Tuesday, December 30, 2008

"The King & I" Were The Only Asian Actors in the Show!


Some goals seem impossible and unattainable. I'm not talking about the ones that involve receiving an Academy Award or winning the million dollar lotto. I'm thinking about dreams that only those who believe in fairy tales hope for.

So, because I possess a singing voice that belongs in the chorus rather than with the soloists, there are certain hopes and wishes that I never thought would ever happen for me. Playing Bloody Mary in "South Pacific," Jack's Mother in "Into the Woods" or
just about anyone in "Flower Drum Song" come to mind.

But every now and then, an impossible dream does come true. No, I didn't get cast in "Man of La Mancha" (it wasn't that impossible dream). It was even better than that. I got to play Lady Thiang in "The King & I." Yes, that wonderful role where I, the mediocre singer, had the privilege of singing "Something Wonderful," the most beautiful solo from one of my all-time favorite shows.

As a small child growing up in a world (back in the 1960's) when seeing an Asian face on the silver screen (or the television screen) almost never happened, watching the movie "The King & I" was a rare delight. It fueled my impossible dream that one day, even I could be on stage in a musical just like this. Never mind that I didn't have a singing voice anyone would pay to listen to. Forget the fact that I never even had an opportunity as a young girl to be in a play, take acting lessons or even be in a school skit. None of that mattered. This was my fantasy, and I would not be moved from it!

Then, suddenly, my "every now and then" moment arrived. No, it wasn't even that. This was my "once in a lifetime" moment: I got to live out my fondest fantasy, my impossible dream, my this-will-never-happen-to-me wish. I got to play a principal role and sing a solo in Rodgers & Hammerstein's "The King & I."

The production was full of good-hearted folks who got together every year to put on a show. No one was a professional, or even had aspirations along that road. Being in a show was just a fun, energetic way for them to spend their summer.

For me, being Lady Thiang was more than just having fun. I spent each rehearsal and every performance marveling at my good fortune. I felt unworthy to play the part. I floated on air, and my feet didn't touch the stage until the moment after we closed the show.

And how did my solos turn out? Thanks to a good sound amplification system (this was summer outdoor theater, you know), it all turned out quite well. I felt like I was born to play the part. Maybe I was right. After all, I had spent most of my life dreaming of it.

To quote from one of my other favorite Rodgers & Hammerstein show, "South Pacific," Bloody Mary tells her daughter, "You've got to have a dream. If you don't have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true?"

I may never get the chance to actually play Bloody Mary, but I was certainly able to live out her inspiring words. No, I may not be Bloody Mary, Jack's Mother, or anyone from "Flower Drum Song," but for one marvelous summer, I got to be the Queen of Siam. Now, that was something wonderful.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

I Must Be "God's Favorite" Actor....


I have been a part of the Christian church for nearly my entire life. Over the years, I have served the LORD in various capacities, as a Sunday School teacher, bible study leader, church nursery worker, missions committee chairperson, official board member, singer for the Praise and Worship team, etc.

One thing I haven't done is what many churches call "drama ministry." It seems logical to some that an actor who is also a Christian would (naturally) want to use her acting skills in the context of the church. In fact, many would say that a Christian actor should only do "Christian theater" (whatever that is...) or do her acting in church.

I guess I'd have to disagree with that assumption. I have always been interested in one thing: theater. Not "Christian" theater or "educational" theater or any other label you could come up with. All I have ever wanted to do was just plain theater.

That doesn't mean, however, that I have no interest in serving God through theater. I firmly believe that a Christ-follower can glorify God through whatever talent or interest she possesses. After all, who gives us these talents and passions, but God Himself?

With this thought in mind, I carefully look around at the audition announcements out there. Once, way back in 2004, a particular announcement caught my eye. The Renton Civic Theatre was putting on a show by Neil Simon, one of my favorite playwrights. There was an interesting role in "God's Favorite," one calling for an African-American maid. The script called for African-Americans to play both the maid and the butler. Hmmmmm...

Now, we actors of color have played more than our share of household servants on stage. And I also know that when a local theater is in need of good African-American actors, they are hard to find. Not because they don't exist. They are in great demand. So, I figured, maybe the director might cast this part with an Asian maid instead.

So, I showed up to the audition, prepared not to try to portray a black woman, but an Asian one. Whew...what a stretch that would be....

I put on my best Asian immigrant accent, sharpened my rapier wit and hoped for the best. I guess it worked, thanks to an ever-open minded director, the wonderful Lee Paasch. I got cast as the (not-African-American-but-Asian-immigrant) maid and had the time of my life.

They say drama is easy, comedy is hard. Well...maybe no one has actually said that, but it is definitely what I would say. Comedy is what makes me come alive on stage. It commands all my skill as an actor (what little there is) to allow me to hit the mark. It does me good. It challenges all my senses. I love to make the audience laugh.

God opened the door for me to be a part of that show. Actually, He opens all doors that allows me to be on stage, but I could definitely see His hand in this incredible opportunity. "God's Favorite" is a story about a man who is convinced that he is chosen by God to show the world (or at least New York City) God's love and power. I may not be God's Chosen One, but I am convinced that I got on stage this time for a reason.

God is love. God is salvation. God is great. And sometimes, God is humor. Humor, you say? Well, that's a concept not everyone gets. But Neil Simon gets it, and so do I. Some of God's servants can move you and inspire you. I like to think I am one of His servants who can entertain you and make you laugh.

Yes, I can also teach His word through bible study. I also would like to think that I could deliver one heck of a sermon, if ever given the chance. But, when I am given the privilege of being on stage (especially in a comedy), I truly believe I fulfill who God made me to be. He gave me my sense of humor, my interest in theater, my comic timing and my love of comedy. What better way to glorify Him than to use the best parts of me?

Some folks are moved by deep, serious drama. Not me. Give me a good comedy any day. After all, there will be much rejoicing and laughter in heaven one day. Might as well get started now....