"To create something new, we must first love what is old," claims Mei-Li in Tony Award-winner David Henry Hwang's new adaptation of this Rodgers and Hammerstein jewel. The sentiment is obviously shared by the author himself, who has created something dazzlingly new while honoring the original material. Mei-Li flees Mao's communist China after the murder of her father and finds herself in San Francisco's Chinatown. This naïve young refugee is befriended by Wang, who is struggling to keep the Chinese opera tradition alive despite his son's determination to turn the old opera house into a swingin' Western-style nightclub. A unique blending of American razz-ma-tazz and stylized Chinese opera traditions creates a beautifully theatrical tapestry. The wonderful score, by turns lushly romantic and showbiz-brassy, retains all of its luster in this lovely new version of an American classic. Mei-Li's gradual assimilation is informed by her realization that the old and new can coexist when there is respect for both. It is in that spirit that R&H Theatricals makes available both the original and new versions of FLOWER DRUM SONG.
Cast Requirements: PRINCIPALS
3 Women
5 Men
ENSEMBLE
A large singing-dancing chorus consisting of Citizens of the People's Republic of China, Communist Party Members, Mei-Li's Father, Soldiers, Refugees, Chinese Opera Company Members, Immigrants, Showgirls, Chorus Boys, A Ghost Couple, Stage Manager, Photographers, Reporters, Factory Workers, Emigrants, Warrior Dancers, Maiden Dancer, Wedding Guests and Citizens of San Francisco Chinatown.
CHARACTERS
Wu Mei-Li - a new immigrant from China, in her twenties
Wang Chi-Yang - a Chinese opera actor and immigrant to San Francisco, in his fifties
Wang Ta - his Chinese American son, in his twenties
Chin - an old family friend of the Wangs, a Chinese man in his sixties
Linda Low - a Chinese American showgirl, in her twenties
Harvard - a Chinese American, in his twenties
Madame Rita Liang - a Chinese American talent agent, in her forties
Chao Hai-Lung - a new immigrant from China, in his twenties
Mr. Chong - the Chinese American owner of the On Le
Set Requirements: FLOWER DRUM SONG takes place in various locales in San Francisco's Chinatown circa 1960.
SPECIFIC LOCATIONS
The Golden Pearl Theatre in San Francisco Chinatown
Linda's Dressing Room
Onstage at the Theatre
Backstage
Club Shop Suey
The On Leock Fortune Cookie Factory
The Golden Dragon Restaurant
The San Francisco Docks
Genre / Style: Musical, 1960's Chinatown
Rehearsal / Orchestral Material: Rehearsal Set
20 Libretto/Vocal Books
2 Piano Conductor Scores
Orchestration Package (20 Books)
1 Piano Conductor Scores
1 REED I (see note below)
1 REED II (Flute, Clarinet & Alto Sax)
1 REED III (Oboe, English Horn, Flute, Clarinet & Tenor Sax)
1 REED IV (Bass Clarinet, Bassoon & Baritone Sax)
1 HORN
1 TRUMPET I (Doubling Flugelhorn)
1 TRUMPET II (Doubling Flugelhorn)
1 TROMBONE (Doubling Bass Trombone)
1 GUITAR (Acoustic, Archtop, Electric, Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin and Pipa)
1 KEYBOARD (see Keyboard Book for breakdown)
1 HARP
1 DRUMS
2 PERCUSSION
1 VIOLIN I (Doubling Violin)
1 VIOLIN II
1 VIOLA (Doubling Violin)
1 CELLO (Doubling Ehru)
1 BASS
Musical Numbers: A Hundred Million Miracles, I Am Going To Like It Here, Jazz Bit, I Enjoy Being A Girl, You Are Beautiful, Grant Avenue, Sunday, Fan Tan Fannie, Gliding Through My Memoree, Chop Suey, My Best Love, Don't Marry Me, Love Look Away, Like a God,