Photo Diary: Inside Utah Shakespeare Festival’s World Premiere of Jason Ma’s GOLD MOUNTAIN Starring Ali Ewoldt and Jonny Lee Jr.
Last week, I flew to Salt Lake City for the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere production of Gold Mountain, a new musical by two-time ASCAP Foundation Award recipient Jason Ma, currently playing a limited run through November 20 at the West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, UT.
Playwright/Composer Jason Ma. Photo by Lia Chang
The world premiere of Gold Mountain, part of the Thrive 125 celebration of 125 years of Utah statehood, began previews on November 4 and opened on November 5. Gold Mountain is the first-ever non-touring production outside of Cedar City, produced by the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival.
West Valley City is only a 15 minute ride from the Salt Lake City airport. I arrived a day before the company photo call to get tested as per strict Covid protocols so that I could join the bubble with the cast and creative team. Everyone that knows me is aware that I love to eat, so in addition to photographing the show, and documenting the first preview and opening night, I noshed on great Vietnamese food at Phở 777 (1835 W 3600 S Suite A, West Valley City, UT 84119) and Phở Saigon Noodle House (2222 W 3500 S, West Valley City, UT 84119), and Korean cuisine at Myung Ga (3353 S Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, UT 84119).
West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, UT. Photo by Lia ChangViet Vo, Lawrence Michael C. Arias, Jimmy Nguyen, Kelvin Moon Loh, Kennedy Kanagawa, Darren Lee, Steven Eng, Eymard Cabling and Kiet Tai Cao. Photo by Lia Chang
Gold Mountain is an original musical by Jason Ma, who wrote the book, lyrics and score. Alan Muraoka is directing, having been at the helm for multiple workshops, presentations, and concert versions of the piece since 2015. This marks a return to Utah for Gold Mountain. A staged concert, starring Broadway’s Ali Ewoldt(Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables), was performed as a key commemorative event for Utah’s 2019 Spike 150 anniversary celebrations in Salt Lake City and Ogden with a New York based cast of Asian American actors. Ewoldt reprises her starring role as Yook Mei in the upcoming production opposite Jonny Lee Jr. as Lit Ning.
Ali Ewoldt and Jonny Lee Jr.. Photo by Lia Chang
The cast also features Lawrence-Michael C. Arias as Wong, Kiet Tai Cao as Chu, Michael Ching as Ba, Steven Eng as Loong, Kennedy Kanagawa as Lo, Darren Lee as Jiang, and Robert Scott Smith as Hagan. Eymard Cabling, Kelvin Moon Loh, Jimmy Nguyen, and Viet Vo round out the cast. Emily Song Tyler is the understudy for Mei.
1st row: Jennifer Jackson, Amanda Morton, Alan Muraoka, Jason Ma, Billy Bustamante, Darren Lee. 2nd Row: Viet Vo, Kiet Tai Cao, Jimmy Nguyen, Kelvin Moon Loh, Steven Eng, Emily Song Tyler. 3rd Row: Eymard Cabling, Robert Scott Smith, Lawrence-Michael C. Arias, Ali Ewoldt, Michael Ching, Kennedy Kanagawa, Jamyi Smith and Joanna Li. Photo by Lia Chang
Gold Mountain is a love story set against the backdrop of a pivotal event in America’s history, the construction of the world’s first transcontinental railroad. Ma’s original musical celebrates the striving immigrant spirit, the redemptive power of love, and the ultimate nobility of self sacrifice among a team of Chinese railroad workers.
The Company. Photo by Lia Chang
The Gold Mountain creative team is entirely comprised of women and artists of color. In addition to Muraoka, the team includes music director Amanda Morton, orchestrations by Steven Cuevas, choreographer Billy Bustamante, associate director/ choreographer Darren Lee, associate music director Joanna Li, costume design by Helen Q. Huang, sets by Jo Winiarski, lighting design by Jaymi Lee Smith, and sound design by Jennifer Jackson. Derek Charles Livingston, Utah Shakespeare Festival’s director of new play development/artistic associate, provides Dramaturgy.
GOLD MOUNTAIN Artistic Staff – 1st row: Associate Music Director/Conductior Joanna Li, Choreographer Billy Bustamante, Scenic Designer Jo Winiarski, Assistant Choreographer/Assistant Director Darren Lee. 2nd Row: Playwright/Composer Jason Ma, Music Director Amanda Morton, Sound Designer Jennifer Jackson, Director Alan Muraoka, Lighting Designer Jaymi Lee Smith. (not pictured Orchestrator Steven Cuevas and Costume Designer Helen Q. Huang). Photo by Lia Chang
In 2019 Governor Herbert’s Spike150 commission, in partnership with the Chinese Railroad Workers Descendants Association, brought Gold Mountain to Utah as a special cultural event to celebrate the landmark 150th Anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Ali Ewoldt. Photo by Lia ChangRobert Scott Smith and Ali Ewoldt. Photo by Lia Chang
Ali Ewoldt. Photo by Lia Chang
Gold Mountain has also been presented at TheTimesCenter in New York City by Baayork Lee’s National Asian Artists Project in partnership with Prospect Theater Company as a part of their 2017 IGNITE series. The original musical was also selected for presentation at the 2016 ASCAP/DreamWorks Musical Theatre Workshop in Los Angeles, for development by Apples & Oranges Studios in their 2017 THEatre ACCELERATOR, for a staged reading at San Francisco LaborFest 2016 in The Aurora Theatre, and for a 2017 eStudio grant for a developmental workshop at The Masie Center.
Steven Eng and Kennedy Kanagawa. Photo by Lia ChangSteven Eng. Photo by Lia ChangSteven Eng and Kennedy Kanagawa. Photo by Lia Chang
Tickets are available at the West Valley Arts website at wvcarts.org/gold-mountain.html at any time, by calling 801-965-5140, or by visiting the Ticket Office in person at 3333 Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah. Ticket Office hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Remaining performances:
Nov 13, 2:00 p.m., Saturday
Nov 13, 7:30 p.m., Saturday
Nov 16, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday
Nov 17, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday
Nov 18, 7:30 p.m., Thursday
Nov 19, 7:30 p.m., Friday
Nov 20, 2:00 p.m., Saturday
Nov 20, 7:30 p.m., Saturday
Jimmy Nguyen, Kelvin Moon Loh, Eymard Cabling and Viet Vo. Photo by Lia ChangJimmy Nguyễn, Darren Lee, Kiet Tai Cao, Kelvin Moon Loh, Eymard Cabling, Kennedy Kanagawa, Viet Vo and Steven Eng. Photo by Lia ChangLawrence Michael C. Arias (on the floor), Steven Eng, Jimmy Nguyen, Kiet Tai Cao, Darren Lee, Jonny Lee Jr., Kelvin Moon Loh, Viet Vo, Eymard Cabling and Kennedy Kanagawa. Photo by Lia ChangPhotos: Utah Shakespeare Festival’s World Premiere of Jason Ma’s GOLD MOUNTAIN Starring Ali Ewoldt and Jonny Lee Jr.
Below is my photo diary documenting the week leading up to opening night, including dinner and treats.
NOVEMBER 2, 2021
Dinner at Phở 777 (1835 W 3600 S Suite A, West Valley City, UT 84119).
Chao gio – Fried summer roll. Photo by Lia Chang
Pho duo bo – Ox Tail Noodle Soup. Photo by Lia Chang
The biggest oxtail I have ever eaten. More please. Photo by Lia Chang
The biggest oxtail I have ever had. Photo by Lia Chang
NOVEMBER 3, 2021
The mountains of West Valley City, Utah. Photo by Lia Chang
Jason Ma and Associate Producer Max Chang. Photo by Lia ChangJason Ma, Lia Chang and Associate Producer Max Chang. Photo by Lia ChangDonuts from Donut Boy. Of course, I had the maple bacon donut. Photo by Lia Chang
I liked Phở 777 so much, I went back a second time with friends.
Amanda Morton, Josh, Alan Muraoka, Billy Bustamante and Darren Lee at Phở 777 in West Valley City, UT. Photo by Lia ChangBilly Bustamante, Alan Muraoka, Darren Lee, Amanda Morton and Lia Chang. Photo by Josh
Butter Wings with Sweet Chili Sauce. Photo by Lia Chang
Shrimpy Curry Lemon Glass Noodles. Photo by Lia Chang
Spicy Lemon Grass Chicken. Photo by Lia Chang
Chicken Crispy Noodles. Photo by Lia Chang
Korean BBQ Short Ribs. Photo by Lia Chang
General Tsaos Chicken and White Rice. Photo by Lia Chang
Grilled Pork Chop and Egg Rolls. Photo by Lia Chang
NOVEMBER 4, 2021 – 1ST PREVIEW
The skies of West Valley City, Utah. Photo by Lia Chang
Playwright/Composer Jason Ma and Director Alan Muraoka. Photo by Lia Chang
The cast of GOLD MOUNTAIN. Photo by Lia Chang
Jason took me to Phở Saigon Noodle House (2222 W 3500 S, West Valley City, UT 84119) during the dinner break.
Phở Saigon Noodle House (2222 W 3500 S, West Valley City, UT 84119).
Jason’s comfort food meal- Mi Hoanh Thanh Xa Xin- egg noodle and wonton soup served with sliced char-siu pork. Photo by Lia Chang
Cha Gid (Crispy Egg Rolls)- Two crispy rolls stuffed with crabmeat, shrimpy, pork, salad, and rice vermicelli. Photo by Lia Chang
Banh Mi Bo Dai Han -Beef Short Rib Sandwich with cucumber, picked sandwich carrots, daikon, cilantro, Jalapeño, soy sauce, black pepper and mayo. Photo by Lia Chang
Doug Foxley his son Steve Foxley, and his grandchild Graham with Jason Ma. Photo by Lia ChangA guest, Jason Ma, USF Board member Nancy Melich. Photo by Lia ChangElliott Masie, Jason Ma and Cathy Masie. Photo by Lia ChangAmanda Morton and Alan Ariano. Photo by Lia ChangJustin Anthony Long, Jonny Lee Jr., Elliott Masie and Cathy Masie. Photo by Lia ChangAlan Ariano and Jonny Lee Jr. Photo by Lia ChangJonny Lee Jr. and Lia Chang. Photo by Justin Anthony Long1st row: Emily Song Tyler, Jimmy Nguyen, Viet Vo, Kiet Tai Cao. 2nd row: Cathie Masie, Alan Ariano, Kelvin Moon Loh, Lia Chang, Jonny Lee Jr., Elliott Masie. Photo by Justin Anthony LongDirector Alan Muraoka, Music Director Amanda Morton, Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer Darren Lee, Archivist/Photographer Lia Chang, Choregrapher Billy Bustamante and Playwright/Composer Jason Ma. Photo by Jo Winiarski
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 – OPENING NIGHT
Alan Muraoka and Jason Ma. Photo by Lia ChangChoreographer Billy Bustamante. Photo by Lia Chang
Our opening night dinner of choice was Korean cuisine, Myung Ga.
Wild rice and tofu soup. Photo by Lia Chang
Bulgogi-Marinate BBQ Beef. Photo by Lia Chang
Galbi- BBQ Beef Short Ribs. Photo by Lia Chang
Utah Shakespeare Festival’s opening night of the world premiere of Jason Ma’s GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangUtah Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Brian Vaughn, Jason Ma, USF Executive Producer Frank Mack, USF Director of New Play Development/Artistic Associate Derek Livingston, and USF Director of Development and Communication Donn Jersey. Photo by Lia ChangUtah Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Brian Vaughn and Utah Shakespeare Festival Executive Producer Frank Mack. Photo by Lia ChangUtah Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Brian Vaughn and Utah Shakespeare Festival Executive Producer Frank Mack. Photo by Lia ChangUtah Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Brian Vaughn, USF Director of New Play Development/Artistic Associate Derek Livingston. Photo by Lia ChangUtah Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Brian Vaughn, USF Director of Development and Communication Donn Jersey, USF Director of New Play Development/Artistic Associate Derek Livingston, USF Executive Producer Frank Mack. Photo by Lia ChangBrent and Kathy Jones, Jeffrey R. Nelson, and Katie C. Nelson, Jason Ma. Photo by Lia ChangJeffrey R. Nelson, Katie C. Nelson, Jason Ma. Photo by Lia ChangJason Ma, Gail Miller and Kim R. Wilson. Photo by Lia ChangElliott Masie, Jason Ma, Cathy Masie, Gail Miller and Kim R. Wilson. Photo by Lia ChangElliott Masie, Jason Ma, Cathy Masie and Alan Ariano. Photo by Lia ChangJason Ma and Alan Ariano. Photo by Lia ChangGenevieve Chang, Edee Chang, Gisele Chang, Beatrice Chang, Alan Muraoka, Jason Ma, Po Chang and Max Chang. Photo by Lia ChangDirector Alan Muraoka, Herb Perry and guests. Photo by Lia ChangMarie Shell with her sons Joe and Buckeye, Jason Ma. Photo by Lia ChangJason Ma, Jennie Sant, CynThia Fadel Fleming. Photo by Lia ChangMatthew Emata Aninzo, Billy Bustamante, Thomas Marcus, Joshua Black, Peyton Royale. Photo by Lia ChangEmily Song Tyler, Jason Ma, Alex Hsu, Alan Ariano. Photo by Lia ChangAmanda Morton with her husband, Josh. Photo by Lia Chang
This production is made possible, in part, with support from the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, the Thrive 125 celebration of the 125th anniversary of Utah statehood, the Jeffery R. and Katie C. Nelson Foundation and Po and Beatrice Chang.
Po and Beatrice Chang, Jason Ma. Photo by Lia ChangAlan Muraoka, EJ Zimmerman and Jason Ma. Photo by Lia ChangElliott Masie and Alan Muraoka. Photo by Lia ChangDerek Livingston, Mikayla Rae Wallentine, Andrew Daines Wallentine, Frank Mack and his wife, Sarah Delia. Photo by Lia ChangLion dancers in the house before the opening night performance of GOLD MOUNTAIN. Photo by Lia ChangLion dancers in the house before the opening night performance of GOLD MOUNTAIN. Photo by Lia ChangOpening night flowers. Photo by Lia ChangChristine Toy Johnson gifted Jason and the company GOLD MOUNTAIN themed cupcakes, arranged by Max Chang. Photo by Max Chang
Kouign Amann. Photo by Lia Chang
Special GOLD MOUNTAIN themed cupcakes, an opening night gift for the company from Christine Toy Johnson. Photo by Lia Chang
Special GOLD MOUNTAIN themed cupcakes, an opening night gift for the company from Christine Toy Johnson. Photo by Lia Chang
The GOLD MOUNTAIN company take a bow on opening night of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere of GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangThe GOLD MOUNTAIN company take a bow on opening night of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere of GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangThe GOLD MOUNTAIN company take a bow on opening night of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere of GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangThe GOLD MOUNTAIN company take a bow on opening night of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere of GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangThe GOLD MOUNTAIN company take a bow on opening night of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere of GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangThe GOLD MOUNTAIN company take a bow on opening night of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere of GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangThe GOLD MOUNTAIN company take a bow on opening night of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere of GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangThe GOLD MOUNTAIN company take a bow on opening night of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere of GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangThe GOLD MOUNTAIN company take a bow on opening night of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s world premiere of GOLD MOUNTAIN at West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah on November 5, 2021. Photo by Lia ChangRobert Scott Smith, Michael Ching and Darren Lee. Photo by Lia ChangSteven Eng, Kennedy Kanagawa, Kelvin Moon Loh and Lawrence-Michael C. Arias. Photo by Lia ChangKiet Tai Cao, Jimmy Nguyen, Eymard Cabling and Viet Vo. Photo by Lia ChangKiet Tai Cao, Jimmy Nguyen and Viet Vo. Photo by Lia ChangAli Ewoldt and her dresser, Marissa Swanner. Photo by Lia ChangAli Ewoldt and Jonny Lee Jr. Photo by Lia ChangJonny Lee Jr. Photo by Lia ChangKennedy Kanagawa and Lawrence Michael C. Arias. Photo by Lia ChangDarren Lee, Ali Ewoldt, Viet Vo, Robert Scott Smith, Lia Chang, Kelvin Moon Loh, Jimmy Nguyen, Kiet Tai Cao and Michael Ching.Peyton Royale, Billy Bustamante, Amanda Morton and her husband, Josh. Photo by Lia ChangKay Robinson, Michael Ching, Justin Anthony Long and Jonny Lee Jr. Photo by Lia ChangKiet Tai Cao, Alex Hsu, Jimmy Nguyen and Emily Song Tyler. Photo by Lia ChangMax Chang, Steven Eng. Photo by Lia ChangElliott Masie, Ali Ewoldt, Cathie Masie, Darren Lee and Steven Eng. Photo by Lia ChangElliott Masie, Cathy Masie, Edee Chang and Max Chang. Photo by Lia ChangAlan Ariano and Kelvin Moon Loh. Photo by Lia ChangSteven Eng, Diane Wiltshire, Kennedy Kanagawa and David Gow. Photo by Lia ChangAlex Hsu and Lawrence Michael C. Arias. Photo by Lia Chang1st Row: Kennedy Kanagawa, Steven Eng, Viet Vo, Kelvin Moon Loh, Kiet Tai Cao and Eymard Cabling. 2nd Row: Michael Ching, Lawrence Michael C. Arias, Jimmy Nguyen, Billy Bustamante, Jonny Lee Jr., Darren Lee. Photo by Lia Chang1st Row: Alan Muraoka, Emily Song Tyler, Kennedy Kanagawa, Steven Eng, Viet Vo, Kelvin Moon Loh, Jason Ma, Kiet Tai Cao and Eymard Cabling. 2nd Row: Michael Ching, Lawrence Michael C. Arias, Jimmy Nguyen, Billy Bustamante, Jonny Lee Jr., Darren Lee, Robert Scott Smith, Ali Ewoldt, Amanda Morton. Photo by Lia ChangAssociate Producer Max Chang (Center) leading the applause. Photo by Lia ChangJonny Lee Jr., EJ Zimmerman, Olivia Oguma and Jason Ma. Photo by Lia ChangViet Vo and Alan Muraoka. Photo by Lia ChangAlan Muraoka, Kiet Tai Cao and Darren Lee. Photo by Billy BustamanteLia Chang, Max Chang, Edee Lin, Genevieve and Gisele Chang. Photo by Billy BustamanteLawrence-Michael C. Arias, Alan Ariano, Alex Hsu, Viet Vo and Lia Chang. Photo by Bily BustamanteLia Chang and Kelvin Moon Loh. Photo by Billy Bustamante.Kiet Tai Cao, Jimmy Nguyen, Viet Vo. Photo by Lia ChangEmily Song Tyler, Jimmy Nguyen, Jason Ma, Alan Muraoka, Alex Hsu, Lawrence-Michael C. Arias, Darren Lee, Kiet Tai Cao. Photo by ChangJimmy Nguyen. Photo by Lia ChangDiane Wiltshire, Kennedy Kanagawa, Olivia Oguma and David Gow. Photo by Lia ChangAlan Muraoka, Edee Chang, Genevieve and Gisele Chang, Max Chang. Photo by Lia ChangPo Chang, Beatrice Chang, Edee Chang, Max Chang, Genevieve and Gisele Chang. Photo by Lia ChangBilly Bustamante. Lia Chang, Darren Lee, Jason Ma and Alan Muraoka. Photo by Justin Anthony Long
NOVEMBER 6, 2021
Lan Phạm-Ngũ, a wonderful friend to the company of Gold Mountain, surprised the cast and crew with individually wrapped portions of Chicken, Vietnamese spring rolls and pasta salad for the first two show day for the company of Gold Mountain.
Lan Phạm-Ngũ (in red, second from the right) and friends with cast members Jimmy Nguyen, Kiet Tai Cao, Viet Vo, Emily Song Tyler and Eymard Cabling. Photo courtesy of Viet Vo
My final meal in West Valley City was a return to Phở Saigon Noodle House.
Pho Tai with eye of round steak. Photo by Lia Chang
Goi Cuo (Garden Rolls-Spring Rolls) – Two rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork bean sprouts, salad and rice vermicelli. Photo by Lia Chang
Stir Fried Tofu with mixed vegetables served with steamed rice. Photo by Lia Chang
Dax Valdes, Eileen Rivera-Eusebio, George Hobica, Jason Ma, Kansas City Rep Associate Artistic Director Nelson T. Eusebio III. Photo by Lia ChangMax Chang, Jesselie Anderson, Jason Ma and Scott Anderson. Photo by Lia ChangJesselie Anderson, Jason Ma and Scott Anderson. Photo by Lia ChangDax Valdes, Eileen Rivera-Eusebio, Kansas City Rep Associate Artistic Director Nelson T. Eusebio III. Photo by Lia ChangKennedy Kanagawa. Photo by Lia ChangSusan Ly and Viet Vo. Photo by Lia ChangJessica W. Leung with her cousin, Jason Ma, Paco Beltrán and George Hobica. Photo by Lia ChangJason Ma and Utah Rep. Elizabeth Weight (D-District 31). Photo by Lia ChangStanding: Darren Lee, Eymard Cabling, Kiet Tai Cao, Jason Ma, Utah Rep. Elizabeth Weight (D-District 31), Jonny Lee Jr., Lawrence-Michael C. Arias. Seated: Emily Song Tyler, Jimmy Nguyen and Kelvin Moon Loh. Photo by Lia Chang
Lia Chang in the parking lot of West Valley Performing Arts Center in West Valley City, Utah. Photo by Amanda Morton
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young (2021 DisOrient Film Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative). She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs.
Backstage Pass with Lia Chang 