'Flower Drum' a hit second time around

Review by John Berger [e-mail] Diamond Head Theatre's production of David Henry Hwang's rewrite of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Flower Drum Song" is great musical theater.

[Michael Herr]

I saw "Flower Drum Song" and immediately hoped I could see this. Then I read the details of David Henry Hwangs 'rewrite' and was dismayed by how he seems to have butchered a beautiful musical. Adding "lots of laughs ...(with) a stereotypical gay costume designer", throwing in "a new political subtext" -- what a tragedy he seems to have made of this work. No, even if I could I wouldn't bother seeing this mess.

[Greg Johnson]

I don't see how someone who has never seen the show and never read the new book can make the assumption that this show is a mess. Do your research, Mr. Herr, before jumping to conclusions.

I saw this show and I loved it! The book is more complex and has more historical accuracy than the original. The author, Hwang, utilizes stereotypes to make a point about how we view individuals based on their outward appearance.

People should see this version of the musical and draw their own conclusions.

[Friston Hookano]

All I can say is: "Leave all attitude at the front door!"
My being part Asian I should be the very one to make a "stink" about the rewrite.
This Revival that DHT has put on is incredible! Greg Zane and his cast has done a superb job. No wonder the show is continuing to extend!
Hawaii is a melting pot with a great percentage of its community being Asian. It's the Asian community (locals) that are packing the house.
"We" don't see it as a "mess" during the rewrite. "We" see it as being CORRECT in the telling of how the struggles of being Asian or from any other country for that matter is difficult.
It's a story of "Struggle" of knowing who you are and where you come from.
"Braddah...get with the program!"
DHT's production is simply beautiful and breath-taking!!!!
See it...learn from it...understand it!!!