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Based on Amy Tan’s novel of the same name, the on-stage version of The Joy Luck Club tells the story of four Chinese women and their daughters, and how they reconcile their changing relationships and cultural connections. But Craig Bond, artistic director of Vintage Theatre, which is staging the production, was leery of the play at first. “It’s a cast of 23, and 21 are from the Asian community,” he explains. “Typically, around 300 people audition for a season, of which there might be two Asian actors.”
But the story was compelling, and ultimately he went for it, saying, “This particular piece is so rich and such a great vehicle for their heritage. Actresses are saying, ‘I’m doing this because it’s my mother’s story. I’m doing this because it’s my grandmother’s story.'”
The Joy Luck Club, which was adapted for the stage by Susan Kim, debuts tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Vintage Theatre’s new space at 1468 Dayton Street in Aurora, and runs through May 20. Tickets, $18 to $25, are available in advance at www.vintagetheatre.com or at the door.
Fridays, Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Starts: April 27. Continues through May 20, 2012
