Beyond the Screen: Flower Drum Song

Join the Chinese American Museum on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 pm at the historic Pico House (424 N. Main St) for a special screening of Flower Drum Song.

The first major Hollywood film to feature a majority Asian American cast, Flower Drum Song stars Nancy Kwan in her second leading role. The film follows Mei-li, a young picture bride who arrives in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s. The young woman gets swept into a whirlwind of love, family expectations, and personal freedom amid the glittering nightlife of Grant Avenue. 

Lead actress Nancy Kwan will introduce the film. Following the screening will be an exclusive performance from East West Players previewing their upcoming theatrical adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song musical, running April – May 2026 in Little Tokyo.

About Nancy Kwan: 

Nancy Kwan is a Chinese American actress best known for her groundbreaking performances in The World of Suzie Wong and the beloved musical Flower Drum Song. Kwan is also an accomplished filmmaker and a dedicated political activist. Her contributions to film and representation have been recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asian Hall of Fame.  

About East West Players:  

East West Players (EWP) is the nation’s longest-running Asian American theater and the largest producer of Asian American theatrical works. Founded in 1965, EWP has premiered more than 228 plays and musicals, along with over 1,000 readings and workshops for actors, writers, and directors. The company creates platforms for artists of color while advocating for nuanced representations of the AAPI experience, raising the visibility of Asian American stories through innovative productions, artist development, and impactful youth education programs. 

Spring Fest 2026

The Chinese American Museum and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument celebrate the Year of the Horse with our annual Spring Festival on Saturday, April 25th from 12 – 5 pm. Kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) month with an exciting day of multicultural performances and family friendly activities!

This event is FREE to the public and no registration is required.