‘Letters to Eve’ – A New Musical of Hope

Cast members Melvin Biteng, Mark Labella, Scott Takada, Arvin Lee, On Shiu. (Photo by Austin Schumacher)

“Letters to Eve” is a seven-year labor of love for writer Daniel Sugimoto.

He started writing this story for his grandmother, Midori Sugimoto, who grew up in an American concentration camp. Even through their incarceration, these Japanese Americans continued living, loving, and laughing, which is the soul of “Letters to Eve.”

Sugimoto’s curiosity with World War II brought him to uncover other fascinating stories that he has woven into this epic musical. He believes that in the world’s current political situations there are flickers of history repeating, and it is important to hear the lessons of the past to make a better future.

Sugimoto and The Zoo Theatre Co. are dedicated to producing entertainment that offers opportunities to Asian American and other minority actors without discrimination.

Cast members Andrea Somera, On Shiu, Arvin Lee, Emi Kamemoto, Abigail Somera, Scott Takada, Melvin Biteng, Karen Takahashi. (Photo by Austin Schumacher)

“Not only is the cast made up of hard-working, passionate performers, but their talents are also on a Broadway level,” said a spokesperson for the company. “Their dedication from Day One of this process has truly transformed this show to what it is today. Their resilience, patience, and determination have given us and the entire cast more to work towards. It is a shame that there haven’t been more opportunities for such talented performers in the current entertainment industry.”

“Letters to Eve” follows a Japanese American family and their plight through forced incarceration, an African American jazz musician captured during Germany’s occupation of France, a Jewish woman’s hidden struggle, and the powerful spirit of music and literature.

Watch the journey of these forgotten heroes in a four-week run brought to you by The Zoo Theatre Co. at The Miles Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd. in Santa Monica. Performances run May 25 to June 18. Showtimes: Thursday, May 25, to Saturday, May 27, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, May 28, at 2 p.m.; Sunday, June 4, at 7 p.m.; Thursday, June 8, and Saturday, June 10, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, June 11, at 2 p.m.; Friday, June 16, at 2 p.m.; Sunday, June 18, at 2 p.m.

For more information, visit www.LettersToEve.com or email TheZooTheatreCo@gmail.com.

Cast members Andrea Somera and Melvin Biteng. (Photo by Austin Schumacher)