We're Not YourCup of Tea |
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Soda Persi |
Kristina Reyes |
Apoorva Choudhary |
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Schedule
DAY PROGRAM
Opening Intro by Emcees
1. Opening Song by ALL: Everybody Says Don't from Anyone Can Whistle
2. Marcel Solo w/ Tai Joe in the background: If I Sing from Closer Than Ever
3. Marisa Solo: I'd Give My Life For You from Miss Saigon
4. Soda: Narrative "My Thai"
5. Jade and Marisa Duet: For Good from Wicked
6. Jade Solo: Life is a Cabaret from Cabaret
7. Kristina Solo: Love Look Away from Flower Drum Song
8. Cyndy Solo: Miller's Son from a Little Night Music
9. Marisa Solo: My Lord and Master from the King and I
10. Marcel Solo: If You Want to Die in Bed from Miss Saigon
11. Apoorva Solo Dance: Modern Indian Dance
12. Sandy: Stand Up Comedy
13. Kristen Solo: How Did We Come to This from Wild Party
14. Bryan Solo: The Origin of Love from Hedwig and the Angry Inch
15. Bryan & Kristin Duet: Last Night of the World from Miss Saigon
INTERMISSION/EMCEES
16. Cyndy Solo: Children Will Listen from Into the Woods
17. Marcel Solo: Giants in the Sky from Into the Woods
18. Kristina Solo: The Story Goes On from Baby
19. Marcel & Marisa Duet: Someone Like You from Jekyll and Hyde
20. Meg Solo: When He Sees Me from Waitress
21. Marisa Solo: Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera
22. Marcel Solo: Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera
23. Closing Song by ALL: Do you Hear the People Sing from Les Miserables
BOWS
NIGHT PROGRAM
Opening Intro by Emcees
1. Opening Song by ALL: Everybody Says Don't from Anyone Can Whistle
2. Marcel Solo w/ Tai Joe in the background: If I Sing from Closer Than Ever
3. Marisa Solo: I'd Give My Life For You from Miss Saigon
4. Soda: Narrative "My Thai"
5. Bryan Solo: The Origin of Love from Hedwig and the Angry Inch
6. Kristina Solo: Love Look Away from Flower Drum Song
7. Cyndy Solo: Miller's Son from a Little Night Music
8. Marisa Solo: My Lord and Master from the King and I
9. Marcel Solo: If You Want to Die in Bed from Miss Saigon
10. Earl & Kristin Duet: Last Night of the World from Miss Saigon
11. Kristen Solo: How Did We Come to This from Wild Party
12. Apoorva Solo Dance: Modern Indian Dance
13. Sandy: Stand Up Comedy
INTERMISSION/EMCEES
14. Chase: Hawaiian Dance Troupe
15. Cyndy Solo: Children Will Listen from Into the Woods
16. Marcel Solo: Giants in the Sky from Into the Woods
17. Kristina Solo: The Story Goes On from Baby
18. Earl & Bryan Duet: Agony from Into the Woods
19. Ryan Solo: Wilkommen/I Don't Care Much in drag from Cabaret
20. Meg Solo: When He Sees Me from Waitress
21. Marisa Solo: Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera
22. Marcel Solo: Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera
23. Closing Song by ALL: Do you Hear the People Sing from Les Miserables
BOWS
Cast
Meet the Company
Marcel Licera (Filipino/Chinese/Spanish)
Marcel Licera is thrilled to present this 2.0 version with his talented group of artists/friends, having initially started the group with Meg, Pam & Evie and performed in last year’s program (2024) as well. After this stint, he is appearing in Hollywood Fringe Festival 25 (his 4th foray) in the semi-musical Enchanted Silverware (where he originates the role of Knife) — a spinoff of Beauty and the Beast.
He has originated quite a few roles (the memorable ones are): Capt. Matsuoka in West Coast Jewish Theater’s FUGU, Bruce & Prof. Fong in TheaterCasa0101’s Remembering Boyle Heights Part 1 & 2, Soldier 1 in Playwright’s Arena & LA LGBT’s MARCH & Cook/Falstaff in Pan Andreas Theater’s Quilt and Ink. His favorite roles (to mention a few) include: Engineer in Miss Saigon, Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, and King in The King & I.
His recent short films that he was a part of, The Manolos and Martial Law, are currently making their film festival rounds. He was a former National LEGO Champion Brick Builder of the Philippines and a recent 2025 AAPI Grant Fellowship finalist. SAG/AFTRA/AEA member.
Soda Persi (Thai/Persian)
Soda Persi is a proud mom of five and mama to her French Bulldog Mochi. She spent her younger years dancing and competing in gymnastics. Soda got the acting bug at the age of seven when she was picked to be in the California Shakespeare Company’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She was in every performance in high school, ranging from The Miracle Worker to Fame.
In college, Soda had the wonderful opportunity to portray Laura in The Glass Menagerie and Alice in You Can’t Take It With You. After college, Soda joined the Asian American theatre group Here ‘n’ Now and got to perform in colleges all over the country. In 1996, she went to an open call for STOMP and was one of two women cast out of 1,100 other hopefuls.
Soda went on to do the North American tour and perform at the Orpheum in NYC. She is an award-winning choreographer and has written and produced for Hollywood Fringe and Short and Sweet Festivals since 2017. Soda has been coaching gymnastics for the past forty years and is now the proud owner of her own gym — PERSISTENCE GYMNASTICS.
Marisa Frankie (Filipino/Mexican)
Marisa Frankie has had the pleasure of being cast with East West Players in Sama Sama: Solidarity in the Fields, Christmas Eve in Avenue Q, Mrs. Potts in Beauty & the Beast, Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Kim in Miss Saigon.
Currently, she is studying acting at Krater Studios and is represented by Johnson Talent Agency. When she is not performing, Marisa has her own business in notary, real estate, and financial services. You can check out her business website here: linktr.ee/marisafavena.
She gives immense love and gratitude to her family, friends, cast, and the audience attending. Thank you for supporting local theatre! IG: @marisa.frankie SAG-E
Miki Yokomizo (Japanese)
Miki Yokomizo has performed in Pacific Overtures twice, once with East West Players and once with Chromolume Theatre; both productions were award-winning. She’s also been in other shows, including Songs for a New World, It’s Only Life, and an 80’s remix of Pirates of Penzance.
She also does taxes.
Pamela Michael (Filipino)
Pamela Michael is Filipino. She brings her extensive background in stage performance and hosting to this production, engaging audiences with her vibrant personality and sharp wit.
Meg Lin (Taiwanese)
Meg Lin is Taiwanese. She is thrilled to be part of this production, bringing her energy and charisma to the stage as the emcee. With a passion for connecting with audiences and creating memorable experiences, Meg is excited to share this moment with her fellow performers and the community. Thank you for supporting local theatre. Enjoy the show!
Ally Meda (Chinese)
Ally Meda is so excited to perform alongside this diverse and creative cast. Ally is a drag artist and actress who can be seen performing all across Southern California. Some recent credits include her role in Thousandaires with DropoutTV, Emcee (Cabaret), and Cinderella’s Stepmother (Into the Woods).
Ally would like to thank Marcel for allowing her to share the stage with so many amazing and talented individuals. She hopes you all enjoy the show!
Kristina Reyes (Filipino)
Kristina Reyes is elated to be part of this creative and talented group. Past credits include Kim in Miss Saigon, Maggie in Manzanar the Musical, Miss Honey in Matilda, Tuptim in The King and I, and various swing and ensemble roles in East West Player’s production of Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music.
Kristina looks forward to her upcoming production as mama to her newest addition, baby Gideon. All her love to her kids and thank you to Andrew for all his love and support. Enjoy the show!
Bryan Siu (Chinese/Vietnamese)
Bryan Siu is an eccentric, multi-faceted performer and storyteller who’s thrilled to be a part of We’re Not Your Cup of Tea, along with talented creatives. Associated with Visions on the Fly and Theatre West, Bryan passionately believes that performing art creates change and amplifies voices of unheard communities, and they hope the audience sees how this show exemplifies this sentiment.
Jade Duong (Vietnamese)
Jade Duong is so grateful to be able to perform with such talented, passionate, and like-minded people for the night! She is a theatre and film actress who enjoys dance, martial arts, and being involved in the Los Angeles community.
She is currently playing Joanne in RENT in Pasadena at Lineage Performing Arts Center, which runs from May 16 - June 8. Her recent credits include Miss Saigon (Kim), Matilda (Miss Honey), and Cabaret (Sally Bowles, Fraulein Kost).
She’d like to thank Marcel for putting together such a fantastic group to play with, as well as her manager Andrew Stawiarski and her agent Anthony Boyer for believing in her. Enjoy the night!
Tai Joe (Korean)
Tai Joe is a playwright and director. His plays have been produced mainly by theatres in California. Tai is passionate about creating meaningful, impactful work that resonates with audiences and reflects the diverse experiences of the communities he represents. Thank you for supporting live theatre. Enjoy the show!
Sandy Velasco (Filipino)
Sandy Velasco is an LA-based artist. She performs stand up comedy all over Southern California and recently made her international debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She's worked as an improviser and sketch comedy actor with Improvcity and the famous Upright Citizens Brigade. She currently curates and produces a comedy variety show, MIXED NUTS LIVE!, and a standup comedy show, CHEERS COMEDY HOUR, in the SGV area. It's been a blessing to be a part of a thriving LA theatre community, working with companies like, Coeurage Theatre Company, East West Players and Playwrights Arena.
Visit www.sandyvelasco.com for more info.
Chase Keoki (Hawaiian/Japanese/Chinese/Filipino)
Chase Keoki Wang born and raised in Honolulu, HI. Keoki attended the illustrious Punahou Academy and came to California to continue his studies at the University of Southern California. Upon his tūtu's (grandmother) 100th birthday she gifted him her hula hālau (hula school) in which he continues to honor her legacy. More information can be found at www.hhnmop.com
Apoorva Choudhary (Indian)
Apoorva Choudhary is a filmmaker based in Los Angeles, driven by a love for storytelling and a deep curiosity about people, spaces, and culture. Growing up in an academically inclined family, her passion for cinema was sparked by weekend classics and has since evolved into a commitment to creating visually rich, emotionally grounded work. With roots in both India and the U.S., her creative lens blends diverse perspectives, always seeking meaning, beauty, and connection in every frame. Thank you for supporting live theatre. Enjoy the show!
Earl Guanlao (Filipino)
Past Credits: Guys and Dolls, Beauty and the Beast, Annie Get Your Gun, Miss Saigon, The Little Mermaid, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hello Dolly!, Tinig Bayan, Damayan.
Much love to the entire cast and crew at Theatre West for this opportunity! @earlhaven
Shira Persi (Thai/Persian)
Shira Persi is so excited to be part of We are not your cup of tea! Shira is a sixth grader and already has quite a bit of theatre under her belt. Shira has performed in Hollywood Fringe, Hollywood Short and Sweet Festival, a 24 hr theater festival with Theatre Unleashed and a benefit show. Shira does competitive gymnastics, plays piano and loves animals. She is looking forward to trying soccer this fall!
Cyndy Fujikawa (Japanese)
Cyndy Fujikawa started at Theatre West cleaning toilets in 1983, alongside Anne Leyden, Bill Sehres, Kevin McMahon, Mark Masi, Cecily Adams, Don Moore, Joe Nassi and many others who were looking for an opportunity to make new friends and continue to hone their craft.
She and her other TW apprentice-mates studied under the late greats: Richard Carlyle (acting), Gerry Dolin (voice) and Betty Garrett (musical theatre). Betty would be a second mother to Cyndy and she dedicates everything she has done since to her and her mentorship.
Kristen Reyes (Filipino)
Kristen Reyes is so excited to be a part of this amazing production! Some of her favorite roles include Andrina in The Little Mermaid, Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast, and Soul Girl in Jesus Christ Superstar. Kristen hopes you enjoy the show, and thanks you all for supporting the arts!
About the Show Poster
Gaze at the poster for awhile and slowly, a silhouette of a generic & genderless face slowly emerges--it has eyes (as positioned by the alignment of Japan and Korea's flag), nose (as positioned by the Theatre West logo) and mouth (the spiky yellow). Much like we Asians who remain anonymous but are just somewhere around you, beside you or behind you but never in front of you. The stars at the upper-left can be seen as a male-warrior-figure carrying his weapons behind him. Whereas the stars at the lower-right can be seen as a female nurturer- figure carrying a baby on her back. Notice the semi-circle shape with a pointed middle above the face? It is supposedly a wide brimmed hat made of bamboo or straw leaves with variants commonly worn across Asian countries and typically used by farmers, workers, students and monks for protection against sun and rain. In the Philippines, it is called Salakot. In Japan, it is called Sugegasa. In Korea, it called Satgat. In Thailand, it is called Ngob. In China, it is called Douli. In Vietnam, it is called Non La. And in the regional parts of India, it is called Jaapi. These hats are very symbolic of a shared cultural identity. The flags illustrared here, which makes up the face, represents the various AAPI's (Asian-American Pacific Islander) participating in this show. They are assembled in this show by their common language in, and love of, the Performing Arts.
This show aims to solidify their union and celebrate their cutural heritage while they share their talents to inspire and build bridges of familiarity and goodwill between them and you. Overall, when you begin to realize what this poster is all about and what it represents, they become recognizable to you. We, the people of color brown to yellow--your Asian friends and allies--become recognizable to you.
And today we take center stage, to give you the best of ourselves, to astound and entertain you!
Poster and graphic layout design by Marcel Licera
Computer execution by Marisa Frankie
Acknowledgements
When V.P. Dina Morrone approached me to do a show for AAPI Heritage Month this 2025, because last year's fundraising show was a tremendous success, i unhesitatingly said yes--- not dwelling on the perils of a first time producer/director that awaits me simply because, grit is who i am. Second, her unwavering trust in me was enough for me to believe in myself that i could pull it through. Third, it is a good project to pass up because it provides a platform for representation, community-building and outreach while giving exposure for AAPI talents to shine. Fourth and more importantly, because i am secure in my knowledge and friendships of mutual respect and admiration with my incredibly talented and genuine circle of artist friends. These are artists whom I have worked with not once but twice in projects like Miss Saigon, Pacific Overtures, The King & I, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and NoMatterWatt. And yet, there are some whom i have only recently work with or known, but who are proving to be just as reliable, loyal, kind and helpful. To these wonderfully talented artists, "Thank You" for joining me in this endeavor; for wanting "to Play" with me and my friends. Cheers to our success!!! In closing, i would like to thank the member volunteers, the Members of the TW Board, particularly Dina Morrone & Donald Moore, the Stage & Tech managers David Mingrino & David Johnson (mentorship), Meg Lin & Pam Micheal (consultancy), Musical Dir. & Accompanist Miki Yokomizo, Asst. Dir. & Choreographer Soda Persi and daughter Shira. And to my professional theatrical partner & Asst. Producer & sis friend, Marisa Frankie.
Light Our Stage!
Help Support Theatre West through this link at https://givebutter.com/lightourstage
Your generous donation will allow Theatre West to continue our tradition of producing unique, entertaining, and thought-provoking productions in-house from our democratic artistic cooperative of actors, writers, directors, producers, and technical professionals.
Established in 1962, Theatre West is an internationally acclaimed nonprofit arts organization and the oldest continually running theatre company in Los Angeles. We are also many children's first experience with live theatre via our Storybook Theatre shows.
Theatre West's "Light Our Stage" campaign will help keep the legacy of our founding members alive by allowing us to continue to create new, original, and compelling works. Our campaign goal is to raise $140,000 by June 30, 2025 so that we can produce 3-4 mainstage shows with 6 week runs during the 2025-26 season, in addition to Theatre West's other flagship shows.
Thank you in advance for your support! Theatre West is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization (TAX ID/EIN: 95-6143868) and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.
UPCOMING SHOWS AT THEATRE WEST
Storybook Theatre’s THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
Every Saturday at 1pm until June 7th, 2025
A family-friendly interactive musical for children 3-9 years old!
THE MOMMIES: THEIR LAST TRIMESTER
June 9th & 10th
Three-and-a-half decades after it all began, Marilyn Kentz and Caryl Kristensen are re-teaming and returning to Petaluma and the Bay Area for a series of storytelling events.
PRIDE PLAYREADING
Sunday, June 22nd, 2025
A celebration at Theatre West for this Pride Month!
CHEVALIER DU SAINT GEORGE
Sunday, June 29th, 2025
A new musical by James Goins!
MY UTERUS: A WOMB WITH A VIEW
July 12th & 13th, 2025
Dina Morrone’s stimulatingly funny and bold solo show returns!
TEVYE IN NEW YORK
July 19th & 20th
Tom Dugan’s brilliant one-man show about Tevye after Fiddler on the Roof!
