TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwanese musical “Don’t Cry, Dancing Girls” (勸世三姊妹) is set to make its Broadway debut next year.
The production, based on the poignant family saga of three sisters from Yunlin, delves into the rich traditions of Taiwanese funeral rites. It has captivated audiences with sold-out performances in Taiwan.
Ken Dingledine, a renowned Broadway and West End producer, will visit Taiwan in January, according to a press release. Dingledine, who has 30 years of experience, is known for his work on Tony Award-winning productions such as “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.”
Deeply moved by “Don’t Cry, Dancing Girls,” Dingledine said he has witnessed countless theatrical productions, but this one truly resonated with him.
“The final scene, where the siblings honor their father, is a masterpiece—a perfect fusion of music, stagecraft, and narrative. It evoked a profound sense of longing for reconciliation with my own parents,” he said.
Dingledine has a strong track record of introducing acclaimed musicals to Asia, including “Jersey Boys,” “Titanic the Musical,” and “Roman Holiday.” Earlier this year, he shared his industry expertise at the National Taichung Theater.
Born into an artistic family, with a flutist mother and oboist father, Dingledine has been immersed in theater since childhood.
He described musical theater as the most collaborative of art forms, saying, “It seamlessly integrates my passions—acting, singing, and dancing—to weave a compelling narrative.”
“When these elements harmonize, the result is a captivating work that can elicit a spectrum of emotions, from laughter to tears,” he added.
Dingledine emphasized that “Don’t Cry, Dancing Girls,” while deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture, explores universal themes of family, love, loss, and the delicate balance between tradition and modernity in a rapidly changing world.
“These timeless themes will undoubtedly resonate with audiences across North America, Europe, and beyond,” he said.
“Don’t Cry, Dancing Girls” will debut on Broadway at Theatre Row on 42nd Street from Jan. 23 to 25, 2025.
The production will retain its authentic voice, with performances in Mandarin and Taiwanese dialects, complemented by an English-speaking narrator and subtitles.