East West Players and AJ Rafael Present: Crazy Talented Asians
Contact: Ang Cruz, (213) 625-7000 x18: acruz@eastwestplayers.org
For more press and event information: www.eastwestplayers.org
For press photos or interview requests: acruz@eastwestplayers.org
From left to right: Kimiko Glenn, Julie Harriman, and AJ Rafael.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • LOS ANGELES, CA
East West Players and AJ Rafael Presents: Crazy Talented Asians in conjunction with Nisei Week
A Benefit Cabaret Concert to Celebrate AAPI artists and Support East West Players’ Upcoming 60th Season
Happening one night ONLY - August 17, 2024
July 26, 2024, Los Angeles, CA | East West Players, in partnership with AJ Rafael, is thrilled to announce the return of Crazy Talented Asians. This variety benefit show will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at East West Players’ David Henry Hwang Theater, just in time for Nisei Week and the 140th Anniversary of Little Tokyo, as well as the arrival of the theatre’s new artistic director Lily Tung Crystal.
Crazy Talented Asians celebrates Asian American representation and the Little Tokyo community, which has served as host and incubator for many leading AAPI artists. The evening’s headliners include acclaimed actress and Broadway performer Kimiko Glenn (Orange Is the New Black, Waitress) and actress and composer Julia Harriman (Hamilton), and the event will be hosted by co-emcees Aaron Takahashi (EWP's IXNAY, Better Luck Tomorrow, Mr. Robot, Awkwafina is Nora From Queens) and Lauren Kinkade-Wong.
"It’s an honor to bring together such incredible Asian American talent not just to showcase and honor their contribution to the performing arts, but to inspire that person in the audience who may have not seen themselves represented on stage in this capacity before,” said Crazy Talented Asians curator and producer AJ Rafael. “It also comes during a historic time as Lily Tung Crystal joins East West Players as their incoming artistic director, the first woman to do so after more than 30 years.”
In addition to the headliners, the Crazy Talented Asians lineup includes Astoncia Bhagat (EWP’s Assassins), the nation’s first Asian American improv and comedy group, Cold Tofu Improv, music group grlhood, Leah Lewis (Elemental, Nancy Drew, The Half Of It), Alice Lee (Heathers, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist), Arvin Lee (EWP’s Assassins), Nieman (singer/songwriter, AJ Rafael's Take Me Back Tour), Michael Palma (EWP’s Mamma Mia!, On This Side of The World), Alyssa Rafael (I Can See Your Voice), and Scott Keiji Takeda (Sumo, Next to Normal). Surprise guest performers may be announced both prior to and on the day of the event. Attendees will also be treated to a special appearance by the Nisei Week Queen and Court.
Crazy Talented Asians also marks the first event for Tung Crystal, who will be giving a curtain speech.
“I’ve been following Crazy Talented Asians and its incredible lineups for the last five years,” says Tung Crystal. “I’m excited that I will get the chance to experience it in person as my first program as artistic director. We are honored and grateful that AJ, Tamlyn, and these star artists are coming together and gracing our stage to support East West Players.”
Calendar information about Crazy Talented Asians
Crazy Talented Asians is a one-night event that will take place on August 17, 2024 at 7pm. It will be hosted at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 in Little Tokyo.
Tickets may be purchased online at eastwestplayers.org or by calling (213) 625-7000. We are offering individual tiered seating and VIP on-stage cabaret seating. At the time of purchase, please mention any wheelchair/accessible seating needs. Details and ticket prices are subject to change.
EWP has implemented numerous COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure that artists and audience members are able to safely enjoy their experience. For more information, please visit eastwestplayers.org/covid-19
About East West Players
East West Players (EWP), the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, was founded in 1965, at a time when Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (APIs) faced limited or no opportunities to see their experiences reflected outside of stereotypical and demeaning caricatures in the American landscape. EWP not only ensures that API stories are told, but works to increase access, inclusion, and representation in entertainment and media. Learn more at eastwestplayers.org.
About AJ Rafael
With over 4 million followers across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, AJ Rafael has incredible reach and has worked as a creator with numerous brands and organizations, such as Meta, Verizon, and Disney. As an actor, AJ’s credits include stage productions of Burn All Night, Grease, Spring Awakening, and Tick, Tick… Boom!, and TV/film. He will be seen in various unannounced projects slated for release later this year.
About Nisei Week Japanese Festival
The Nisei Week Japanese Festival is a nine-day cultural event held in the historic Little Tokyo District of Downtown Los Angeles. The festival is one of the longest running ethnic festivals in the United States. With leadership from the Nisei Week Foundation and vital support from local, national and international businesses, the Festival continues to thrive in size and scope.
Contact Information
Contact: Ang Cruz, (213) 625-7000 x18, acruz@eastwestplayers.org
For more press and event information: www.eastwestplayers.org
For press photos or interview requests: acruz@eastwestplayers.org