Jordan comes from a family of musicians, and has always enjoyed singing throughout high school and college. His past experience includes solo performances as a part of the UCSB Chamber Choir, as well as playing the role of Javert in a school production of Les Miserables. He is honored to be a part of an American production of a traditional Chinese story, and more importantly, a performance dedicated to the inspiring and successful life of Howard Rubenstein. Jordan enjoys Xi Xiang Ji because it grapples with two of the most important challenges of young adulthood: the pursuit of love, and one’s duty to their family. Jordan would like to thank his father as well as Mrs. Lucy Lin, who both helped him prepare for this role.

Lia Zheng, 17, is a high school senior at Canyon Crest Academy. She fell in love with singing at a young age. Lia has been training in classical voice with Zeping Cai for over a decade, and recently has also worked with Kathleen Martin, Vera Calabria, Bruce Stasyna, and Bill Vendice. Lia performs regularly at local cultural events such as the annual Voice of Yucai galas. Among Lia’s most notable awards are a Grand Prize in Classical Voice at the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight competition (2022), and two-time second-place finish at the Hal Leonard Vocal Competition (2021, 2022). In 2020, Lia co-founded remember20.net, an online virtual gallery of art, music, and literature to showcase the works by young artists during the pandemic. Trained as a classical singer, Lia has never performed in a musical or music theatre, so this is a new experience for her. Lia worked extensively with director Lucy Lin in the months leading up to her debut in the musical. Romance of the Western Chamber (西厢记) is one of the most celebrated dramatic works in Chinese literature. It is an honor and privilege for Lia to participate in presenting its English adaptation to a live audience, which will bridge Chinese and Western cultures and help bring people together at a time when we need it the most. Notable awards and honors include: 2023 national YoungArts Honorable Mention winner, 2022 Grand Prize in Classical Voice at the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight competition, 2021 and 2022 two-time 2nd place finishes at the North American Hal Leonard Vocal Competition.

Evelyn Olson (Lamden) is a trained professional actor, dancer, and singer. Her career started as a dancer on Channel 7 television in Manila, Philippines on a weekly tv show. Upon returning to the US, she began dancing in musical theatre, then added acting and singing to her resume. Upon moving to Los Angeles, she trained in commercial and film acting and pursued her craft, primarily working in her original love of musical theatre where she met her husband, Bill Lamden while he played as a musician in the orchestra pit.

She retired from acting and began a business career for several years, until she sold her marketing consulting firm and resumed acting in 2021. While working in the business world, she was able to draw on her training as an entertainer and performer, and was hired as a corporate spokesperson, interviewer of executives, live production MC, and, also began script writing and producing for corporate events.

With RWC, she’s back on the musical theatre stage after a long hiatus, with her husband Bill back in the orchestra pit playing flute for this production. They’re grateful for the opportunity to work together again after 38 years! Both are active in the performing arts community, with Evelyn serving on the board of The Old Globe Theatre, Malashock Dance Company, and other non-profit organizations.

Born and raised in San Diego, Becca graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor's in Music Education, specializing in Voice. Since then, she has been involved in music education throughout San Diego, teaching in various elementary schools in the San Diego Unified School District as well as her private studio. She also performs with San Diego’s professional choral ensemble, SACRA/PROFANA, which is on its 14th season this year. Becca had the privilege of working with Dr. Howard Rubenstein in recording some of the selections from Romance of the Western Chamber, back in 2010. Becca is excited to be a part of this San Diego premiere and is grateful for the opportunity and training provided by Ms. Lucy Lin.

James Fan is a well-known event MC and host in Southern California. He is known for his classically trained voice as well as the personable and dignified style of his performance. He is also a reputable doctor and professor known nationally by his students and colleagues.

Passionate about creating stories that connect people from all parts of the world, Flagg Guo is mused by his adventures and encounters via his unique life experiences. Growing up in China and later moving to California, he adopted a distinctive vision of contrasting and fusing stories from a variety of cultures. His insight and sensitivity bettered his quest to create

resonating stories. Flagg started his acting journey in drama class at Lee Academy in Maine. While studying there, he first gained experience on creating and acting in theatrical plays. Later, Flagg furthered his training at Grossmont College in San Diego, California. During his time there, he had opportunities to act in films and work with filmmakers. The experience ignites a spark which broadens his path to other areas of storytelling. Currently, he is working on his skills in scriptwriting and film directing. In essence, Flagg aspires to be a storyteller through acting, scriptwriting, and film directing. He is looking forward to making an impactful presence in the world of storytelling.

Patrick is a native San Diegan actor, singer and choreographer. Select theatre credits include Warren in Ordinary Days (InnerMission), Joseph in The Hour of Great Mercy (Diversionary Theatre), Uncle Chin in Flower Drum Song (SD Asian-American Rep), Juan in Altar Boyz (Coronado Playhouse) and Charlie in Going to a Place Where You Already Are (OnStage Playhouse) among others. He has performed on live national television and was recently featured in the dark comedy short We All Die Alone, which has garnered several film festival awards across the country. When not on stage, Patrick is a customer service assistant manager, caretaker, singing telegrammer and wedding officiant for hire. Love and thanks to friends and fam!

FB/IG: @patrickmayuyu

Andres is proud to be making his debut with Asian Story Theater. He believes in promoting the creative endeavors of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists and letting them take part in their own stories, in their own words, and in their own way. He made his regional debut dancing in David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly (South Coast Repertory). Asian Theatre Credits: Kasama written by Thelma De Castro (Southwestern New Performing Arts Center), The Poetry Play written by Mica Rose, Colored written by Carol Cabrera King (MaArte Theatre Collective), Agila written by Baby Bagos Hood (SD Fringe Festival), Ti Mangyuna (UC San Diego). All of which he had the honor to portray Filipinx characters. He would like to extend his gratitude to these Filipinx playwrights mentioned for creating these roles to be lived on stage. Favorite Dance Credits: performing as Melchior’s dance counterpart in a production of Spring Awakening, as choreographer for a production of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (Muir Musical). Andres has a passion for movement and recently finished waltzing at the ball in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Moonlight Stage Productions). In 2021, he won a dance film contest set by filmmaker Brandon Pham for #DanceAgainstAsianHate, and donated $250 towards the Asian American Advocacy Fund in Georgia. Andres holds a B.A. in Theatre from UC San Diego and is a teaching artist with The Rosin Box Project. Endless gratitude for my teachers, family and friends for their love. Always. andreslagang.com instagram: y0dna91

Dr. Dong Ji graduated from Peking University and received the doctoral degree in neuroscience. After that, Dr. Ji went to the prestigious SALK institute and the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California for the further research. His research and clinical practice focused on the neuroendocrine diseases and neurological disorders.

Dr. Ji was the editor-in-chief of The World of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the assistant-editor of Chinese Journal of Pain Medicine. He served as a committee member for the Medical Evidence Evaluation Advisory Committee (MEEAC) of the state of California. Dr. Ji presently serves as a reviewer for the journal of Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior (published by Elsevier). He also served as a commissioner for the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

As the department chair of Herbology, Dr. Ji teaches classes in multiple postgraduate programs, including ancient classics, clinical applications of herbal medicine, advanced integrative medicine, clinical research, and family medicine courses. Additionally, Dr. Ji taught integrative medicine courses at UCLA for the 4th-year medical school students, residents and MD fellows. He has been invited to teach and present at different acupuncture schools, conferences and symposiums across the US.

Dr. Ji has his private practices in Del Mar, California. He also teaches as a clinical faculty and treats patients at the UCSD Neurology Institute clinic in La Jolla, California.

Rhylen Miller is excited about her first appearance in Romance of the Western Chamber. In addition to acting, Rhylen loves to sing and dance. She is currently in Contemporary/Lyrical competition dance. She loves to choreograph dances with her friends and playing with her LPS (Littlest Pet Shop).

Yicun Sun is classically trained in Chines Dance and Ballet. He trained with Bonnie Oda Homsey in Martha Graham modern dance technique and attended The Taylor School exploring Paul Taylor dance repertories. He was personally coached by Donald McKayle, a modern dance pioneer, to performing Mr McKayle’s original work. He received an MFA degree in Dance from UC, Irvine and been enjoying dancing, teaching, and producing shows.

Hugh Wang, from Shanghai, China. I am a veteran of engineer who has lived in the United States for nearly 40 years. After retiring, I began to learn singing and joined the San Diego Chinese Choral Society. Under the guidance of Ms. Lin, I am very interested in vocal music and enjoy the activities of the choir. I cherish being able to participate in the performance of "Romance of the West Chamber", and will try my best to contribute to the success of the performance.

Weilin is a long time San Diego resident with interest in classical music and Broadway musicals. He feels honored to have the opportunity to support Ms Lucy Lin to bring the late Dr Rubinstein’s play to the San Diego audience.

I enjoy singing and have joined SDCCS for more than six years. This is once in a life time chance and I am exciting to be in this show. It will be a great experience to me.

Willis Li grew up in China and is currently a Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego. Besides teaching and scientific research, he has developed an interest in music and singing. He enjoys activities at the San Diego Chinese Choral Society, directed by Ms. Lucy Lin. He feels honored to have the opportunity to participate in the play Romance of the Western Chamber.

Jack Meng is 77 years young , married with 2 adult children, and 2 very loveable grandchildren. He is a retired business manager and made 2 television commercials 50 years ago.

Chunchun Chien is a talented lady, an artist, and a pharmacy technician. She enjoys singing, hiking, traveling, and cooking.

Everyone likes to have a chat with her and likes to be a good friend of hers.

She is excited to be part of the play. This is a good time for her to dress in an old Chinese costume and expand her singing talend to the stage.

My name is Yayin Li. As an American Chinese who was raised up in Chinese traditional cultural atmosphere, I have been always fascinated on Chinese Literature and stage play. I was even trained by the artist from top one theatre in China -- Beijing People's Art Theatre when I was in college, and I watched every single show of theirs during the years I lived in Beijing. In addition, I love dancing as well and joined San Diego local Chinese folks dancing Society Moon Light and Blue Ming. I have performed many times on various events to introduce Chinese culture and art to San Diego people. The reason I picked this show is that I am so familiar with this story since my college major was Chinese Literature and I also watched the movie version and Yue Opera version of this play. In my opinion this story is the classic for Chinese traditional romance with happy ending. I am so proud that I have the chance to do something for it to be known by the western world.

Haixin Li is an artist in various forms including oil painting, digital painting, photography and singing. Her love of music and performance started in elementary school. She performed in plays while they were in college. She started Bel Canto classical vocal training with Teacher Lucy Lin in 2017, and studied opera, art songs and Broadway musicals. She appreciates the opportunity to work with their teacher, the music director, Lucy Lin, in this fantastic musical Romance of the West Chamber.

Outside of her work as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, Haihui enjoys many forms of art, one of which is music. She was thrilled to see one of her favorite Chinese classical plays adapted into a Broadway musical by Howard Rubenstein, and is debuting in her first-time stage performance as part of Romance of the Western Chamber.

Sarah is a senior at Canyon Crest Academy. She is a part of CCA's Envision Vocal Conservatory. She was excited to take part in this play, seeing it as a great opportunity to grow her singing and acting experience, as well as learn more about her culture. Outside of singing, she is a member of her school's debate team and works on the weekend. In her free time she enjoys listening to music and spending time with friends.

Lily is a software engineer. She enjoys music, reading, travel, and many other things. She is always interested in different kinds of dances like ballroom and Latina. She recently joined the Blue Ming Chinese Dance Company and has developed a new interest - Chinese traditional dance. She will be performing in a group dance in Romance of the Western Chamber.

Jenny Zhang earned her doctorate in Mathematics and has lived in China, Japan, and the US. She enjoys music, yoga, and hiking. She joined Blue Ming’s zoom classes during the Covid-19 lockdown period, enjoying learning Chinese classical and Jazz dances. Zhang has become an avid dancer, and is taking multiple dance training classes each week, participated in several public performances and dance video productions, and is already one of the key dancers in the Blue Ming Dance Company.

Shihong Ma has been living in San Diego for the past 25 years. She joined the Blue Ming Dance company in the spring of 2019 and it has helped her become a disciplined dancer. She would highly recommend the Blue Ming Dance company to any individual who would like to learn traditional Chinese dances.

Ivie Lim is a dancer primarily focused on classical ballet and is new to the art of Chinese dance.

She began dancing at age 7, eventually training under Tom and Muriel Teague at Del Mar Ballet. She has participated in dance programs for Milwaukee Ballet and the American Ballet Theater, as well as numerous performances for the dance department of UC Santa Barbara, of which she attended for college. She took a gap year to become a trainee at State Street Ballet, later returning to finish her education and continuing to dance at UCSB. She had always wanted to learn Chinese dance, so when approached with the opportunity, she took it with great enthusiasm. She has spent the last few months dancing with the Blue Ming Dance Company improving her skills.