Dutchess Abroad
  

  portraits in color or words

Judith van Praag    

< home
   <...writing & journalism
       < I.E. article menu

selected
articles

 from the
  International
  Examiner


Jennifer Paz Fairytale

Etsuko Ichikawa Surprises

Chinese Aerialists

Sex in Seattle

Broadway Star Michael K. Lee

Dinh Q. Le

ReAct's Wonder of the World

Common Language: Shenzhen/ Seattle

Sullivan Collection

Au Yong Follows Own Path

Juliet S. Kono - Storms of Life

Seattle Neighbors Talk Cool Tools

Cool Tools - Love Story

Bombay Dreams

Sikh Exhibit

ReAct with: To Gillian

Ivan Dinh in the Nerd

Degenerate Art Ensemble

Celebrate Khmer NY with Rajana Society

David Ishii: Bookseller

Chinese art exhibit opens with a bang

Chocolati in Seattle

Dai Family Chinese art exhibit coming

Okada: Lessons in Art History

Detective novelist Martin Limón

Sex in Seattle

Etsuko Ichikawa

Cathay: 3 tales of China

Aki Sogabi: kiri-e

King & I on 5th Avenue

Gruenewald tells the story

Small Houses, Big Ideas

Rene Yung Multimedia

"So-Ja" Library Opening

Alan Lau's art

Gu: Mother & Cellist

Kaiki Shoku (Eclipse)

Curato: Love Now

Liu on Leadership

Sightseeing with "A"

Multiethnic ReAct

Pork Filled Players

Beth Lo's Mahjong

Asian Adoptee
Experience


Jim Diers' Neighbor Power

Bryon Au Yong at Jack Straw

dk pan: bridging dichotomy

Luly Yang Design

Alan Shen and PSSO

David Kuraoka Treasure

Darvin Vida & Overstand

Sandy Lew-Hailer
s-m-l-xl


Minimalist Louise Kikuchi

Wing Luke: Beyond Talk

Chinese Master Printers

Shinkichi Tajiri's World


from the
Netherlands
Ouders Online


blogs
Hope Filled Jars

OMA Architecture Fan in Seattle


Sex in Seattle presents:
The Asian American Wedding of the Year

You're cordially invited to attend the wedding of Ms. Elizabeth Ko and Mr. Harold Chinn. You don't know these people, or their parents? Not to worry. Whether you're an old friend or new on the scene, Elizabeth & Harold, together with the rest of the "Sex in Seattle" cast will be more than happy to welcome you to episode 12: "My Ultra Quirky Asian American Wedding".

This being the fifth consecutive year of Sex in Seattle, the popular episodic sit com may very well be the longest running show in town.

Back in 2001 playwright Kathie Hsien and Moi, Serin Ngai and Amy Waschke put their heads together.

"We didn't see ourselves represented in local pop culture. There were no Asian American bands; there were no theater shows with actors portraying us... So we decided to create a show ourselves," said Kathie Hsieh on opening night.

In five years time, Sex in Seattle evolved from showing dating experiences of four Asian American women: Elizabeth Ko, Tess Matsudaira, Jenna Sheng, Shari Song, to some characters getting wed, separated, divorced and wed again. Others just keep on dating.

In episode 12, Kathie Hsieh and her present day story line conspirators, Dawn Box & Lisa Marie Nakamura, present some typical Asian American issues, Mr. & Mrs. Ko for instance are pretty clear about their preference: a Chinese husband for their Elizabeth, and Harold Chinn’s folks insist on a Chinese heir. But the playwright also cooks up situations that are not race related. Tess's husband Zane, who turned out to be gay, now is bi after all, or is he? And Jenna feels conflicted about her feelings for Nathan, while cousin Chloe lacks self-esteem and therefore throws herself at men.

All of which makes me think, you've got to see for yourself who precisely is doing what to whom. Having only been introduced to the show this 12th episode, your reporter was dazzled by the whirlwind of comedic and tragic-comedic scenes and intrigues.

That people from all different walks of life (and races) recognize the situations the characters find themselves in, was clear during a performance of the Ultra Quirky Asian American Wedding. A comedy's success is after all measured by the laughter and sounds of involvement coming from the audience.

There's not a dull moment, the ensemble's actors have a good sense of comedic timing, there are some sexy moves, and thanks to Mike Premo's tight directions the show runs like a train. Video projections between scenes make for entertaining intermezzos, Roger Tang's soundtrack sets the mood, and lighting designer Courtland Premo marks the scenes. Above all Sex in Seattle shows great teamwork.

Sex in Seattle is rated PG-17 for sexual innuendo and nefariously naughty behavior, and counts under its followers red hatted ladies, dressed in purple. In other words, you don't have to be of generation X or Y to enjoy the performance.

If you're in for more participation than merely sharing your laughter, consider SIS PRODUCTIONS invitation to join the whole troupe, on Friday, November 4 between the 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. performances, "For a lively panel discussion on the dynamics of race when it comes to dating and marriage."

My Ultra Quirky Asian American Wedding is performed by: Jose Abaoag, Chloe Ahn, Daniel Arreola, Leilani Berinobis, Gigi Jhong, Aya Hashiguchi, Kathy Hsieh, Patrick Scott, Richard Sloniker, Ray Tagavilla and presented at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, Seattle.

If you've never seen an episode and want to get caught up, please visit www.sexinseattle.org and click on the "Previously On Sex in Seattle" page.



Previously published on November 2, 2005 in the International Examiner.
© 2005 Judith van Praag, All Rights Reserved

top of page




Contact Judith
What's New ?! /
About Site

Site Map
hey, the 5th letter of the Hebrew alphabet and also the number five Privacy Policy
Website and all contents  © 1983-2013, Judith van Praag, All Rights Reserved
All art, photos, and text by Judith van Praag unless noted otherwise

All links to external websites open in new windows;
Dutchess Abroad is not responsible for the contents of any website except its own.



www.DutchessAbroad.com
Portraits in Color or Words