David Henry Hwang is revising FLOWER DRUM SONG again for East West Players

[Fan123]

Posted: 2/18/26 at 3:21pm

East West Players is performing the revised version in LA in May-June. As per the website: "It a time when conversations about identity and cultural preservation are more important than ever, Hwang’s reworking of the book for the Spring 2026 production allows Asian Americans to reclaim this cherished story in a meaningful way, illuminating the complexities and richness of the community’s continuous evolution."

http://eastwestplayers.org/flower

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 2/18/26 at 5:06pm

Fan123 said: "East West Players is performing the revised version in LA in May-June. As per the website: "It a time when conversations about identity and cultural preservation are more important than ever, Hwang’s reworking of the book for the Spring 2026 production allows Asian Americans to reclaim this cherished story in a meaningful way, illuminating the complexities and richness of the community’s continuous evolution."

n/m

Updated On: 2/18/26 at 05:06 PM

[merle57]

Posted: 2/18/26 at 5:09pm

I wish he would restore CY Lee's original story line about the three women in Ta's life, especially the Helen Chao story. The rewrite he did trivialized the generational story of immigrants and their second generation American born children and how difficult it is to maintain traditions and culture. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/18/26 at 5:17pm

^ 100%

[henrike]

Posted: 2/18/26 at 5:20pm

For a show that's truly infused with historical cultural references of the Chinese American experience, could they not have gathered a full cast of Chinese-Americans? I'm a bit surprised that this theater company is still doing the "Asian-America as a monolith" casting practices in 2026, especially if the show has culture-specific references.

[EvanstonDad]

Posted: 2/19/26 at 10:46am

I didn't see the revised version. I've only listened to the cast recording. Based on that, I tend to agree with those who think the revisal didn't completely work story-wise. But I will say that the cast recording is glorious. I felt like I was hearing that score for the first time, and the orchestrations in particular were sensational. I'd love a complete recording of Flower Drum Song similar to what they've done recently with Oklahoma!, Carousel, and My Fair Lady.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 2/20/26 at 4:11am

EvanstonDad said: "I'd love a complete recording of Flower Drum Song similar to what they've done recently with Oklahoma!, Carousel, and My Fair Lady."

I’m actually surprised this hasn’t happened yet.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 2/20/26 at 9:48am

I highly suggest finding a copy of "Flower Drum Songs: the story of Two Musicals" by David H. Lewis. It is a fascinating and informative read about the creation of the original production, film, revival, and some productions in between.