Writers Theatre opens season with Mike Lew's Tiger Style!
Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Interim Artistic Director Bobby Kennedy, debuts its 2022/23 Season with Tiger Style! by Mike Lew, directed by Brian Balcom. The production runs September 29, 2022 - October 30, 2022 in the in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.
Squabbling siblings Albert and Jennifer Chen reached the pinnacle of academic achievement when they were kids. But as adults, they can't seem to get things right: he's just been passed up for promotion and she's been dumped by her less-than-ideal boyfriend. To fix the sorry states of their lives, they turn to the one thing they know they can blame: their parents. Or America. Or maybe China? It's someone else's fault, that's for sure.
Award-winning playwright Mike Lew (Teenage Dick) pens this hilarious comedy about Chinese American heritage and belonging that will leave you howling with laughter. Travelling the globe from California to Shenzen, Tiger Style! uproariously tackles the immigrant experience, cultural stereotypes and what it really means to feel successful-and at home.
Interim Artistic Director Bobby Kennedy [he/him] comments, "I'm thrilled to finally bring Mike Lew's Tiger Style! to Chicago audiences. This smart and irreverent comedy has been delighting theatergoers around the country since its premiere in 2015. Lew has continued to refine the script, and our production will feature the latest updates to the satirical adventures of Jennifer and Albert Chen. These third-generation Chinese Americans, like other children of immigrants, have grown up under the pressures of racial stereotypes and cultural assumptions. 'How do I identify' and 'where do I feel at home' are such important questions right now. Anyone looking to ponder the answers - and have an uproariously good time while doing so - will feel right at home with Tiger Style!"
The cast includes: Aurora Adachi-Winter (Jennifer), Rammel Chan (Dad/Tzi Chuan/Melvin/General Tso), Garrett Lutz (Russ/Reggie/Customs Guy), Deanna Myers (Mom/Therapist/Cousin Chen/Matchmaker), and Christopher Thomas Pow (Albert). The understudies are Adam Benjamin, Chad Bay, Peter Sipla and Harmony Zhang.
The creative team includes: Lauren M. Nichols (Scenic Designer), Christine Pascual (Costume Designer), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Designer), Forrest Gregor (Sound Designer), and Michelle N. Huang (Cultural Consultant). The assistant director is Michaela Parangalan. The stage manager is Katie Klemme and the assistant stage manager is Olivia Sullam,