The Dragon King's Daughter Musical
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Inspired by Chinese mythology and folktales, a human boy and a shapeshifting dragon princess must find pieces of a magic mirror to stop the Dragon King from unleashing a tidal wave that will destroy the world.
When twelve-year-old Kenny Li performs on TikTok, he feels on top of the world. If only he felt that way while facing bullies at school. After his tormentors fling him into a dumpster, he finds a magical iPad that transports him from New York City to the world of the Jade Kingdom. There, he must put his faith in a mysterious girl to find his way home. Xing is a young shapeshifting dragon princess who needs to find the missing pieces of a magic mirror that will free her mother who is trapped in another dimension. However, she only has three days to complete her quest before her father unleashes a tidal wave that will wipe out all of humanity. Together, they must outwit drought demons, outrun angry pandas, and outsmart fox spirits to save the world. If they don’t succeed, bullies will be the least of Kenny’s problems, and Xing’s mother will be lost for all eternity. The musical was developed as part of the New Victory's LabWorks Program in 2021 - 2022. Staged reading in April 2022 at the Chelsea Factory. The show was commissioned and produced by The Kennedy Center in November 2023. Winner of The Chameleon Theatre Circle’s 23rd Annual New Play Contest theater for youth category. |
The show premiered at The Kennedy Center November 18 - December 14, 2023. Cast included Michelle Cabinian, Jonny Lee Jr., Eymard Cabling, Leo Yu-Ning Chang, Sally Imbriano, Quynh-My Luu. Directed by Chongren Fan. Choreographed by Billy Bustamante. Music Direction by Tiffany Holmes Underwood. Fight Choregraphy by Ryan Sellers.
"...The Dragon King’s Daughter, a fun fest of sophisticated storytelling, is set in New York, slips over to several provinces in a mythical world based on China, and even drops into a fantastical dimension where dragons can fly. What starts out with an adolescent reluctant to go to school covers a world of issues from school bullying to strengthening self-confidence to dealing with parental loss and staying on your quest. Add a family that can switch to their dragon form and fly through the clouds, a talented cast, great designers, and popping fresh music and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser, perfect for the holidays."-----DC Theater Arts
"In the realm of musical theater, where collaborative efforts often take center stage, "The Dragon King's Daughter" emerges as a beacon of uniqueness and creativity, courtesy of the multi-talented Marcus Yi. Serving as the mastermind behind the story, lyrics, and music, Yi not only embraces this formidable triple role but excels in crafting a narrative that resonates with the hearts of both young and old. The result is a theatrical masterpiece that not only captivates but also leaves the audience clapping and dancing in delight." ---- SMC Entertainment
"Dragon King's Daughter Musical" is a delightful and heartwarming musical that captivates audiences with its enchanting story, beautiful lyrics, and mesmerizing music. The creative genius of Marcus Yi, who contributed both the story and the music, shines brightly throughout the production." --- Novelists Music
"Yi's songs, and especially the opening number "I'm Fine, I'm Fine!" feature impressive choreography by Billy Bustamante with music that will stick in your head long after the curtain falls. Director Chongren Fan effectively oversees it all, which is no small feat for this complex, new work geared toward younger audiences." --- Maryland Theater Guide
"...The Dragon King’s Daughter, a fun fest of sophisticated storytelling, is set in New York, slips over to several provinces in a mythical world based on China, and even drops into a fantastical dimension where dragons can fly. What starts out with an adolescent reluctant to go to school covers a world of issues from school bullying to strengthening self-confidence to dealing with parental loss and staying on your quest. Add a family that can switch to their dragon form and fly through the clouds, a talented cast, great designers, and popping fresh music and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser, perfect for the holidays."-----DC Theater Arts
"In the realm of musical theater, where collaborative efforts often take center stage, "The Dragon King's Daughter" emerges as a beacon of uniqueness and creativity, courtesy of the multi-talented Marcus Yi. Serving as the mastermind behind the story, lyrics, and music, Yi not only embraces this formidable triple role but excels in crafting a narrative that resonates with the hearts of both young and old. The result is a theatrical masterpiece that not only captivates but also leaves the audience clapping and dancing in delight." ---- SMC Entertainment
"Dragon King's Daughter Musical" is a delightful and heartwarming musical that captivates audiences with its enchanting story, beautiful lyrics, and mesmerizing music. The creative genius of Marcus Yi, who contributed both the story and the music, shines brightly throughout the production." --- Novelists Music
"Yi's songs, and especially the opening number "I'm Fine, I'm Fine!" feature impressive choreography by Billy Bustamante with music that will stick in your head long after the curtain falls. Director Chongren Fan effectively oversees it all, which is no small feat for this complex, new work geared toward younger audiences." --- Maryland Theater Guide
The Dragon King's Daughter Musical Recording
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A musical recording of the show was made in 2021. Singers include Kennedy Kanagawa, Cindy Tsai, Andy Danh and Marissa Parness.
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