Snow Falling on Cedars

Adapted by Kevin McKeon from the novel by David Guterson
Directed by David Schweizer
The Pearlstone Theater

Mar 9–Apr 3, 2011

Against the backdrop of an America torn by World War Two, cultures and communities clash when a Japanese American islander is accused of murder. This hauntingly lyrical saga—adapted from David Guterson’s acclaimed story of mystery, love, and identity—deftly shifts from courtroom to strawberry fields to bloody battlefront, digging for hard truths buried in a forgotten history.

Run Time:

approximately 2 hours 10 minutes including one 15-minute intermission.

Parental Guidelines:

Older middle schoolers and up will be captivated by this emotional, sophisticated story that blends issues of race and romance into a courtroom drama.


The Cast (in alphabetical order)

Laura Kai Chen headshotLaura Kai Chen*
Hatsue Miyamoto

Danny Gavigan headshotDanny Gavigan
Carl Heine, Jr.

Kristin Griffith headshotKristin Griffith*
Etta Heine/Mrs. Chambers

Anjanette Hall headshotAnjanette Hall*
Susan Marie Heine

Neal Hemphill headshotNeal Hemphill*
Art Moran

Glenn Kubota headshotGlenn Kubota*
Hisao Imada/Mr. Nitta/Zenhichi Miyamoto

Kenneth Lee headshotKenneth Lee*
Kabuo Miyamoto

Michael McKenzie headshotMichael McKenzie*
Nels Gudmundsson/
Carl Heine, Sr

Owen Scott headshotOwen Scott
Abel Martinson

Timothy Sekk headshotTimothy Sekk*
Ishmael Chambers

Bernard Burak Sheredy headshotBernard Burak Sheredy*
Alvin Hooks

Ching Valdes-Aran headshotChing Valdes-Aran*
Fujiko Imada/Mrs. Nitta

Laura Smith*
Stage Manager

Raine Bode*
Assistant Stage Manager

 


*Member of Actors' Equity Association

 


Artistic Team

David Schweizer
Director

Allen Moyer
Scenic Designer 
 

David Burdick
Costume Designer

Christopher Akerlind
Lighting Designer

Ryan Rumery
Original Music & Sound 

Gavin Witt
Production Dramaturg

Lewis Shaw
Fight Director

Joseph W. Ritsch
Assistant Director

Jay Gilman
Second Assistant Director

Sonya Dowhaluk
Assistant Lighting
Designer

Janet Foster
Casting Director

 

 

 


InterACT

 

18 Comments


Rating - | Dec 26 2011 4:57PM

Rating - | Dec 26 2011 4:57PM

We saw Snow Falling on Cedars last Sunday.  Very powerful, very good - I really enjoyed it, although I was weeping even before the intermission.  I had seen the movie a few years ago and was wondering how or why they would turn this into a stage production.  About 20 minutes into the show, I got it.  When you see a live performance, especially by people who look like they might have experienced the internment first hand or had family who were interned, you can never forget it.  But I was also so impressed with the multilayered story which was about more than the cruel injustice of the internment (i.e., zenophobia, basic humanity, the thread of ancestry, the search for truth).  And as always, productions at CenterStage are so artfully staged - the rotating floor, the 'cedar' roof, the feel of the sea on a foggy night, the snowfalling, the way the actors perform multiple roles.  The more I am thinking about it, the more I love this production.  I envy you for having seen it multiple times. Rating - | Mar 30 2011 11:27AM

After seeing the play with my school which I previously published here about I went to resee Snow Falling On Cedars w/ one of my classmates who was also moved by the story and emotions. I officially say this is my favorite play. Currently on page 387 of the book, I am going to see the play one last time for their final performance. Excited yet dreading Hatsue and Ishmael's final hug. Because now I know it's the end of the play. :) Rating - | Mar 27 2011 4:06PM

Just wanted to let you know that we really enjoyed your production of Snow Falling on Cedars. Great drama about real people. Good way to learn and be entertained at the same time. Excellent presentation of a complex story. Terrific performance choice with fine acting. Keep up the good work. Leon & Lucy Rating - | Mar 25 2011 3:51PM

I just saw Snow Falling on Cedars with my school today. It is such a powerful story. I find myself questioning the people America puts in charge to make these decisions. I have the book w/ me now anxious to read. I love this play. The actors did an amazing job telling this beautiful yet self questioning story. Thank you CenterStage. Rating - | Mar 24 2011 2:36PM

I attended the show, Snow Falling on Cedars this past Saturday. It was the best play I have ever seen! I want to compliment everyone involved in the play - it was spectacular in the way it was presented and acted. Your theatre is very beautiful and comfortable as well. I also took advantage of staying at the Tremont, which was wonderful, too. Thanks so much for a wonderful experience. Rating - | Mar 24 2011 12:52PM

This was the best play I have ever seen! The story is beautiful, rich, and complicated. It was so well told by this extremely talented cast that was obviously directed by an extremely talented artistic team. It was mesmerizing and thought provoking. I loved it! Rating - | Mar 23 2011 8:36PM

What a wonderful production; very effective. I think the crowd was really moved. Mary Ann Rating - | Mar 17 2011 12:50PM

We just returned from tonight's performance and wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the play. The show was powerful and riveting; the acting was outstanding. Judi and Alan Rating - | Mar 17 2011 12:50PM

The show is great! It is an excellent adaptation. We truly enjoyed the evening. Rating - | Mar 17 2011 12:39PM

What a performance--strong acting, such inventive and effective staging, and a really interesting "conversational" script. And of course a subject that, however painful, offers a reminder to us all. Center Stage does it again! All best, Margaret Rating - | Mar 17 2011 12:34PM

I was very impressed by the staging of "Snow Falling on Cedars." I loved the book, but I was very curious how it was going to hold up when transferred to a different medium. The play does a remarkable job of telling the story well, so that those who haven't read the book can follow the narrative. It was a delightful evening. Warmest regards, Lisa Rating - | Mar 17 2011 12:33PM

My family and I went to see this play on 3/13/2010 and I was shock at how great this play was. It was very easy to follow and understand especially since I took my two teenage daughters. I recommend all ages to go and see this play. The cast was wonderful and even the staff members at Centerstsge was excellent with providing good service. I want to now read the book or perhaps watch the movie. I Rating - | Mar 16 2011 3:11PM

Fine show. Wonderful staging. Important topic. Very well done. Rating - 4 | Mar 16 2011 7:28AM

We saw this Thursday night - it was wonderful ! The cast is outstanding . It is amazing how significant a minor costume change can be and the set is sparce but perfect. Even the lighting was spot - on ! 5 stars !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rating - | Mar 11 2011 9:12AM

Rating - 5 | Mar 10 2011 10:53AM

I saw the first Preview last night, and it was EXCELLENT. A wonderful book and movie, but seeing it as a play added a new and interesting dimension to this story. The acting was really good and the characters were likeable and believable; although the story takes us to a different time and place. There is some sadness and suspense, but you will leave the theater feeling uplifted by the end. I would highly recommend this show to anyone, one of the best I have seen at Center Stage, and I am a long-time subscriber. I would give it 5 stars - Excellent - but the rating did not seem to work here. Rating - | Mar 10 2011 7:45AM

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