Harriet Chung and George Chiang Featured on Musical Theatre Radio’s Be Our Guest

Harriet Chung and writer/composer George Chiang recently joined host Jean-Paul Yovanoff on Musical Theatre Radio’s podcast, Be Our Guest.

During the episode, they discussed the journey of Golden Lotus, the award-winning musical featuring Chung in the titular role. The program explores Chung's experience bringing the leading character to life on stage, alongside an inside look at the creative processes of performers and writers from around the world.

The episode was produced in conjunction with the internet radio station Musical Theatre Radio and is now available for streaming.

Listen to the episode here.

Harriet Featured on Fairchild TV – A Look Back on Her Musical Theatre Journey

Harriet was recently featured on Fairchild Television in an in-depth interview reflecting on her path in musical theatre — from her early days to making history as the first Asian performer in the Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera.

In this Cantonese-language segment, Harriet shares personal insights into her career, the challenges she faced, and the milestones that shaped her as a performer and educator.

Stratford’s Salesman In China Is An Instant Canadian Classic - Review by Ludwig Van Toronto

“Or the hilarious costumes and wigs that designers Hui Li (Harriet Chung) and Mo (Derek Kwan) devise as to what they think looks “American”, much to Miller’s horror.” – Ludwig Van Toronto

For the full review, see here.

"Salesman In China At The Stratford Festival" - Review by Ontario Stage

“A recreation of a Mao era propaganda opera by Harriet Chung… part of an altogether enthralling production.”
— Stratford Beacon Herald

For the full review, see here.

Stratford Festival review: Salesman in China is storytelling magic - The Beacon Herald

“As well, Harriet Chung 鍾浩賢 brings needed comic relief to Death of a Salesman’s fraught rehearsal process, as the resident makeup artist tasked with making Chinese actors look and feel American without resorting to the stereotypes that so enrage Mille.” - The Beacon Herald

For the full article, see here.

Harriet Chung and George Chiang Discuss Golden Lotus on Filmed Live Musicals Podcast

Harriet Chung and George Chiang recently joined host Luisa Lyons on the Filmed Live Musicals podcast for Episode 81.

During the episode, they discussed the international development and history behind Golden Lotus, the multi-award-winning musical written by Chiang that features Chung in the leading role. The program details how the production evolved from its initial workshops in New York and Toronto to its world premiere in Hong Kong, where it was filmed live on stage.

The conversation covers the background of the classic Chinese novel Jin Ping Mei, the technical process of capturing a live musical performance, and the production's successful run in international film festivals. They also discuss their upcoming work at the Stratford Festival, where both are performing in Salesman in China.

The episode is now available for streaming.

Listen to the full podcast episode here.

The live stage capture of Golden Lotus is currently available to rent on STRATFEST@HOME.

"As Phantom of the Opera’s long run ends, performers reflect and say goodbye: ‘It was the show that everybody wanted to see’." By The Globe And Mail

No Broadway show is meant to last forever, though it once seemed that The Phantom of the Opera might be the one exception to that rule. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical about the universal desire for love first dazzled New York audiences in 1988, two years after it opened in the West End, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

Despite decades of success and its title as the longest-running Broadway show, Phantom was not immune to the effects of the pandemic, and it was announced in September that it would soon come to a close. On April 16, 35 years and nearly 14,000 performances since its opening night, the exceptionally large cast, crew and orchestra will make magic happen in New York City’s Majestic Theatre one last time.

In honour of its impending final performance and the legacy it leaves behind, The Globe spoke to 10 Canadians who’ve been involved with the production – either on Broadway or in Toronto’s 10-year run of the show – about what it is that makes Phantom so enduring…

For the full article, see here.

Harriet Chung Shines in Golden Lotus – Review by Coconuts Hong Kong

“Harriet Chung brings a refreshing quality to Golden Lotus with her beautiful voice and graceful ballet moves...” – Coconuts Hong Kong

Click here for the full review.

"Harriet Chung brings a refreshing quality to Golden Lotus with her beautiful voice and graceful ballet moves. " by HKELD

Deviating from the original novel, Golden Lotus, the Musical composed by George Chiang represents a more unambiguous love tragedy with a more acceptable heroine. While briefly presented, the heroine’s frivolity or sexual desire (which characterizes the original novel’s version of her) is downplayed by turning her into a pathetic victim of beastly male appetites and the corrupted society, probably in a way to underscore her loyal love to Wu Sung….

For full article, see here.

Harriet Chung is nominated for an Ovation! Award for "Outstanding Choreography" for The King and I

The OVATION! Awards, presented by APPLAUSE! Musicals Society, aim to build community spirit and promote local musical theatre companies and productions while also celebrating the past year's outstanding musicals and performances, both professional and amateur. Read More

See full list of nominations here:
https://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/cast-your-vote-2014-ovation-awards