East West Players (EWP), the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, will recognize Pixar Films with the EWP Visionary Award for their feature animated film “Up.”
Jordan Nagai, the voice of Russell from “Up,” will be recognized with the Breakout Performance Award at EWP’s 44th Anniversary Visionary Awards and Silent Auction, which takes place at the Hilton Universal City on Monday. The awards gala recognizes those who have helped to raise the visibility of the Asian Pacific American community through their craft.
Also being announced is a growing list of celebrity participants such as presenter Carrie Ann Inaba, popular judge of ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars,” and dynamic urban/hip-hop dance group Kaba Modern, who will perform in what has become one of the most entertaining and enjoyable evenings in the Los Angeles Asian Pacific community.
This year’s honorees include previously announced Wenda Fong, vice president of alternative entertainment for Fox (oversees “American Idol,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Hell’s Kitchen”), and Mike Shinoda, visual artist and musician for two-time Grammy Award-winning rock band Linkin Park.
Also performing for the gala event are Joan Almedilla, Jennifer Paz, and Jenni Selma of EWP’s upcoming musical production of “Road to Saigon.” Talented vocalist Ethan Le Phong. Tony Award winner Lea Salonga and actress Tamlyn Tomita will emcee. Proceeds from the event will benefit East West Players’ educational and artistic programs.
“We are proud to honor a very progressive film company like Pixar who cast an Asian American character alongside an elderly one to play the leads in a feature film. We also honor young actor Jordan Nagai with our Breakout Performance Award,” says EWP’s Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. “This evening promises to be an exciting and fun-filled night of entertainment and promises to showcase the depth of Asian American talent in the entertainment industry.”
EWP’s 44th Anniversary Visionary Awards Dinner and Silent Auction will be held on Monday, April 19, at the Hilton Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Dr., Universal City. The no-host reception and silent auction will start at 6 p.m. The dinner and awards program will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $175 to $1,250. For more information, visit www.EastWestPlayers.org or contact Development Manager Lisa Tang at (213) 625-7000 ext. 17 or LTang@EastWestPlayers.org.
Additional celebrity talent and honorees to be announced.