Alvin Ing (1932 – 2021), a pioneer Asian American actor and singer, has performed in more productions of “Flower Drum Song” than any other actor. His audition for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s original 1958 musical production did not land him a role, however he was cast as an understudy for the character of Wang Ta in the accompanying national tour. He continued to perform in numerous subsequent productions, most recently as Uncle Chin in the updated and revised 2002 Broadway revival by playwright David Henry Hwang. In this interview, Ing recalls his experience auditioning, performing and touring. He also shares first impressions and memories of Rodgers and Hammerstein and fellow cast members, makes comparisons between the original, revival, and film versions, and discusses stereotypes, audience reception, and financial difficulties of the show.  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).

Arabella Hong was cast as Helen Chao in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1958 musical “Flower Drum Song.” In this interview, Arabella discusses her experience on the show, including auditioning for the role, receiving vocal coaching, and making changes to her scene. She also provides a window into the creation and honing of her song “Love, Look Away” and the writing of the script. Rather than being given a printed script, she shares that she was observed and the part written for her. Topics she covers in the interview also include Gene Kelly and issues with direction, stories about and interaction with Rodgers and Hammerstein, her view on Asian stereotypes in the original “Flower Drum Song,” the show’s fidelity to C. Y. Lee’s book, comparisons between the original and new “Flower Drum Song,” why the show failed on Broadway, her view on reviving shows from another period, a discussion of various composers, and her nostalgia for the beautiful melodies of the past. 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).

Baayork Lee was one of the children cast in the ensemble of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1958 production of “Flower Drum Song.” Asked to share memories of rehearsals or shows, she recalls working closely with choreographer Carole Haney on some of the dance numbers, understudying and unexpectedly going on as “Fan Tan Fannie” for one performance, and watching and learning dance steps on the side. She also offers her views on such topics as Asian stereotypes in the original show, David Henry Hwang’s rewriting of “Flower Drum Song,” why the show did not succeed on Broadway, racial cross-casting, and opportunities for Asians in the arts. 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).