Journey to the West Makes D.C. Area Premiere with Constellation Theatre

JOURNEY TO THE WEST tells the ancient Chinese legend of a Buddhist monk who travels from China to India in search of enlightenment. A mischievous monkey, an insatiable pig and a fierce river monster join Tripitaka, the monk, on his adventure. Experience this epic in a theatre where you are only a few feet from the stars.



JOURNEY TO THE WEST runs five performances a week through May 22 at Source, 1835 14th St. NW. Visit www.ConstellationTheatre.org. Performances play Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 pm; Saturday, Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets $20-45.

This ancient Chinese legend, which inspired 1 of the 4 most celebrated Chinese novels of the 16th century, has inspired operas, animation, graphic novels, television shows and more.

The play The JOURNEY TO THE WEST, adapted by Tony-Award winning Mary Zimmerman, is receiving its Washington, DC area premiere.

The timing of JOURNEY TO THE WEST, also known as The Tale of the Monkey King, is particularly apt because 2016 is a Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese calendar, and May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The story of Monkey is famous throughout China.

The Award Winning musician Tom Teasley performs live at each performance. Tom also released a new CD entitled "Eastern Journey" that includes music from the show. He is the recipient of the Washington Area World Music Instrumentalist of the Year Award for the 4th consecutive year.

This epic story offers spectacular visual design, as well as a 13 person acting ensemble (portraying 80+ characters), led by charismatic and acrobatic Dallas Tolentino and soulful Ashley Ivey. Designers A.J. Guban, Kendra Rai and Colin K. Bills deliver a visual feast.

On Sunday, May 8 at 12:30 PM, Constellation is hosting a Chinese Dragon on 14th St. NW. The Wong People Kung Fu Association will perform a rousing Lion Dance! The dancers will make their way up and down 14th Street, driving away evil spirits and transforming the everyday into a magical celebration of Chinese culture.

On Saturday, May 14 following the 2 PM matinee, the audience is invited to stay for a Guided Meditation in the spirit of JOURNEY TO THE WEST's subject matter. Teacher Bhushan Deodhar from our partnering center The Art of Living (www.artofliving.org) will lead the guided meditation, appropriate for beginners and experienced meditators alike.

For more information, visit www.ConstellationTheatre.org.