1968 - 1969

Flower Drum Song

Flower Drum Song, the locale of which is San Francisco's Chinatown, tells a love story against a background of family tradition and the age-old differences in viewpoint of the elder and younger generations.

At the centre of what is really a three-fold romance stands Wang Ta, eldest son of Wang Chi Yang, a wealthy, retired, conservative gentleman with much influence in his community.  Wang Ta, a fine but inexperienced young man rejects his father's advice that he marry Mei Li, a lovely and modest Chinese Girl, who has come to the United States as a "picture bride".

Mei Li has been brought to this country for the purpose of marrying Sammy Fong, a gambler and night-club operator.  Mei Li and her father, Dr. Li, are guests in Wang Chi Lang's house.

Wang Ta has been smitten with the bold and brassy Linda Law whom, in his naivete, he has taken for an unsophisticated young lady, but who actually is an entertainer in Sammy's club and also his girl.

When Wang Ta discovers his mistake, he deeply regrets having defied his father's wish.  Another painful difficulty that besets the young man is that he cannot return the love of a third girl, Helen Chao.

At its darkest, the situation is resolved to the satisfaction of nearly all concerned through a clever idea conceived by the innocent Mei Li.  Trouble with the various families which, in an association, sit as a court in ancient Chinese fashion, is avoided, and it is breaking nobody's confidence to say that practically everyone lives happily ever after.

Dramatic Director: Joe O'Brien

Musical Director: Berthold Carriere

Choreographer: Joanne Ashe

Cast

Production