MU-TINI HOUR
Our online hangouts started during the pandemic shutdown as a way to stay distant, yet social. Each live event with fellow theater makers and friends was recorded and is available to watch by following the links below. Enjoy these 90 minute moments of lovely conversation, entertainment, connection, and distraction.
PAST EVENTS
Click on each event to learn more.
+ Hello, my name is...
Through Mu-tini Hour, you've been able to meet Asian American theater movers and shakers from all over the country. Now it's time to hang out with the coolest kids on the block—the Mu staff. That's right, the six members of the #MuSquad are having a holiday office party and you're invited! We'll be talking about claiming space as Asian American artists and professionals, even in the face of anglicizing our Asian-y names. Grab a drink of your choice and hear stories about our names, a behind-the-scenes look at how we transitioned to the virtual stage, details about 2021, and a few fun party games you can play along with at home.
+ A Mu Variety Show
We’re taking a week off from our usual Mu-tini Hour hangout to bring you a variety show! Spring is here, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and we are in the performing mood! Gather your friends and we'll gather ours for a Mu-medley of music, dance, and poetry. Hosted by Lily Tung Crystal and Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay. Featuring Isabella and Francesca Dawis, Kat Evasco, Joëlle Fernandez, Gaosong Heu, Bao Phi, Mayda, and the Mu staff.
+ Michelle Krusiec and Lynn Chen
On this week’s Mu-tini Hour, Lily Tung Crystal hosts Michelle Krusiec who portrays Anna May Wong in Netflix's hottest new original series, Hollywood. They'll talk about the show, her groundbreaking movie Saving Face, and Asian American representation in the media. She'll be joined by her Saving Face co-star Lynn Chen, director of the new film I Will Make You Mine.
+ Asian American Theater - Past and Present
Continuing our celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Lily Tung Crystal hosts Snehal Desai, Producing Artistic Director of East West Players (the nation's largest Asian American theater company), Emilya Cachapero (director of Theater Communications Group's Artistic and International Programs), and Philip Kan Gotanda (one of the most prolific playwrights in America today). They'll talk about the early days of Asian American theater and where it's heading today.
+ Rick Shiomi, Katie Bradley, Jennifer Weir, and Paul Juhn
We’re kicking off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by hosting the man who started it all, co-founder of Theater Mu, Rick Shiomi! He and Lily Tung Crystal are joined by long-time Mu artist Katie Bradley, taiko drumming artist Jennifer Weir, and NYC-based artist Paul Juhn (who was part of Mu's very first season in 1993). They’ll talk about how Mu got started, living through the Asian American Renaissance, and lifting up themselves and others through quarantine.
+ George Takei, Lea Salonga, and Jay Kuo
Lily Tung Crystal hosts Jay Kuo writer, composer, and lyricist of the musical Allegience. They're joined by actor, social justice activist, social media mega-power, and New York Times best-selling author, George Takei and multiple award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga — who both starred in Kuo's Allegience. They'll talk about their current projects and how they're lifting up themselves and others through quarantine.
This hangout was sponsored, in part, thanks to the generous support of out friends at the National Association of Asian American Professionals.
+ Lauren Yee, Joe Ngo, and Jane Lui
On this week's Mu-tini Hour, Lily Tung Crystal hosts Lauren Yee, the second most produced playwright in the country and writer of Cambodian Rock Band. They're joined by Joe Ngo and Jane Lui, who starred in the Oregon, California, and New York premieres of the show. They’ll talk about how the show was brought to life, as well as their artistic projects and how they’re lifting themselves and others through this time.
+ Diane Phelan, Ariel Estrada, and Brian Kim
Lily Tung Crystal hosts Diane Phelan (performer, director, founder of the Broadway Diversity Project and the #RacismIsAVirus campaign), Ariel Estrada (founder and artistic director of Leviathan Lab), and Brian Kim (Mu veteran artist). They’ll talk about the #RacismIsAVirus campaign and the rise of racism against Asians and Asian Americans, as well as their artistic projects and how they’re lifting themselves and others through this time.
+ Francis Jue and David Henry Hwang
Lily Tung Crystal hosts prolific playwright, librettist, and screenwriter, David Henry Hwang, whose notable works include FOB, M. Butterfly, Flower Drum Song, Yellow Face, and Chinglish. The two are joined by Francis Jue, whose Broadway credits include Pacific Overtures, M. Butterfly, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. They’ll spend the hour catching up and talking about their work together in Hwang’s latest musical, Soft Power.
+ Leah Nanako Winkler, Meghan Kreidler, and Eric Sharp
In case you needed a reminder, Leah Nanako Winkler is the award-winning playwright of Two Mile Hollow and Hot Asian Doctor Husband, while Meghan Kreidler and Eric Sharp are two of the Twin Cities' favorite artists. Hosted by Mu's Artistic Director, Lily Tung Crystal, we'll spend the hour catching up with them, playing some shelter-in-place-inspired games, and sharing survival tips for life in isolation.
+ Mixed Blood Theatre and the company of Interstate
Meet Interstate creators Kit Yan and Melissa Li, get to know the cast, and ask all your questions about the Queer Asian pop-rock musical and its story about two trans people at different stages of their journeys, navigating love, family, masculinity, and finding community in the era of social media.
MORE TO KNOW
ABOUT MU
Stories from the heart of the Asian American experience.
PRODUCTION HISTORY
29 years of Asian American storytelling.
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