Casting

When Pacific Overtures debuted in the 1970's, there were very few Asian actors trained in musical theatre. Not much has changed over the years. There are only a few musicals which require Asian actors (Miss Saigon, Flower Drum Song, Mame, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and The King and I - come to mind). Some directors cast color-blind, but for the most part, Asians just do not have the same opportunities available.

I was determined to cast Asian actors. I have seen the show with a mixed bag of Asian and non-Asian people, but it just never rang true. This is a story told from their perspective and without them, the storytelling is confusing. G*d forbid we should have non-Asians in makeup. You would never do Raisin in the Sun in blackface and Pacific Overtures deserves the same respect.

Casting is perhaps the most important and challenging step in preparing a show. I knew the challenges of this piece and got to work casting it in early September. I started working with my friends at Silk Road Theatre (the premiere east Asian theatre company in Chicago). They had a few good leads. I was also referred to an electronic newsgroup of Asian actors. I also went through the ordinary casting channels in Chicago. We had a few weeks of auditions and eventually came up with a cast of 9 Asian men and 2 Asian women.

Our cast includes Broadway actor, David Rhee as the Reciter, Kent Haina as the Samuri Manjiro and Danny Bernardo as his friend the fisherman Kayama. The ensemble is composed of: Chelsea Dolinar-Hikawa, Adrian Fontanilla, Jillian Anne Jocson, Erik Kaiko, Chip Payos, Nick Shoda, Peter Sipla and Keith Uchima.