Previews for the revival at the Julia Miles began Oct. 28 with an official opening Nov. 7. The play (based on Amy Tan's acclaimed novel), which was originally scheduled to run through Nov. 25, was extended a week and now ends Dec. 1.
Pan Asian Rep artistic director Tisa Chang directs Joy Luck Club, which is set in San Francisco in the '80s and follows "four Mahjong-playing mothers from different provinces in China and their relationships with their American-born daughters. This re-envisioning," according to press notes, "captures the historical sweep and operatic grandeur of feudal China and the dynamic pulse of modern America."
The cast features Pan Asian veterans Lydia Gaston, Wai Ching Ho, Dian Kobayashi and Virginia Wing as the mothers with Tina Chilip, Sacha Iskra, Han Nah Kim and Kathleen Kwan as the next generation of artists. The company also includes Carol Honda, Scott Klavan, Ming Lee, Rosanne Ma, Tom Matsusaka, Les J. N. Mau and Hanh T. Thuc Tran.
The creative team includes set designer Kaori Akazawa; costume designer Carol Pelletier; lighting designer Victor En Yu Tan; and sound designer Tyrone Sanders.
The Joy Luck Club made its world premiere in 1993 in a joint venture between Shanghai People's Art Theatre and the Long Wharf Theatre. Pan Asian Repertory Theatre presented the Manhattan premiere in 1999l audiences and critics embraced it. "Transcending nationality, culture and age barriers, 'The Joy Luck Club' may be the most successful Asian-American fiction of the last quarter-century," stated Tisa Chang. "Amy Tan's novel has reached readers around the world. The film brought Tan's story into the consciousness of millions and Susan Kim's beautiful adaptation has brought Tan's characters to life for audiences in both China and America. Pan Asian Rep was honored to mount New York premiere eight years ago and we are thrilled to launch our masterpiece season with a revival of the production, this time at our new home at the Julia Miles Theatre."
Show times are Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 PM with matinees Sunday at 3 PM. Tickets, priced $20 (students), $35 (seniors) and $50 (general admission), are available by calling (212) 239-6200.
The Julia Miles Theatre is located in Manhattan at 424 West 55th Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues.
For more information, visit www.panasianrep.org.
