East West Players Announces Full Cast for Flower Drum Song Revival

David Henry Hwang's updated version of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical will open in April 2026 at the Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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East West Players has revealed the ensemble and understudy cast for the world premiere of Tony-winner David Henry Hwang's refreshed 2026 book for the musical RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S FLOWER DRUM SONG. Helmed by EWP Artistic Director Lily Tung Crystal, this reimagined golden-age musical will open in April 2026 at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center's iconic Aratani Theatre, serving as the grand finale of EWP's 60th Anniversary Diamond Legacy season.

Why it matters

Flower Drum Song is a classic American musical that explores themes of immigration, assimilation, tradition, and community. This updated version by acclaimed playwright David Henry Hwang will bring renewed urgency and heart to the story, which follows a young Chinese opera performer fleeing communism as she arrives in 1960s San Francisco Chinatown.

The details

The ensemble and understudy cast includes Joven Calloway, Ethan Yaheen-Moy Chan, IJay Espinoza, Sierra Goria, Sally Hong, Tony Jin, Esther Lee, Brian Liebson, Emma Park, Gemma Pedersen, Avelina Sanchez, Hillary Tang, Ai Toyoshima, Haoyi Wen, and Paul Wong. The production will be staged at the Aratani Theatre in the heart of historic Little Tokyo, with preview performances starting on April 16, 2026 and the official opening night on April 23.

  • The production will open in April 2026.
  • Preview performances are scheduled from April 16 to April 23, 2026.
  • Opening Night is set for Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7 PM.

The players

East West Players

A Los Angeles-based theatre company that is producing the updated Flower Drum Song musical.

David Henry Hwang

The Tony-winning playwright who has refreshed the book for the 2026 production of Flower Drum Song.

Lily Tung Crystal

The Artistic Director of East West Players who is helming the production.

Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

The venue where the production will be staged, the iconic Aratani Theatre in the heart of Little Tokyo.

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What’s next

The production will undergo a major renovation of the Aratani Theatre after the run, which is the final show before the 880-seat venue closes for renovations.

The takeaway

This updated Flower Drum Song production from East West Players represents an exciting opportunity to revisit a classic American musical through a modern lens, exploring timely themes of immigration and community while preserving the beloved songs and characters that have made the show a cherished part of the American theatrical canon.