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First Look at Jeanine Tesori and David Henry Hwang's Soft Power

The anticipated musical collaboration is onstage at the Public Theater.

Editorial Staff

October 1, 2019

Soft Power, a new musical-within-a-play featuring a book and lyrics by Tony winner David Henry Hwang and music and additional lyrics by Tony winner Jeanine Tesori, is now in performances at the Public Theater. Take a look at brand-new production photos below.

Francis Jue and the company of *Soft Power* at the Public Theater.
(© Joan Marcus)

Soft Power is an exploration of America's current place in the world, told through an East-West musical from China's point of view, in which a theater producer from Shanghai forges a powerful bond with Hillary Clinton. The show is a fever dream of modern American politics amid global conversations, asking us all — why do we love democracy? And should we?

Conrad Ricamora and Kendyl Ito share the stage.
(© Joan Marcus)

The complete cast includes Billy Bustamante (Xue Xing standby), Jon Hoche (Tony Manero/Chief Justice/ensemble), Kendyl Ito (Jing/ensemble), Francis Jue (DHH), Austin Ku (Bobby Bob/Ju Ming), Raymond J. Lee (Randy Ray/VEEP/ensemble), Alyse Alan Louis (Zoe/Hillary), Jaygee Macapugay (Campaign Manager/ensemble), Daniel May (ensemble), Paul HeeSang Miller (ensemble), Kristen Faith Oei (ensemble), Geena Quintos (ensemble), Conrad Ricamora (Xue Xing), Trevor Salter (ensemble), Kyra Smith (ensemble), Emily Stillings (swing), Emily Trumble (Zoe/Hillary standby), and John Yi (swing).

Alyse Alan Louis plays Zoe/Hillary in Jeanine Tesori and David Henry Hwang's new collaboration.
(© Joan Marcus)

A co-commission and co-production with Center Theatre Group, Tony nominee Leigh Silverman directs the production, with choreography by Tony nominee Sam Pinkleton.