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2020 JOHNNY MERCER WRITERS COLONY
at Goodspeed Musicals is the first of its kind in the country dedicated solely to the creation of new musicals, providing a sanctuary for composers, lyricists, and librettists to embark on new musical theatre work in an environment rich with creative energy.
CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET
Musical adaptation of the New York Times Best Seller,
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Book by Lainie Sakakura
Music & Lyrics by Paul Fujimoto
2019 October: 29 Hour AEA industry reading of Corner of Bitter and Sweet
presented by 5th Avenue Theatre, Abingdon Theatre Co, Ann Ramsay-Jenkins. Cast - Jane Bernhard, Darius de Haas, Carly Gendell, Rick Faugno, Kenny Ingram, Sala Iwamatsu, Spencer Jones, Kathleen Kwan, Darren Lee, Jonny Lee Jr., Fenton Li, Jason Ma, Zach Mackiewicz, Mary Beth Purdy, Alex Sanchez, Avelina Sanchez, Isabela Sanchez, Ian Saraceni, Virginia Woodruff, Timothy Yang. Creative Team - Directed by Lainie Sakakura, Cantonese Consultant Fenton Li, Music Supervisor & Dance Arrangements Sam Davis, Kory Grossman Percussion, Stage Managers Anita Shastri, Nicole Marcon, Documentarian Lia Chang. Theatre 71, NYC
2019 March: NYC Table Reading of Corner of Bitter and Sweet.
Generous friends that contribute their time and talents include Spencer Jones (flew in from St Louis to play Young Henry), Jane Bernhard, Joseph Bigalow, Darius de Haas, Darren Lee, Fenton Li, Mary Beth Purdy, Alex Sanchez, Avelina Sanchez, Isabela Sanchez, Ian Saraceni, Sam Simahk, Yuka Takara, Carol To Moy, Allyson Tucker. Pianist Alexander Rovang
2018 December: BCEFA Red Bucket Follies Opening Number
celebrating Asian-American actors on Broadway and the 60th anniversary of Flower Drum Song. 1958 Broadway, 1961 movie, first road company, 2002 Broadway revival, and national touring company joined together for a once-in-a-lifetime reunion.
The performance honored the depth, breadth and decades of barrier-breaking experiences. 40 Asian American performers joined in the onstage celebration including Sandra Allen, Ali Ewoldt, Alvin Y. F. Ing, Baayork Lee, Telly Leung, Jose Llana, Jodi Long and Ashley Park. Written by Lainie Sakakura, Co-conceived by Telly Leung and Lainie Sakakura
2018 September: 29 Hour AEA industry reading of Corner of Bitter and Sweet
presented by Lainie Sakakura at the Playroom Theater, NYC. Cast - Alan Ariano, Jane Bernhard, Rick Faugno, Kenny Ingram, Telly Leung, Fenton Li, Jeffrey Li, Carol To Moy, Mary Beth Purdy, Alex Sanchez, Avelina Sanchez, Yuka Takara, Allyson Tucker, Joshua Turchin. Creative Team - Directed by Darren Lee, Cantonese Consultant Fenton Li, Music Supervisor Mark Hummel, Stage Manager Debora Porazzi, Genral Manager Joey Monda. Post show reception included Cha Siu Bao, Sesame Balls and Egg Tarts!
2018 June: 1st NYC Table Reading of Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Cast - Jane Bernard, Andrew Chen, Wai Ching Ho, Kenny Ingram, Fenton Li, Ethan L. Phong, Mary Beth Purdy, Liam Kaznelson, Avelina Kiyome Sanchez, Alex Sanchez, Allyson Tucker, Joshua Turchin. Cantonese, Fenton Li, Pianist Tom Conroy
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