East West Players, in partnership with AJ Rafael, is thrilled to announce the return of Crazy Talented Asians. This variety benefit show will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at East West Players’ David Henry Hwang Theater, just in time for Nisei Week and the 140th Anniversary of Little Tokyo, as well as the arrival of the theatre’s new artistic director Lily Tung Crystal. There’s going to be a (apologies in advance) craaaazy amount of talented Asians so definitely don’t miss out on this event!

Crazy Talented Asians celebrates Asian American representation and the Little Tokyo community, which has served as host and incubator for many leading AAPI artists. The evening’s headliners include acclaimed actress and Broadway performer Kimiko Glenn (Orange Is the New Black, Waitress) and actress and composer Julia Harriman (Hamilton), and the event will be hosted by actress Tamlyn Tomita (The Joy Luck Club, The Karate Kid Part II, EWP’s Spring Awakening).

“It’s an honor to bring together such incredible Asian American talent not just to showcase and honor their contribution to the performing arts, but to inspire that person in the audience who may have not seen themselves represented on stage in this capacity before,” said Crazy Talented Asians curator and producer AJ Rafael. “It also comes during a historic time as Lily Tung Crystal joins East West Players as their incoming artistic director, the first woman to do so after more than 30 years.”

Host Tamlyn Tomita echoed these sentiments: “These extraordinary performers by themselves are stars that shine: TOGETHER, EWP is going to be a constellation of GOLD who leave their dust behind!” Speaking on the importance of Nisei Week, she added, “Nisei Week has been going on since 1934, and it’s one of the longest, if not the longest, ethnic festivals in the United States celebrating Japanese and Japanese American heritage and culture here in the city of Los Angeles. I’m just so happy that AJ is putting on this show in collaboration with Nisei Week Foundation and of course, East West Players.”

In addition to the headliners, the Crazy Talented Asians lineup includes Astoncia Bhagat (EWP’s Assassins), the nation’s first Asian American improv and comedy group, Cold Tofu Improv, music group grlhood, Leah Lewis (Elemental, Nancy Drew, The Half Of It), Alice Lee (Heathers, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist), Arvin Lee (EWP’s Assassins), Nieman (singer/songwriter, AJ Rafael’s Take Me Back Tour), Michael Palma (EWP’s Mamma Mia!, On This Side of The World), Alyssa Rafael (I Can See Your Voice), and Scott Keiji Takeda (Sumo, Next to Normal). Surprise guest performers may be announced both prior to and on the day of the event. Attendees will also be treated to a special appearance by the Nisei Week Queen and Court.

Crazy Talented Asians also marks the first event for Tung Crystal, who will be giving a curtain speech. “I’ve been following Crazy Talented Asians and its incredible lineups for the last five years,” says Tung Crystal. “I’m excited that I will get the chance to experience it in person as my first program as artistic director. We are honored and grateful that AJ, Tamlyn, and these star artists are coming together and gracing our stage to support East West Players.”

Calendar information about Crazy Talented Asians

Crazy Talented Asians is a one-night event that will take place on August 17, 2024 at 7pm. It will be hosted at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 in Little Tokyo. 

Tickets may be purchased online at eastwestplayers.org or by calling (213) 625-7000. We are offering individual tiered seating and VIP on-stage cabaret seating. At the time of purchase, please mention any wheelchair/accessible seating needs. Details and ticket prices are subject to change.

EWP has implemented numerous COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure that artists and audience members are able to safely enjoy their experience. For more information, please visit eastwestplayers.org/covid-19