adapted by Mary Zimmerman
and directed by Diane Fetterly
Journey to the West is a wonderful adventure story about a quest for something very important. It is very funny and ultimately very moving. Tripitaka, the Monk journeys from China to India in search of sacred Buddhist scriptures. He travels with three companions–the mischievous, boastful Monkey King; Bajie, the Pig, a babyish incarnation of appetite & lust; and Wujing, the River Spirit, who brings courage & strength to the Monk’s aid. The 16th century novel on which the play is based is a classic in China, and the characters have become favorites of the Chinese. They appear in comic books, TV cartoons, and ads for Chinese beer. The author, Mary Zimmerman, says of this show, “The play is full of beauty. It is very funny, and its lessons are important to many people in the world.”
JOURNEY TO THE WEST
Director | Diane Fetterly |
Music Director and Composer | Tynowyn Woolman |
Scenic, Costume, and Properties Designer | Teresa Shea |
Lighting Designer | Tim Dugan |
Choreographer | Michael Baranowski |
Hair and Make-up Designer | Sara Quay |
Technical Director | Tom Taylor |
Sound Engineer | Chris Christensen |
Stage Manager | Jessica Guise |
Assistant Stage Manager | Andrew Diederich |
THE CAST
The Goddesses
Jade Empress, Queen of Heaven | Kim Wellman |
Lady Bodhisattva, Guanyin | Trish Adair |
Moksa, Guanyin’s Disciple | Xochitl Husted |
Tathagata Buddha of the Ultimate Bliss | Allison Chan |
The Pilgrims
Sun Wukong, The Monkey King | Michael Baranowski |
Tripitaka, The Monk | Danny McCammon |
Bajie, The Pig | Brett Torgrimson |
Wujing, Sha Monk | Kate Tobie |
The Ensemble
(in order of appearance)
Lisa Moon | Aneka Qing Mei Torgrimson |
Jake Dabis | Eric Tomb |
Ty Baldwin | Hock G. Tjoa |
Dinah Smith | Vann Dart |
Maxwell Freedman | Ava Pritchett |
Erin Commiskey | Olivia Pritchett |
Virgil Wong |
The Orchestra of Heaven and Earth
Music Director and Composer | Tynowyn Woolman |
Musician | Lisa Strozzi Stine |
Musician | Joe Fajen |