It's no wonder this version of Flower Drum Song had a short life on Broadway. When someone first suggested that all these great Asian actors around town (from Miss Saigon) could easily populate a production of Flower Drum Song, it must have seemed like an inspired idea. In fact, some moments in the show are inspired. First off, it's nice to see an Asian musical composed of 90 percent Asian actors.
The best one of the bunch, of course, is Lea Salonga. This is a star turn, and Salonga doesn't disappoint. She is ideal as Mei-Li, the wide-eyed, fresh-faced girl who comes to America as a political refugee. Mei-Li has flown from her country after witnessing a great deal of violence (including her father's death). Some artful choreography soon has Mei-Li on a ship bound for America, where she sings the show's anthem, "A Hundred Million Miracles." Upon arriving in San Francisco, Mei-Li immediately loses her heart to the son of her father's best friend. Then she is crushed to learn he has eyes for another woman. Mei-Li is torn between love for this man and for her country. She is nearly convinced to return to Hong Kong when her love reappears. Other worthwhile performances: Randall Duk Kim as the elderly Wang; his conniving business partner, Madame Liang, played by the wonderful Jodi Long, and especially Sandra Allen as the show's "hottie," Linda Lowe.
The show is punctuated by some great Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes, including "I Enjoy Being a Girl" and "You Are Beautiful." Unfortunately, there aren't enough great songs to lift this show into the 21st Century. It is amazing to note that this politically correct version of the original 1950s musical resorts to the completely tasteless "Chop Suey." In this number, showgirls are seen strutting around in translucent Chinese take-out boxes. They woodenly move their arms and legs like puppets. A moment later, their illuminated breasts and naked bodies can be seen inside the take-out boxes. It's amazing to think such a number would be appropriate in an otherwise family-friendly show (okay, the strippers aren't exactly family friendly, but they don't bare all, either). There's also a stereotypically gay character inserted for God-knows-what reason. The choreography, too, is hit or miss.
Flower Drum Song wowed audiences 40 years ago; unfortunately, it can't do the same today.
Opened:
October 2002
Ended:
March 2003
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Benjamin Mordecai, Michael A. Jenkins, Waxman/Williams Entertainment, Center Theater Group/Mark Taper Forum (Gordon Davidson, art dir; Charles Dillingham, mgng dir). Assoc Prod: Robert G. Bartner, Stephanie McClelland, Judith Resnick, Robert Dragotta, Temple Gill, Marcia Roberts, Kelpie Arts LLC, Dramatic Forces, Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, Dallas Summer Musicals, Brian Brolly, Alice Chebba Walsh, Ernest De Leon Escaler.
Theater Type:
Broadway
Theater:
Virginia Theater
Theater Address:
245 West 52nd Street (8th Ave)
Phone:
(212) 239-6200
Running Time:
2 hrs, 45 min
Genre:
Musical
Director:
Robert Longbottom
Review:
Parental:
risque humor
Cast:
Lea Salonga, Jose Llana, Randall Duk Kim, Jodi Long, Sandra Allen, Alvin Ing, Alan Liu, Hoon Lee, Ma Anne Dionisio, Susan Ancheta, Raul Aranas, Rich Ceraulo, Eric Chan, Marcus Choi, Emily Hsu, Telly Leung, J. Elaine Marcos, Daniel May, Marc Oka, Lainie Sakakura, Yuka Takara, Robert Tatad, Kim Varhola, Ericka Yang.
Technical:
Choreog: Robert Longbottom; Set: Robin Wagner; Costumes: Gregg Barnes; Lighting: Natasha Katz; Sound: Acme Sound Partners; Orchestr: Don Sebesky; Music Coord: Seymour Red Press; Hair: David Brian Brown.
Other Critics:
PERFORMING ARTS INSIDER Richmond Shepard + / THEATERSCENE.NET Jeannie Lieberman + / TOTALTHEATER David Lefkowitz +
Critic:
Anne Siegel
Date Reviewed:
February 2003
