James Chiao Brings Music Back Into His Life with MANNEQUIN MAN BY DAY, TENOR BY NIGHT
James Chiao was a poor fisherman in the South China Sea, now he is the composer of the highly anticipated musical Mannequin Man by Day, Tenor by Night, to be presented by Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. For the first time, a major American musical is written and composed by a Chinese immigrant, loosely based on James’ own life story of overcoming odds and obstacles to realize his American dream.
Born in Guangzhou, China in 1949, James Chiao is one of the three sons of famous Chinese folk composer Fei Chiao. James grew up during Mao’s Cultural Revolution where his parents, like most intellectuals, artists and musicians, were sent to work in labor camps and James was sent to a remote island to work as a farmer and fisherman. With the help of family, Chiao was able to leave China and immigrated to the United States in 1980. With his wife Lily, he built a successful business in Buena Park, CNL Mannequins, which sells to major department stores and fashion brands such as Macy’s. While James was happy to be using his creative talents to design mannequins, he always yearned to fulfill the musical passions his parents instilled in him as a child.
Photo courtesy of Tenor by Night
Bringing music back into his life, Chiao began vocal training in 1998 and eventually earned his MFA in music from CalArts in 2017 at the age of 68. For his master’s recital, James presented several songs that were so positively received that he decided to compose an entire musical. The production soon involved the whole Chiao family. Besides being a major inspiration for the dynamic story, Lily co-wrote the lyrics for more than 25 songs. His daughter Amy took charge of scenic and prop design. His son Brian also took on the role of General Manager for the musical’s premier 10 sold-out performances at the El Portal Theatre and Rose Center.
Tenor By Night is the first major American musical with book, music and lyrics composed by a Chinese American immigrant, and the first modern American musical to reflect Asian immigrants chasing the American dream. Similar to his real-life story, James (the character) wants to balance his artistic passions with his family responsibilities. In this comedic musical, James designs and sells mannequins by day and by night he sings and rehearses opera. As his passion and desire for a musical career turns into an obsession, his frustrated wife kicks him out of the house. James takes up residence at his mannequin warehouse where his tenor voice brings all the mannequins to life. As his life begins to spiral out of control, James must decide what is truly important to him in this new fantastical world.
Photo by Leonard Ortiz
With upcoming performances filled with dazzling choreography and a soaring original score, it looks like James Chiao has found his American Dream.
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is located at 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, CA 90703. Performances are Friday, April 3, 2020 at 8:00 PM, Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 2:00 PM, and Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $15 – $40.
Tickets are available at www.tenorbynight.com/tickets or the by calling the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts box office at (562) 916-8500.
Calendar Listing
Event: Mannequin Man by Day, Tenor by Night
Dates: April 3-4, 2020
Venue: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Address:18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, CA 90703
Schedule: Friday, April 3, 2020 at 8:00 PM;
Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 2:00 PM;
Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 8:00 PM
Tickets: Available at www.tenorbynight.com/tickets
Prices: $15 – $40
Box Office: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts box office phone number is (562) 916-8500
