That Gentleman From China

by Doris Chu
Premiered in 1998 at the Tremont Theatre in Boston
Directed by Alexander Chirkov
Costume designed by Elana Ivanova

The play is a true story of the first Chinese merchant who came to Boston in mid 19th century. His success, wealth, and generosity warranted him status and respect in the high society. He was in love with an American girl. Because of marrying her he had to adopt the Christianity, became a U.S. citizen. He was the first Chinese to do those. He moved to Malden for Boston and lived there for 12 years. As the wealthiest man in that city he funded the whole centennial celebration for Malden.

Starkly contrasting to his enviable position was the suffering and persecution endured by the Chinese laborers in California in this period. Deeply saddened by the tragic fate of his compatriots, this man left what was his home for twenty eight years and returned to China where his root was.

The episodes were based on historical facts and most of the characters are real people of mid to late 19th century. The historically accurate and elaborate costumes were designed and built specifically for this play which was premiered in April-May of 1998.

 

 

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                                                CAST

Narrator #1                                                               Doug Halsey:                   
Governor Bennett
Mr. Henry Hentz
Ralph James
Strobridge
P.C. Huntington
Frank Pixley
Mr. Cochran
Senator Piper
Servant

Narrator #2                                                               John Herring
Governor Burnett
Wald
Charles Crocker
State Official
William Ar-Showe
Senator Sargent

Narrator #3                                                       Alexandra de Suze
Marry Little

Narrator #4                                                                 Susan Hern
Josephine Hentz
Mark Hopkins

Narrator #5                                                           Charles Hughes
Liang Ar Kan
Gov. McDougal
Mr. Sullivan
Governor Bigler
Leland Stanford
City Official
Servant
Senator Cooper

Oong Ar Showe                                                            Alex Chen

Louisa Hentz                                                              Stacie Green

Understudy: for Narrator #3                                          Holly Little
and Mary

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Other production of interest

That Gentleman From China 2000 production
That Gentleman From China, Playwright's notes

The Wild Land
Within The Forbidden City
America, America
The Silk Road
Three Lives
Rhinoceros
The Malice of Empire   
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