Directed by Leigh Silverman with choreography by Sonya Tayeh, this time and genre-bending piece will be presented at the Los Angeles venue May 3–June 10, 2018. Featuring book and lyrics by Hwang and music by Tesori, what begins as a contemporary play “jumps 100 years into the future and explodes into a Chinese musical about present-day America,” according to press notes. “A beloved East-meets-West musical, China’s 21st-century rise and a Presidential candidate’s fundraiser collide to make mayhem—and some beautiful music. This show is inspired by the West's often ridiculously inauthentic portrayals of Asia, and China’s quest for world cultural influence, also known as ’Soft Power.’” Hwang was commissioned by Center Theatre Group to create this work for the 50th season at the Mark Taper Forum. Tesori is now joining the creative team as Soft Power moves into the 2017-18 season at the Ahmanson.
The forthcoming season will launch September 15 with the American premiere of Matthew Bourne's production of The Red Shoes. Adapted from the film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger and from the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, the production, which will continue through October 1, has music by Bernard Herrmann and direction and choreography by Tony and Olivier winner Bourne.
Three recent Broadway productions will also be part of the new season: the Steve Martin-Edie Brickell musical Bright Star, directed by Walter Bobbie (October 11–November 19); the Shakespeare-themed musical comedy Something Rotten!, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (November 21–December 31); and the Tony-winning Stephen Karam family drama The Humans, directed by Joe Mantello (June 19–July 29, 2018). Another production will be announced at a later time.
In a statement, Artistic Director Michael Ritchie said, “For more than 50 years, Center Theatre Group has been working with the world’s greatest artists to present unforgettable experiences for our audiences. As we enter our next 50 years, I am pleased to be able to offer a wide-ranging season for our vibrant and diverse city.”
For additional information visit CenterTheatreGroup.org.
