Performances: June 4 – June 12
Location: First Stage Theater, Issaquah
Show Duration: approximately 2 hours (this show is actively in development and duration may change performance to performance)
Book & Music by Cheeyang Ng
Book & Lyrics by Khiyon Hursey
Directed by Desdemona Chiang
Told through the soundscape of a contemporary score fused with traditional Chinese folk music and Mandopop, Eastbound is performed in English and Mandarin, following the story of two men and their quest for identity. Adopted at birth, 21-year-old Calvin has been diagnosed with a deadly illness and travels to China to connect with his birthplace. At the same time, Yun travels to the U.S. in hopes of breaking free of stifling family traditions. The pair are forced to evaluate the true meaning of family, both alone and together. Eastbound is an emotional story of what it means to balance family, tradition, and independence.
Cheeyang Ng (Co-Composer/Co-Book Writer) Born and raised in Singapore, Cheeyang Ng is an award-winning singer-songwriter who writes at the intersection of queer, Asian and immigrant stories. They have performed around the world, including Lincoln Center with Carole King and Carnegie Hall with a cappella group Vocalosity. Musicals in development include 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥, 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘢 (Hypokrit, Live & In Color, O’Neill) and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘹 (Goodspeed). Select credits: 2021 Princess Grace Award, 2020 Eric H Weinberger Librettist Award. MFA: NYU. BMus: Berklee.
Khiyon Hursey (Co-Composer/Lyricist/Co-Book Writer) is the composer/lyricist of Eastbound. He’s thrilled to be returning to Village Theatre for the next step in Eastbound’s development. Khiyon has commissions from Manhattan Theatre Club, Ars Nova, TheatreWorksUSA, and David Stone.
Kennedy Kanagawa (Calvin) Recent credits: Into the Woods (Encores! NY City Center); Last Ship to Proxima Centauri (Portland Stage); Gold Mountain (Utah Shakespeare Festival); Saturday Night – In Concert (2nd Stage); Decky Does a Bronco (Royal Family Theater); Dinner with Georgette (NYTW Next Door); The Good Swimmer (BAM). TV/Film: Donny! (USA); Screen Test (NYFF Festival); Kinsley Vs. (upcoming). Love to David. kennedykanagawa.com
Jonny Lee Jr. (Yun) is excited to be working with Village Theatre for the first time! Jonny most recently starred in Gold Mountain, a new musical by Jason Ma at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Previous credits include Thuy in Miss Saigon, Ito in Mame, Brad in The Rocky Horror Show, and Finch in How To Succeed… at The Oguma Playhouse. Much love to his family and friends for all their continued support.
Cristin J. Hubbard (Caroline) is thrilled to appear for the first time at Village Theatre in Eastbound! Broadway Credits: The Phantom of the Opera, The Pirate Queen. Seattle: 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theatre, and Seattle Public Theater’s The Vanishing Point. BMus Vocal Performance & BA Theater – Oberlin College and Conservatory, 2019 MFA in Arts Leadership – Seattle University. Actor, singer, producer, teacher, arts advocate, and parent.
Shuyan Yang (Tian) is very excited to be back at Village Theater! Previously in Village Theater’s Festival of New Musicals for Eastbound. Shuyan is a musical theater actor based in New York, AMDA alumni. She appeared as Wendla in the China premiere of Spring Awakening. Other Credits: Peter Jay Sharp Theater, The Founder’s Hall, Comfort Women, Into The Woods. Ins: @Shuyan_yang_
Ya Han Chang (Qing) is an NYC-based actor/singer who is thrilled to be back to the Village Theatre family and reunion with Eastbound. Off-Broadway: Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row, 59E59 Theater. Regional: Ogunquit Playhouse, Lyric Stage, Alhambra, Broadway Palm, Dutch Apple Theater, Secret Theater. Proud member of AEA.
Derek Hoyden (Alec) is thrilled to be returning to the Village Theatre stage after being a KIDSTAGE kid for most of his life. He is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory and is now an LA-based actor. Derek would like to thank the entire Village Theatre team for letting him be a part of such a special show. “As always this one is for my Mom & Dad.” derekhoyden.com
