Furthering their mission to showcase the work of Asian-American theatre artists through performance, outreach and educational programming, National Asian Artists Project (NAAP) has produced over the past four years “Oklahoma”, “Carousel”, and “Hello Dolly!” as part of their Re-Discover Series using all Asian casts. The setting for this year’s production will move across the pond to Charles Dickens’ London with the production of the classic award-winning musical, OLIVER!. With book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, OLIVER! has become one of the most popular and best-loved musicals in the world. NAAP’s production will be under the direction of Steven Eng with choreography by Broadway legend Baayork Lee, the original ‘Connie Wong’ in the original cast of “Chorus Line”. This multi-talented cast includes Raul Aranas as Fagin, Anthea Neri as Nancy and Bonale Zohn Fambrini as Oliver.

Bart’s musical OLIVER!, based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist, boasts popular showtunes such as “Food, Glorious Food,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Where Is Love?”, “Consider Yourself,” “As Long As He Needs Me,” and “Who Will Buy?”

Also joining Fambrini are Raul Aranas (Fagin), Anthea Neri (Nancy), Whit K. Lee (The Artful Dodger), Kendyl Ito (Bet), Scott Watanabe (Mr. Bumble), Mel Sagrado Maghuyop (Bill Sikes), David Shih (Mr. Sowerberry), Tony Romero (Dr. Grimwig), John Haggerty (Mr. Brownlow), Connor Johnston(Noah Claypole), Virginia Wing (Mrs. Bedwin), Cindy Cheung (Widow Corney), Nina Zoie Lam (Old Sally), Fay Ann Lee (Mrs. Sowerberry), and Rebecca Lee Lerman (Charlotte Sowerberry).

Kevin Farrell is musical director; Joe Sheridan, production stage manager; Jimm Halliday, costume designer; Susan Kikuchi, associate choreographer; Kyle Garvin, assistant choreographer; Jose Simbulan; children’s musical director; Cassey Kikuchi Kivnick, assistant director; and Kirk Bookman, lighting designer.

NAAP is delighted to be returning to The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 W. 42nd Street) again this year to present this production of OLIVER! in The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre. The show will open on Thursday, June 5th at 7:30PM. Additional performances are scheduled for Friday, June 6th at 7:30PM and Saturday, June 7th at 2PM and 7:30PM.

There will be a 65-member cast consisting of 20 children, 25 professional actors and 20 members of the NAAP Broadway Community Chorus. This benefit production will be fully staged, complete with sets and costumes.

Tickets are $75, $50 & $25 and are on sale now at Ticket Central. Tickets can be purchased through Ticket Central via www.ticketcentral.com or by calling 212-279-4200, or in person at 416 W. 42nd Street (12-8pm daily). There is a $250 Opening VIP Package that will include a 3-course meal at West Bank Cafe, prime seating ticket at opening night performance and post-show reception with cast and creative team. These tickets are available only through the NAAP office by emailing naap@naaproject.org or calling 646-543-6227. $120 of the $250 is tax deductible. The Pershing Square Signature Center, the permanent home of Signature Theatre, is a three-theatre facility on West 42nd Street designed by Frank Gehry Architects to host Signature’s three distinct playwrights’ residencies and foster a cultural community. The Center is a major contribution to New York City’s cultural landscape and provides a venue for cultural organizations that supports and encourages collaboration among artists throughout the space. In addition to its three intimate theatres, the Center features a studio theatre, rehearsal studio, a bookstore, and Signature Cafe and Bar, open to public from noon-midnight Tuesdays – Sundays. For more information on renting the Center, please visit
www.signaturetheatre.org rentals.

NAAP exists to be a leader in educating, cultivating and stimulating audiences and artists – current and future – through showcasing exceptional work by vibrant artists of Asian descent. Art constantly evolves and NAAP strives to command a place at the fore with a uniquely compelling American voice. ‘)}