‘The Emperor’s Nightingale’ Pictured (left to right): Ya Han Chang, Brian Kim, Leanne Cabrera.
Photo credit: John Quincy Lee.
A delightful children’s play, The Emperor’s Nightingale, is now running in The Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row. The Pan Asian Repertory Theatre is presenting this play as it launches its 2018 – 2019 season. This presentation marks the beginning of the Theatre’s new educational initiative as it reaches out to elementary grade students and families with children. This is a very fine choice with which to launch their new program because it is a captivating piece of children’s theater.
The Emperor’s Nightingale is by Damon Chua. It is a family- friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s story “The Nightingale” set in 1723 in China. Directed by Chongren Fan, it tells the story of two teen-aged brothers who are competing to become the next emperor. One brother, Prince Bao, is favored by a very special Nightingale, who also serves the Emperor. Yes, the Nightingale is a bird and a very wise one.
The other brother, Prince Hongshi, realizes that Nightingale is key to gaining his father, the Emperor’s favor, so he sets out to get her on his side. Hongshi discovers a clever diversion to move Bao away from Nightingale. Nightingale is saddened as she learns of Bao’s interest in a mechanical bird rather than doing good deeds for his people.
Pictured (left to right): Ya Han Chang, Jonathan Frye, Dinh James Doan, Roger Yeh.
Photo credit: John Quincy Lee.
In the end, all situations are peacefully resolved but along the way, there are some interesting characters that children will enjoy seeing. For example, two Pandas open the show. A tiger who is in two pieces, a head and a tail, are also featured. The tiger is a funny character and one which comes down into the audience. Very young children may be a little frightened by this tiger as it advances. Caution on the part of the accompanying adult is advised!
Speaking of adults, this show will appeal to theater goers of all ages. There are some strong morals that are part of the story and some thoughts that anyone can apply to their life or the lives of those who lead. The concept of working to do the right thing for the people you serve and having their best interests at heart is something that all can deem important to see on stage.
Creatives and Cast
The show opens and closes with songs and some music with an Asian flair is played in parts. The costumes are lovely especially Nightingale’s who gives the illusion of lightness of flight throughout the show. The design of the scenery is very interesting with its cut-out design on stage with important props. The creative design team includes Set by You-Shin Chen and Lights by Leslie Smith. Costumes are by Karen Boyer. Sound is by Joseph Wolfslau. The Stage Management team is Kristine Schlachter and Sabrina Morabito.
The cast gives performances that are light-hearted at times, and when needed, they are more serious. Leanne Cabrera plays Nightingale as a beautiful bird to be treasured. Jonathan Frye brings an innocence of youth with hopes for a good future to Prince Bao. Four of the cast members play multiple roles and they switch between those roles seamlessly. They are Brian Kim and Ya Han Chang as the Emperor/Panda/Mechanical Bird. Roger Yeh is scheming as Prince Hongshi but comical as Tiger Head. Dinh James Doan plays a serious Minister Wu and also a comical Tiger Tail.
The Emperor’s Nightingale continues now through December 16, 2018 at The Beckett Theatre, at New York City’s Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd Street. This is a special treat to see this show, one that is sure to please the entire family.
Tickets:
Tickets for The Emperor’s Nightingale are $30, plus $2.25 theater restoration fee. The show plays the following performance schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased at www.telecharge.com, (212) 239-6200, or by visiting the box office.
There will be Special Student Matinee performances on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. To bring your school to a performance and more information, please email info@panasianrep.org or call (212) 868-4030.