The playbill of this all-star cast and production team reads like a who’s-who of Asian Cultural Council alumni, including novelist and playwright Jessica Hagedorn, director Ralph Peña, stage manager Cristina Sison, Obie and Lortel Award-winning actor Ching Valdes-Aran, and Ma-Yi Theater Company itself.

Based on Lysley Tenorio’s short story, adapted by National Book Award finalist Jessica Hagedorn (Dogeaters) and scored by Fabian Obispo, Felix Starro tells the tale of the eponymous protagonist, a famous faith healer in the Philippines, and his grandson Junior. While Felix (Alan Aranio) sets up shop in the Bay Area for one last healing mission, Junior (Nacho Tambunting) plans to part ways with his grandfather. Themes of faith, family, love, loss, and betrayal intertwine in this musical that explores the experience of the undocumented immigrant in contemporary America.

Ma-Yi Theater Company’s mission is to develop and produce new and innovative plays by Asian American writers, and serves as an incubator of new works that shape and further discourse around what it means to be Asian American today. Felix Starro has been heralded as “the first musical by Filipino-Americans to be presented Off-Broadway.” Coinciding with Ma-Yi’s 30th anniversary year, it is an event not to be missed. 

ACC Philippines Foundation (ACCPF) has partnered with Ma-Yi Theater Company for a special preview performance on August 27 to raise funds for ACC’s work in the Philippines. A hundred seats—first-come, first-serve—are being offered at the Clurman Theatre for $300 per seat and $5,000 for sponsorships. All proceeds support the ACC Philippines Fellowship Program to provide critical funding for cultural exchange opportunities to and from the Philippines.

To purchase special premiere tickets for Felix Starro, donate online through here or send your check (payable to Asian Cultural Council) to Asian Cultural Council, 333 West 39th Street, Suite 1502, New York, New York 10018. Please note “Felix Starro” and number of tickets on your check or in the comments section of your online donation. See you on August 27!


Felix Starro 
Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2019, 7:00 PM
Venue: Clurman Theatre, Theatre Row Theatres (410 W 42nd St, New York, New York 10036)
Contact: Cristina Tabora at taboracom@gmail.com