Something about evil, hope, and friendships: an inside look of the Last Dragon Rock Musical Reprisal

Here we go again. My life has been a case of impromptu (impulsive?) decisions that opened my eyes, my doors, and my world. Coming to America, check, moving to Denver, Vail, Hawaii, Wyoming, Oregon, check, check, and check; changing careers like four times, check, getting a dog (I love you!) also check. My life has been a constant change, and one thing remains the same the curiosity that may kill the cat but somehow works in my favor in so many ways.

Four months ago I said yes to being a dancer in a show without even thinking what entails. I just knew that I loved dancing, I wanted to meet people, and I was a little depressed to be completely honest….it was the moments of darkness that happened more often the usual when I rethought my choice to live in America and how hard it had been and I am still struggling to be seen, and to be equitably successful in my surroundings. (they are mostly mind-made, but you know how you dig a hole and you just can't get out.) so I decided to try something different.

Then The Last Dragon knocked the wind out of me, and it told me to have hope. The day the cast came together for the first time to read the script, I instantly felt the alignment of the universe and I was reminded again to not give up hope.  The experience so far, 2 whole months of rehearsals and 20 days till opening night, was an experience of a lifetime that comes from evil, goodness, memories, future, resilience, and life.

The world we live in right now is in need of a feel REALLY good show, and The Last Dragon is one of them that ignites our inner shine, authenticity and love, true love. It rids ego, hatred, and separation. Hasn’t this been something we needed for a very long time? Hasn’t this been something I needed for a very long time?

I would be remiss if I did not mention that performing has been a big part of my life from elementary school to college in Taiwan. Jazz, Hip-Hop, improv, and singing contests; but soon this passion became unrealistic in the cultural aspects and I became a target of bullying in college because I was a little odd and silly and somewhat intimidating to my peers. Maybe that is why I packed my bags.

I was truly in awe when I learned the original cast decided to do this reprisal for the 40th year anniversary of the original show’s production. Friendships that last just as long as I lived, and the energy and passion they have for this show is beyond inspiring. People are coming as far as Australia, New York, Massachusetts, and all over the States to make the Dragon live. And let’s talk about the commitment, the cast met almost daily on Zoom, and only met up in Portland once for our dance routine then it is SHOW TIME! I don’t know about you, but I have not seen a show being done with almost all virtual rehearsals, but that is also what makes it exciting to have seen unfold.  It made me even more committed to every single rehearsal. We are authentically the happiest when we are in service of others – and this show proves to me that you can make nothing (profit-wise) and be committed to everything – because our heart matters.

The Last Dragon will be a night (or three) to be remembered. It is the experience of a lifetime that I will always cherish and remember. And last but not least, it guides me back to the most authentic me, the silly, quirky, and somewhat intimidating little girl that will not let adversity stop her from being who she is born to be.