EVAN ANDES (Captain Fisby)
What a long, strange trip it's been. A journey actually. Evan was first introduced to this play 15 years ago in his English class, and the story, and its philosophies, have affected his life ever since. He arrived in LA nine years ago, with his only 'acting' credit (a fake one, at that), being THE TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON, the play he read in school. Nine years later, with six plays (all at the Secret Rose) under his belt, he is happy to finally be a part of bringing this play to life on stage. Thank you Mr. Pound, for taking me through this story the first time. Thank you to Kaz, for all of her humor, and to Mike, who has guided my every step on-stage, for his patience, passion, wisdom, and friendship. Hi brother.
JENNIFER CHU * (Miss Higa Jiga)
Originally from Boston, Jennifer has also performed in St. Louis and China before making Los Angeles her home. She received her MFA in acting from UCLA and is a founding member of the ARK Theatre Company. Other local theatre credits include: EDWARD II and THE MAIDS with ARK, THE SAND PRINCESS and CULT OF ISIS with Ziggarut Theatre, THE TRIUMPH OF ISABELLA with the Geffen Playhouse (outreach program), and a well-received one-woman show entitled HAPPILY EVER AFTER! She would like to thank the entire cast for their FUN!
* member of Actors Equity
SARA COLON (Granddaughter)
Eight-year-old Sara started acting class with Mike Rademaekers, Kaz Mata-Mura and Grace this summer. Her first performance was in MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM at the Secret Rose Theatre. Sara enjoyed it a lot and was bitten by the acting bug. As well as acting classes, rehearsing and performing, she keeps a busy schedule with flute lessons and LA's BEST program. Although Sara loves to perform, she wants to be a singer. She misses Ms. Linda's singing class and wishes Ms. Linda, all of friends and teachers at Hollywood Central Elementary in South Florida, as well as Grant in England could come to see the show. Thank you to Mike and the cast and crew.
PAUL DENNISTON (Captain Fisby)
When Paul was fifteen years old, he starred in his first play, THE DIARY OF ADAM AND EVE. This play was a break through for the shy boy because he finally found something that he could put his heart into. Paul has carried on this love affair with acting for his entire life and his first love is the stage. Some of Paul's proudest acting moments include performing in MACBETH at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, performing in ROMEO AND JULIET at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and performing in a play he co-wrote called THE EXPENSE OF SPIRIT in New York. Paul spent years in Chicago performing in shows about self-esteem and peer pressure for young adults and teenagers. He has also appeared on PARTY OF FIVE, THE NORM SHOW and the film BUTCH CAMP. Some of Paul's other loves are photography and massage therapy. Paul celebrates his portrayal of Captain Fisby and is excited to learn and grow more as a person by exploring another man's journey and dreams.
HOWARD FONG (Mr. Oshira)
Howard is a former securities analyst for the Standard & Poor's Corporation in lower Manhattan. He debuted on stage in Asiantics Theatre's AN EVENING OF GHOST TALES: KINDRED SPIRIT as Yoshihiro Kagezaemon. Howard also performed in JULIUS CAESAR as Cicero, Cinna the Poet and Lucilius at the Guerilla Shakespeare Theatre. His most recent stage performance was in A GREAT WOMAN as Robert Lee at the Playwright Center of San Francisco. Howard's film and television credits include THE JOY LUCK CLUB, PARTY OF FIVE, UNSOLVED MYSTERIES and 'TIL DEATH DO US PART. Break a leg or two!
KEISUKE HOASHI (Sakini)
After starring in shows like MY FAIR LADY, ANYTHING GOES, and 1776 back in his native New York, Keisuke decided to run his own theatrical romp by creating the world's first martial arts musical comedy, MEMOIRS OF A NINJA. Produced at the Secret Rose, his wacky show won five Maddy awards, five Garland nominations, and was named one of the Best Shows of 2000 by Nite Life After Dark magazine. (Thanks Madeleine!) Keisuke has done nearly 30 TV commercials, including Verizon, IBM, Fidelity, GE, AMEX, 7-Up, Sears, and Cheese. TV credits include THE BERNIE MAC SHOW, AMERICA'S MOST WANTED, STRONG MEDICINE, and THE DISTRICT. And he someday hopes to be as extraordinary as his parents, Jitsuo and Tomoe.
PAUL HUANG (Mr. Sumata)
Born the youngest of three boys, Paul is a free spirit who loves the Lord and lives by a prayer. He is blessed with a great family, great friends and great opportunities in this world. Thank you Jesus!
KAYO (Miss Higa Jiga)
Having worked on the hit shows BIG TUSH LITTLE TUSH, PEACH BOY and URASHIMA TARO, this is Kayo's fourth show at her favorite theater - the Secret Rose. Kayo left Tokyo in search of shoes to fit her giant feet and ended up here in LA four years ago. She performs for Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theater Department, playing all sorts of (wacky) characters for their live shows and videos. Her theatre credits include OUR HEARTS WERE TOUCHED WITH FIRE at Japan America Theater and JUGGLING SCROD at the Bitter Truth Theater. She was also seen in Austin Powers 3, hurling a seat cushion at "Fat Bastard". Known as "Godzilla Geisha", Kayo also performs standup comedy all over town. In life, she enjoys defying stereotypes by being a giant Japanese, a Japanese comic and a Japanese woman that can't cook or clean!
CATHERINE K. LEE (Daughter)
Catherine lived in Virginia for most of her life until she moved to Los Angeles this year. Acting has been a dream of hers for as long as she can remember, but Catherine never had the courage to pursue her passion until after her college graduation from the University of Virginia with a degree in English literature. Instead of doing something practical with her degree, Catherine decided that her chance to do what will make her happy was now or never. Aside from small skits and one-day plays at school, THE TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON is Catherine's first official production.
REUBEN LIM (Mr. Omura)
Reuben Lim is tickled to have this opportunity to perform as part of this lively and talented ensemble. He has performed such roles as Psmith in LEAVE IT TO PSMITH, Hero in A FUNNYTHING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, Murray the Cop in THE ODD COUPLE, and Neville Landless in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD. While not acting Reuben enjoys watching TV and getting paid for it.
PAUL LIRETTE (Captain McLean)
Paul is thrilled to making his debut at the Secret Rose. A transplant from South Florida, his previous shows include School for Wives, Scotland Road, Much Ado About Nothing, Lunch Hour, Eastern Standard, and Ten Little Indians. He has toured in various children's theatre productions, performing in front of audiences he found far more sophisticated than he. He has also stumbled into the occassional commercial, film, and television project. Paul attributes any and all success he has enjoyed to the love and support provided by his family and friends.
MIA LIVAS (Daughter)
Originally from Chicago, Mia has been on the stage since the age of 5. Some of her work includes The Crucible, A Christmas Carol, Burning Chrome, and Romeo and Juliet. She spent several years teaching theatre to children at the Young Actor's Workshop in Chicago. After moving to Los Angeles, she appeared at the Century City Playhouse in the multi-character one-act play Decisions, and Rituals at the Complex in Hollywood. As always, Mia thanks her friends and family for their endless love and support through the drama of her life.
KAZ MATA-MURA (Lotus Blossom)
was a child actor who played diversified characters from Cathy Earnshaw to Puck on stages in Japan since the age of four. She moved to Los Angeles in search of the "realistic acting style" of the western world. She owes all of her success to the mentors who pushed her forward: Mom, Mercedes Shirley and Madam Fujima Kansuma. Kaz is co-owner of the Secret Rose Theatre, founder of Fire Rose Productions and active in children's rights. Thanks a million to her biggest fan, Pea!
TONY MATTHEWS (Colonel Wainwright Purdy III)
Tony has previously been seen in Fire Rose Productions presentations of THE LITTLEST WITCH, THE WRIGHT BROTHERS and BIG TUSH, LITTLE TUSH. Most recently, he was seen in a staged reading of CALL ME EDDIE for the Academy for New Musical Theatre. Stage work has included the roles Charlie in Stan Daniels' HARRISON BERGERON, Donner in THE EIGHT REINDEER MONOLOGUES at the Knightsbridge Theatre, Sam in A FEW GOOD MEN, Charlie Brown in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, Goat in THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, Matt in THE THREEPENNY OPERA, and Lucky in THE RINK. Off-the-stage appear-ances include TV's ARREST AND TRIAL and the short film WORD UP (Santa Monica Film Festival). Tony was also featured in the music video HEAVEN with Larisa Stow; in the upcoming independent short A BEAR'S STORY; and the USC Thesis film BANDCAMP. Originally from Minnesota, Tony is the youngest of 10 children. Tony is very tired.
VIC MIYAHIRA (Mr. Hokaida)
TEAHOUSE marks Vic's second appearance on the Secret Rose stage. He made his debut in TALES FROM THE EAST back in 2001. Vic's film and TV credits include SHOWDOWN IN LITTLE TOKYO, FINAL ANALYSIS, AMERICAN STREETFIGHTER, THE MASTER with Jet Li and THE ARSENIO HALL SHOW. Most recently, he appeared in ST. PETER THE ROCK for the history channel. On the Radio, Vic was heard on the talk show INSIDE OUT WITH MICHAEL LEVINE on KRLA-AM. When not acting, he performs martial arts demonstrations with the Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu Association. Vic holds a 2nd degree black belt and has been an active martial artist for nearly 27 years.
ZUKE OSHIRO (Mr. Seiko)
Zuke came to LA four years ago, seeking air to breathe (as there wasn't much in Tokyo). Primarily a commercial actor and print model, he recently played a 36-year-old dad and a cloistered, bald monk in two successive commercials. He also appeared with bald head in the film PEARL HARBOR - though they shot more of his bare tush than his face. This is Zuke's debut at the Secret Rose, happily neither bald nor bare.
PATRICK PARINS (Sergeant Gregovich)
Pat received his Bachelor's degree in business, speech, and theatre from the University of Minnesota. Upon moving west, he landed in San Francisco where he performed with The Menlo Park Players Guild. In the late eighties, Pat performed here at the Magnolia Playhouse, a building that would later become the Secret Rose, from which he obtained a theatrical agent and a studio delivery job. (Lucky Location!) During that time, he worked on a number of episodics, a few film projects, and was the Stage Manager at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. More recently, Pat acted in URBAN JUNGLE, which made it to the Austin Film Festival, is an Assistant Director at the SAG Conservatory, and is delighted and excited about contributing as a player with the Secret Rose!
JOSH T. RYAN* (Captain McLean)
Josh recently received an ADA Award for this direction of OTHELLO at ZJU (Zombie Joe's Underground), of which he is a founding member. He is a two-time National Shakespeare finalist, National Irene Ryan finalist, and a recipient of numerous awards with a long list of credits. We are glad to have him as part of Fire Rose Productions. You can see more about him at http://www.joshryan.com.
* member of Actors Equity
IAN SHEN (Sakini)
Ian was raised on corn and soybeans in the Midwest, but then moved to Los Angeles in search of a life beyond cow tipping. He clocks in his daily 9-to-5 at a law firm and freelances as a web designer to support his passion for acting. Recently, Ian performed at the Knightsbridge Theatre (Pasadena) as Menenius in Shakespeare's CORIOLANUS and the Duke of Austria in KING JOHN. He was last seen at the Secret Rose battling hobgoblins as the title character in PEACH BOY and ruling the Underworld as the King in URASHIMA TARO. In 2003 listen for his voice in MGM's release of the next Chow Yun Fat feature BULLETPROOF MONK and see him as the Dentist in the East West Players musical production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Soli Deo Gloria.
KUMIE SHIRASAKI (Mrs. Keora)
This is Kumie's California debut. She never expected to be on the stage so quickly after relocating from Florida, or to be working with so many Asian actors! She earned a Bachelor's degree in Art and Drama at Waseda University, had practical training with Mr. Hirano, and gained much confidence from the Acting Studio. Kumie is happy to be able, via her acting, to contribute to the community and to convey Asian culture to the Western world. Wishing her sweetheart Grant was here in the audience. Many thanks to all of her acting teachers - especially to Jack for his great advice - to Mike, Kaz, Pea, Grace and the cast and crew!
HARRY DU YOUNG (Mr. Omura)
Harry is a native of San Francisco who came to southern California as an amateur track athlete in the mid-1980s. Now a seasoned actor, Harry never refuses to seize the opportunity to get himself on stage and working, no matter what the role calls for. He also performs in a Lamplight Tour at the Heritage Square Museum in Highland Park, and is just coming off a production of REFRIGERATOR with the Lodestone Theatre Ensemble. Harry is in preparation for SWEET & SOUR, which is destined to make it into the film festival circuit. His work in THE PRESCRIPTION and WHITE RICE has appeared at the Vancouver, LA Visual Communication, San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago Asian American Film Festivals.
YASUYO "PEA" CHIBA (Technical Director/Sound/Set)
When not working as a slave of the Secret Rose Theatre & Fire Rose Productions, Pea actually gets paid for working at broadcast studios, including Direct TV, Fox, KABC, 20th Century Fox, and Bloomberg in NYC. There, she got to meet Charlie Rose, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and a ghostly Johnny Winters. She was also a tough sound engineering chick at the Roxy and Whiskey-A-Go-Go in LA, and CBGB in NY. Through all this, she still has excellent hearing, except when Kaz calls to say, "I need you now!"
JOHN GRANT (Lighting Designer)
Mr. Grant has been the Resident Lighting Designer with The Secret Rose Theatre since its opening. He has been the resident designer at Actor's Forum for over 17 years, as well as with The Eclectic Company Theatre for the last 2 years. Over 28 years he has done lights for over 350 theatrical presentations. He received his BA in Technical Theatre in 1982. He received awards for his work on SWEENEY TODD and NIGHT OF THE IGUANA. He received an LA Ovation Award nomination for EXMAGRE earlier this year, and has won Drama Logue Awards for several shows in past years. Mr. Grant "daylights" as a Location Manager, currently working on FEAR FACTOR for NBC.
HINA MAMEMURA(Costume Designer)
Despite her knowing Kaz & Pea since their rock 'n roll days, this is the first time she's joined them in their crazy theatre endeavors. Now a resident of Catalina Island, she has been the costume designer for many music videos and musicals, including L'il Abner, Jesus Christ superstar, and Phantom of the Opera. Though this production required a lot of research to combine Okinawan and Japanese culture, she still had fun working with these unstoppable members of the production. Her theme for this show is of "harmony - the balance, beauty, and acceptance of other cultures."
MIKE RADEMAEKERS (Director)
Mike is a critically acclaimed director and producer. Originally from New England, he is the co-owner of the Secret Rose Theatre.
MICHAEL VACCARO (Set Design)
Michael learned carpentry skills while in high school. He and his dad built a 3-bedroom, two-story cottage in Maine on the weekends, driving back and forth from New Hampshire. In college, Michael received a scholarship in Theatre in exchange for building sets. He worked at the New London Barn Playhouse just after college as the Assistant Technical Director. Currently, he runs The Creative Center Theater Company across the street, where h has built many sets and acted in numerous shows. His TV and film credits include CYBILL, ROSEANNE, THE WEST WING and this past summer starred in a movie for HBO Family called THE BIKE SQUAD.