Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra (CATS) announces its spring play, The Chinese Lady, by Lloyd Suh, and directed by Sands Hall, running from April 22 to May 15, 2027, at the Nevada Theatre.
Based on true facts, The Chinese Lady is about the first Chinese woman to ever set foot in the U.S.A. in 1834. She was brought over by merchants to help them sell their wares. Unbeknownst to them, she became a “hit” in her own right, as Americans had never seen a Chinese lady before. They were so mesmerized by her that they paid to go see her!
She was put on display and was intently “watched” as a living exhibit and oddity. She responded by feeding their curiosity with stories of China and customs. Little did they know that she too was intently “watching” them in return.
At the end, who was more captivated? This is Afong Moy’s story.
Tickets will be available on the CATS website beginning on February 1, 2027 at https://catsweb.org.
CATS looks forward to working with Sands Hall as their director for the first time in their 33-year history. While they have been trying to work together for years, The Chinese Lady presents that perfect opportunity! In addition to Sands Hall as the Director, the creative team consists of Teresa Shea as Hair and Makeup Designer, Costume Designer, and Set Designer; Les Solomon as Lighting Designer; Peter A. Mason as Sound Designer; and Hank Meyers as Props Designer.
The lead role of Afong Moy has been precast. We are seeking a male Asian actor for the supporting role of Atung. Interested actors please contact Jeannie Wood at info@catsweb.org for details.
Supplementing their annual show is a robust calendar of cultural events in 2027, including the annual Nevada City Chinese Lunar New Year Parade and Festival on Sunday, February 28. CATS is seeking parade entries and sponsors. Contact Jeannie Wood. As a prelude to this event, CATS is chartering a bus to San Francisco Chinatown for the world-famous Lunar New Year Parade on Saturday, February 20; this is an overnight trip with hotel stay at the Hilton Hotel in the Financial District. We have grandstand seats nearby. Spaces are limited for this trip. Last, but not least, this show will be scheduled next summer — date to be advised. It is a one-woman show on Junko Tabei, a Japanese woman who was the first woman to climb Mt. Everest. Her inspiring story will be “channeled” through storyteller, Bowen Lee. Questions on these events? Please contact Jeannie Wood at info@catsweb.org.