Original musical, 'Romeo & Juliet' coming to summer theatre
- May 29, 2009
Highlands Summer Theatre 2009, the California State University, East Bay summertime theatre troupe, will stage "Almond Eyes," an original musical being developed with CSUEB, and a modern, fast-paced "Romeo and Juliet," both in the University Theatre, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward.
The musical is written by Jay Chee, with music by JoAnn Yuen. A. Fajilan, with Darryl V. Jones, will direct, with Laura Elaine Ellis as choreographer. "Almond Eyes" tells the story of Toy and Wing, who rose to fame in the 1930s and were often known as the Oriental Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
An uplifting love story, it touches on Asian American history from the 1930s through 1950s. The team’s star power lands them the opportunity to sign a feature film, but their hopes are dashed by World War II. Then, in the aftermath of the war, the fabled Chop Suey Circuit changes forever. Their loves, breakups and reunions will be told in Broadway-style music, dance and comedy.
Performances will be at 8 p.m. Friday, July 24 and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Tickets will be $18 general, $15 youth, seniors and alumni, and $10 for CSUEB students with I.D.
"Romeo and Juliet," by William Shakespeare, directed by Melissa Hillman, will play at 8 p.m. Aug. 7-8 and 14-15, and at 2 p.m. Aug. 16. Admission will be $15 general, $10, youth, seniors and alumni, and $5 for CSUEB students with I.D.
Tickets may be reserved at or 510-885-3118.
CSUEB welcomes persons with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please notify event sponsor in advance at 510-885-3118 if accommodation is needed.