May 26, 2018 #APA Fest Signature Event"Stories Into Performance"

May is Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, a month to reflect, discover and to celebrate

the Asian-Pacific-American community rich history and contribution to American culture along with its unique perspectives and diversity.

"Our heartfelt thanks to our title sponsor United Charity Foundation of their support give life to APA Fest a reality at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, it's been a pleasure working with Anna Cross, Executive Director and Jonathan Salisbury, manager along with the production team at the Mission Playhouse" said Vivian Chan, the Executive Producer of the Asian Pacific American Festival. The culmination of three weeks of cultural events that have formed the first ever San Gabriel APA Fest is coming to end at this Saturday Signature Event and here are some of the highlight of the evening.

On May 26, 2018 APA Festival will present their inaugural “Pioneer Award” and play a special tribute to honor the late Dr. March Fong Eu, first Asian American woman ever elected to a state constitutional office in the United States. Later served as the United States Ambassador and five-term (held the office from 1975-1994) Secretary of the State of California in the presence of her Grandson Matt Fong Jr, niece Cynthia Fang and Goddaughter Linda Sun.

"Stories Into Performance" organizer have been collecting immigration stories from community members on video, on tape and in writing, on our signature closing event, professional actors and directors present stories for the stage drawn from the real lives of community members and we are delighted to present “Tam Tran Goes to Washington” by Elizabeth Wong a play based on the true story of Vietnamese refugee Tam Tran, a Garden Grove native and tireless Dream Act Advocate, who testified before Congress about the DREAM Act in 2009. This moving piece is directed by Marilyn Tokuda, former Education Director at East West Players, she held the post for 14 years. Tokuda has also performed in many East West Players stage shows as

well as having numerous TV and film appearances including Grey’s Anatomy, Frasier, Friends,
Seinfeld, Magnum P.I. and JAG. The story section of this performance is produced by the San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre.

Our signature event also include some fine young talents performing in the ancient art form of Cantonese Opera presented by Perfect Harmony Cultural Exchange Association.

Join us at this special evening APA-Fest signature event promises a lively and positive experience for the audience who keen to engage in some fun and enlightening cultural experiences.

The Signature Event start at 6:30 PM and is FREE to the public. RSVP online apafeast.org to book your seats.

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is located at 320 S. Mission Drive, SanGabriel, CA 91776.