2017.032.009 Oral History Interview with Lea Salonga, August 8, 2003

Oral History Archive

2017.032.009 Oral History Interview with Lea Salonga, August 8, 2003

Lea Salonga is interviewed by David Lewis Hammarstrom on her role as Mei-Li in the “Flower Drum Song” revival musical. Throughout the interview, Lea is asked to share her thoughts on the differences between the Los Angeles and New York performances of “Flower Drum Song.” Most notably, she is asked about the potential impact of factors such as audience and critical reception might have had on the success of the show on Broadway. Lea also elaborates on her influence on the direction of the musical performances and promotion efforts. This interview is one of a series of 18 interviews that author David Lewis Hammarstrom conducted in 2003 as part of research for his book, Flower Drum Songs: The Story of Two Musicals (2006).

0:00 - Introduction, Lea’s involvement with “Flower Drum Song" as the production began in Los Angeles

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3:30 - Extent of changes to the script during the rehearsal period, whether the script underwent changes from a more serious play into a comedic one, potential impact that the September 11 terrorist attacks had on the artistic direction of the play

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7:25 - The music of “Flower Drum Song” and Lea’s thoughts on performing the songs in this play, David notes that the songs were written about forty years ago, Lea’s involvement in giving input and interpreting the score and song, Lea’s favorite songs from the play

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12:18 - David inquires about any potential differences between performances based on audience and location, Lea talks about the Asian influence that is apparent in the songs of “Flower Drum Song”

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14:34 - Lea comments on Robert Longbottom’s direction and the creative control shared between Robert and David Henry Huang regarding music and choreography

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19:00 - David continues to emphasize and inquire about the changes to the performance from Los Angeles to New York, Lea discusses the changes in the context of contemporary political correctness and Asian American cultural identity

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25:00 - Audience reaction to the performances in Los Angeles compared to New York, the less favorable reception in New York, the pressure to perform due to being propped up during promotions for the show

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30:15 - David asks Lea her thoughts on why the show was not as well received in New York, Lea discusses possibilities on this topic, including marketing, negative publicity, audience interest, and other potential factors

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33:05 - Audience demographics and how it compares to her performances in “Miss Saigon,” Lea notes comparatively less Asian attendance for “Flower Drum Song"

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38:50 - David asks Lea to speculate on the prospects of the original “Flower Drum Song” on Broadway, Lea reminiscences on the enjoyable time she had working on “Flower Drum Song” as a performer, closing statements

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