A scene from the musical number “Welcome to Kanagawa.”
Due to overwhelming interest, East West Players has announced the extension of “Pacific Overtures” through Dec. 8.
In addition to the previously scheduled performances, the following dates have been added:
Thursday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, at 5 p.m.
The show is presented at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Union Center for the Arts, 120 Judge John Aiso St. in Little Tokyo.
For tickets, go to eastwestplayers.org/pacific24.
The Stephen Sondheim musical about isolationist Japan being forced to open its doors to the world in 1853 was first produced by EWP in 1979 with Artistic Director Mako reprising his Tony-nominated performance as The Reciter. It was produced again by EWP in 1998 as the inaugural show at its present location.
The current show features Gedde Watanabe, who was part of the original Broadway cast, as the Shogun’s Mother and Old Man; Jon Jon Briones as The Reciter; Brian Kim McCormick as samurai Kayama; and Adam Kaokept as America-loving fisherman Manjiro.
“The new revival of ‘Pacific Overtures’ may be the most impressive production I’ve seen
anywhere all year.” – Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times
“I can’t think of a better way to be in community at this moment in history and to kick off a new era at East West Players under the direction of the company’s fifth artistic director, Lily Tung Crystal.” – Alisa Hayashida, South Pasadenan
“No true Stephen Sondheim aficionado will want to pass on this rarest-of-rare revivals, an out-and-out triumph for East West Players.” — Steven Stanley, Stage Scene L.A.