (Jack Soo), in an arranged marriage, but the groom has his eye on his star singer Linda Low (Nancy Kwan). Unfortunately, he’s not quite talented enough to pull off the big sailor number. As Linda Low and Wang Ta, the two flirted and … Baker), a showgirl at Celestial Gardens, Sammy's nightclub The team hired Gene… Shigeta was one of the first (since Sessue Hayakawa) Asian men to play a leading romantic character. A Chinese American talent agent, Rita Liang is an ambitious businesswoman with a big personality. Mei li has come to san francisco for her arranged marriage to sammy, but he would rather marry linda low. Despite conflict with his father, Ta is a loyal son and a good man. The Flower Drum Song. Flower Drum Song in one of R&H's lighter-hearted, comedic works. At the Golden Pearl Theater in San Francisco, Wang Chi-Yang presents traditional Chinese opera, often with his son Ta playing the female roles. Flower drum song is a 1961 american musical film directed by henry koster, adapted from the 1958 broadway musical flower drum song, written by the composer richard rodgers and the lyricist/librettist oscar hammerstein ii, in turn based on the 1957 novel of the … Flower drum song (1961) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Unfortunately, those characters are not given a great deal of depth -- or, more precisely, the attempts at giving them depth are entirely too shallow. 'Flower Drum Song' finale Classic films, Flower drum, Film Nancy Kwan played the character of Linda Low in the movie Flower Drum … The young refugee is befriended by Wang, who is struggling to keep the Chinese Opera theatrical tradition alive, despite his son's determination to turn the family theatre into a rowdy nightclub. Flower drum song movie characters. Revised Pages The Many Lives of Flower Drum Song 123 Fields25—ead the novel and recommended it to Rodgers and Hammerr - stein,26 who had already produced a play about a family of Norwegian im- migrants (I Remember Mama, 1944).27While Rodgers and Hammerstein recognized the novel’s musical- dramatic potential, they preferred to highlight its ethnic qualities while London Colney, England, Open theatre auditions: Ben Hur (Brixham When Ta rejects her affections, Mei-Li bitterly closes her heart and plans to return to China with Chao. Nancy Kwan may be given star billing, but the voice you hear singing her songs belongs to B.J. FDS' script has been revised recently for a supposedly more accurate, less stereotypical portrayal of its Asian characters; its story has been overhauled. Flower Drum Song . Baker; similarly, John Dodson dubs Kam Tong, and no less a personage than Marilyn Horne sings the show's big ballad, "Love, Look Away," in place of Reiko Sato. She falls for Ta and gradually becomes more acclimated to American customs while maintaining respect for her past. She was cast to play the lead character of Linda Low in the movie, who is a showgirl at Celestial Gardens, that is Sammy Fong’s nightclub. Traditional and modest, but strong-willed and determined, she is fascinated by Linda and Ta and their American ways. In “Flower Drum Song,” Kwan and Shigeta also played characters who were not quite meant for each other. Originally published in 1957, The Flower Drum Song was a groundbreaking work of popular literature. "I Enjoy Being a Girl" is a show tune from the 1958 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song. Wang Ta is the studious, kind son who rebells a little by dating a nightclub performer but ends up marrying the immigrant girl. Flower drum song cast. Though he first clings to his mission to perform traditional Chinese opera, he later embraces the razzle-dazzle of American show biz, renaming the theater “Club Chop Suey” and performing as “Sammy Fong.”. The character is kind of a distraction--she seems like she'd be a better choice than either Linda or Mei Li for Wang Ta. ©2021 The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization - A Concord Company, IS THAT “ALL THERE IS TO THAT?”: The Character of Billy Bigelow, THE BLOSSOM AND THE WIND: The “Bench Scene”. Synopsis. WANG TA - He has difficulty in finding the right girl for him and is unsure of his ethnic identity, but … Open theatre auditions: Ben Hur (Brixham, Hershey Felder Live From Florence: 5-Show Season Subscription -- Online. Flower drum song (original, musical, comedy, broadway) opened in new york city dec 1, 1958 and played through may 7, 1960. Flower Drum Song averts many negative tropes associated with Asians in American media during the 50s and 60s, including Mighty Whitey, Mighty Whitey and Mellow Yellow as seen in another Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King and I; and Yellowface, though not … Flower Drum Song opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on December 1, 1958, starring Miyoshi Umeki, Pat Suzuki, Larry Blyden, Juanita Hall and Ed Kenney. Nancy Kwan James Shigeta Benson Fong Jack Soo Juanita Hall Reiko Sato Patrick Adiarte Kam Tong Victor Sen Yung Soo Yong Ching Wah Lee James Hong Miyoshi Umeki B.J. An immediate bestseller, it inspired the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. In 1961, it was rare for an Asian man to be a lead romantic role, and in 2020 it isn’t that different. Henry Koster. In the film Flower Drum Song (1961), Rodgers and Hammerstein provide two female characters in stereotypical orientalized Asian American roles–the Dragon Lady in the form of Linda Low, and the Butterfly as Mei Li. From American Musical Theatre of San Jose's 2008 production of Flower Drum Song. He is amused by Linda and Ta’s new approach to Nightclub Night, and helps guide Ta toward true happiness with Mei-Li. agent Directed by Henry Koster. • Nancy Kwan – Linda Low (singing dubbed by B.J. Sign up today to unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. Complete your rodgers & hammerstein in association with joseph fields collection. Flower Drum Song was based on the 1957 novel, The Flower Drum Song, by Chinese-American author C. Y. Lee. The musical is a comedic love story about growing up Chinese in America, the clash between the traditional values of the old country and the modern ways of America. 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