CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND

By LAUREN YEE
Featuring songs by DENGUE FEVER
Directed by LILY TUNG CRYSTAL

June 11 - July 31, 2022

CO-PRODUCTION WITH THEATER MU

THE JUNGLE IS EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH THEATER MU TO LIFT UP THIS INCREDIBLE STORY ABOUT FAMILIAL BONDS AMID A DARK CHAPTER OF CAMBODIAN HISTORY.

A Khmer Rouge survivor returns to Cambodia for the first time in 30 years as his daughter prepares to prosecute one of the country’s most infamous war criminals. Backed by a live band of actor-musicians playing contemporary Dengue Fever hits and classic Cambodian oldies, this thrilling story toggles back and forth in time as father and daughter face the music of the past.

FEATURING

FROM THE PRESS:

“The performances are so strong that a play potentially difficult to watch becomes a compelling drama that demands to be seen… and heard.” Pioneer Press | ‘Cambodian Rock Band’ provides rock ‘n’ roll and an emotional story

“Five of the six actors play instruments, nimbly alternating between affecting drama and haunting rock 'n' roll in this summer must-see. … [Danielle] Troiano is hypnotic, singing oldies in Khmer and new songs in English with a delivery that shortens the distance between past and present.” Star Tribune | Rock 'n' roll literally saves lives in Theater Mu's haunting 'Cambodian Rock Band'

“It is like a stick of dynamite, its long fuse sizzling from the beginning, leading up to an explosive end. To be cast in Cambodian Rock Band means being able to portray emotionally wrenching characters and, in alternating scenes, play and sing rock and roll with unbridled energy.” Talkin’ Broadway

“It's playing through the end of July, so you have plenty of time and no excuse not to see this ingenious new, innovative, and important work of music-theater. … Scenes are interspersed with musical performances that are integral to the storytelling, showing us without words the rich cultural history of the Khmer people.” Cherry & Spoon

“This is a show in which the musical performances transcend language, with the feel of a rock concert perfectly blended with an intimate story through which we begin to understand the large-scale tragedy of Cambodia in this dark period of its history.” The Stages of MN | Cambodian Rock Band Will Rock Some History Into You at the Jungle Theater in Uptown

“When stories go untold, they can be lost forever. Opening June 8 through July 31, Theater Mu and the Jungle Theater break open a musical narrative that spreads across generations with Cambodian Rock Band…Her [Lily Tung Crystal] decisions have shaped much of the work that shows presented by Theater Mu, and many immigrants and first-generation immigrants can find themselves in the story that plays out in Cambodian Rock Band. The tale centers around Chum, who returns to his homeland of Cambodia for the first time in 30 years after fleeing the Khmer Rouge because his daughter, Neary, is prosecuting one of the political party’s most notorious war criminals.” the current | With music, 'Cambodian Rock Band' explores war-torn history | READ MORE

“It’s a tale of generational trauma, history, truth–and rock music, and threaded throughout the production are songs from the repertoire of psychedelic rock band Dengue Fever and other Cambodian rock classics. This is the Minnesota premier for the play and the cast was thoughtfully selected to feature local talent, including Hmong American musician Shawn Mouacheupao and Theater Mu veteran Eric Sharp.” DISPATCH | ERIC SHARP + CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND | READ MORE

“Mu/Jungle staging of ‘Cambodian Rock Band’ aims to portray trauma of the genocide with respect and authenticity…The story centers around a Khmer Rouge survivor who returns to Cambodia when his daughter is prosecuting a war criminal some 30 years after the genocide.” MINNPOST | READ MORE

TICKETS

This season the Jungle is excited to implement PAY AS YOU ARE pricing this season, developed by our friends at Theater Mu.

PAY AS YOU ARE pricing asks those who routinely pay $45 for theater tickets to pay that amount; it is the actual fair market value of the ticket. If an audience member needs to pay less, they can choose to pay less. Those who can pay more than the market price are welcome to do so, and their generosity will help cover the cost of someone else’s ticket as well.

Phone: 612.822.7063

JUNE 11 - JULY 31, 2022

PREVIEW NIGHTS June 8 - 10
OPENING NIGHT June 11

ASL INTERPRETED PERFROMANCE June 28
AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE June 30

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RUN TIME 2.5 hours with a 15 minute intermission

CONTENT WARNINGS: Cambodian Rock Band contains strong adult content/language and violence, as well as references to murder, kidnapping, torture, drug use, and the Cambodian genocide.

As theaters that care for our people, the lobby will feature a designated quiet space for patrons to rest and find resources at any time during the performance.

VIEW VIRTUAL PLAYBILL
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Concerns about COVID-19 are top of mind for everyone, and when joining the Jungle for a performance, we want you to feel confident in your time with us. Please click here to learn more about our response to the coronavirus.