EAST WEST PLAYERS ANNOUNCES EXTENSION FOR LOS ANGELES PREMIERE OF LAUREN YEE’S CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND

February 27, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA - East West Players (EWP), the largest and longest-running Asian American theater in the country, in community with Outside In Theatre, announces the extension of Lauren Yee's groundbreaking play, CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND, through March 23rd due to overwhelming audience demand and critical acclaim.

The Los Angeles premiere, which opened in February 2025, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of theater and live music, telling the powerful story of a Khmer Rouge survivor returning to Cambodia after thirty years. The production, featuring the psychedelic songs of LA-based band Dengue Fever, has particularly resonated with Los Angeles County's Cambodian community—the largest Cambodian population outside of Cambodia.

"The response to CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND has been extraordinary," says EWP Artistic Director Lily Tung Crystal. "This extension allows more audiences to experience this story of family, survival, and the redemptive power of music—a story so vital during this national moment and so important to Los Angeles and its Cambodian community."

The critically acclaimed cast will continue their performances through the extension, including Kelsey Angel Baehrens* as Neary/Sothea, Abraham Kim* as Rom/Journalist, Tim Liu* as Ted/Leng, Jane Lui* as Pou/Guard, Joe Ngo* as Chum, and Daisuke Tsuji* as Duch, along with production understudies Zandi De Jesus*, Alex Hsu*, and Kevin Vann. 

The production marks director Chay Yew's fourteenth collaboration with East West Players, bringing his signature vision to a superb ensemble. After directing the world premiere of CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at South Coast Repertory and the off-Broadway run at Signature Theatre, Yew’s return to EWP continues a nearly 30-year artistic partnership. 

In alignment with East West Players’ mission of community representation and access, Artistic Director Lily Tung Crystal and staff have worked closely with leaders in the greater LA Khmer community to reserve and significantly subsidize over 20% of all seats specifically for Khmer audiences. This initiative ensures that those most profoundly impacted by the story have the opportunity to experience CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND. Persons part of the greater LA Khmer community that would like to access discounted tickets can reach out to the Khmer Alumni Association at khmeralumni@gmail.com.

CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND now runs through March 23, 2025 at The David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 in the historic Little Tokyo neighborhood. Performance times are Thursdays (March 6 and both extension weeks), Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 PM, with 2 PM matinees on Saturdays and 5 PM performances on Sundays. All Saturday 2 PM performances are “Masked Matinees,” making theater more accessible to audiences who prefer a masked experience. All performance dates and details are subject to change.

East West Players 60th Anniversary Season Memberships and single tickets to CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND are available online at eastwestplayers.org or by calling (213) 625-7000. 

*Member of Actors' Equity Association

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 (AAPIs) 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 AAPI stories are told but works to increase access, inclusion, and representation in entertainment and media. Designated by the Ford Foundation as one of America’s Cultural Treasures in 2020, EWP continues its groundbreaking work through defining and expanding the representation and stories of the AAPI community. Learn more at eastwestplayers.org. 

East West Players is supported in part by the Perenchio Foundation, Dwight Stuart Youth Fund, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and many other generous foundations, companies, and individuals.