China Doll—Inspired by Life of Anna May Wong—Begins Off-Broadway April 2
By Andrew Gans
02 Apr 2005
China Doll, Elizabeth Wong's new play that was inspired by the life of silver-screen star Anna May Wong, begins performances April 2 at Off-Broadway's West End Theatre.
Directed by Tisa Chang, the production is presented by Pan Asian Repertory Theatre to celebrate the 100th birthday of Anna May Wong, whose film credits include "The Toll of the Sea," "The Thief of Bagdad" and "Shanghai Express." China Doll will officially open April 13, and the limited engagement runs through April 24.
Rosanne Ma stars as Anna May Wong with Jamie Cummings as Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.; Jackson Ning as Anna May’s father; Michael Scott as Gary Cooper; Ruth Zhang as Anna May’s mother; Sandy York as Marlene Deitrich; Robert Wedig as Irving Thalberg; and Peter Von Berg as Krasner. The creative team comprises Kaori Akazawa (scenic design), James F. Primm II (lighting design), Carol Pelletier (costume design) and Michael Mittelsdorf (sound design).
In addition to her film credits, Anna May Wong was seen on Broadway in On the Spot and on the West End stage in A Circle of Chalk. She was also the first Asian-American to have her own television show.
Tisa Chang, artistic director of Pan Asian Rep, said in a statement, “Anna May Wong was a true American hero. Like Irving Berlin or Al Jolson, she rose from her humble beginnings in the immigrant neighborhoods of the city to become an internationally celebrated artist. Most remember her as a smouldering Dragon Lady, but this was a woman who helped with the American war-effort, struggled with the challenges of a white-dominated Hollywood, and ultimately paved the way in tearing down barriers for future generations of Asian American artists."
The West End Theatre is located at 263 West 86th Street, between Broadway and West End Avenue in the Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, second floor. Performances are Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM. Tickets, priced $20-$40, are available by calling (212) 279-4200. Visit www.PanAsianRep.org for more information.
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