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Mei Li Goodson, the protagonist’s “I Want” song is Faraway in the East.

“An “I Want” song is a type of song featured in musical in which the main characters sing about their dissatisfaction with their current lives and what they’re searching for. Composer Stephen Schwartz explained that pretty much any successful musical you can name has an ‘I Want’ song for its main character within the first fifteen or so minutes.”

Faraway in the East with scene narration

Faraway in the East song without scene narration

Current scene list with possible songs associated

ACT ONE

“It’s a Cold Night in January” Performed by Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

In January of 1990, Zhuang Guo, a Chinese man in his 50’s is at his home in a village near Guilin, Guangxi Province, China. Leaving at night, he begins a slow but deliberate walk along the Lijiang River. He is carrying an infant bundled in white cloth mostly concealed in his arms. Along with the child he carries a letter attached to infants clothing. As he walks, he sings.

IT’S A LONG WALK ALONG THIS RIVER
MUCH THE SAME WAY FOR ALL THESE YEARS
I COULD CLOSE MY EYES, WALK THESE STREETS FOREVER
FOR SO LONG, I’VE KNOWN

IT’S A COLD NIGHT IN JANUARY
THERE’S A NORTH WIND BLOWING THROUGH THE TREES
IN THE MOONLIGHT, I SEE THIS IMAGE
A CHILD, A CHILD SO SMALL

THERE’S A PLACE IN THIS WORLD FOR YOU TO GO TO
THEY WILL JUDGE YOU BY WHERE THIS MAN HAS FOUND YOU
YOU MAY FIND THERE IS JOY OR JUST DESPAIR THERE
I WILL SAVE YOU BUT YOU MUST GO FROM HERE

IT’S A COLD NIGHT IN JANUARY
THERE’S A NORTH WIND, BLOWING THROUGH THE TREES
IN THE MOONLIGHT, I SEE THIS IMAGE
A CHILD, A CHILD

I’LL BE GENTLE BABY
I’LL HELP YOU THROUGH THIS DARKNESS TRUST ME
LIFE WILL BE BETTER
SOME DAY, SOME DAY

IT’S A LONG WALK ALONG THIS RIVER
MUCH THE SAME WAY, THROUGHOUT THESE YEARS
IN THE MOONLIGHT, I SEE THIS IMAGE
A CHILD, A CHILD, A CHILD

“Faraway in the East” Performed by Kristiann Menotiades, Additional vocals performed by Greggory Brandt, Christian Engelhardt and Ted Guzman

SCENE AND LYRICS

Eighteen years later in suburban Connecticut, Mei Li Goodson a Chinese-American high school senior near graduation, is waking up from a dream. She has the same dream frequently. She always wakes up shivering even though it is not cold. Arising from bed she walks to her dresser, opens the drawer, takes out a letter and reads it. The writing states that “the birth mother wishes for this infant to be named Mei Li.” The letter was given to her adoptive parents by Yang Shu the head of the orphanage from where she was adopted.

I HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE
I HAVE A ROOM THAT’S WARM AND COZY
I HAVE A MOM AND DAD WHO LOVE ME
THEY TRY AND GIVE ME EVERYTHING
I HAVE THE BEST OF EVERYTHING
IN MY LIFE

STILL, I HAVE THIS EMPTY FEELING
I DON’T KNOW WHO I AM
OR WHERE I BELONG

FARAWAY IN THE EAST
IN THE LAND I KNOW I COME FROM
FARAWAY IN THE EAST
IN A PLACE I ONCE CALLED HOME
FARAWAY IN THE EAST
IS THERE SOMEONE LOOKING FOR ME
SOMEONE SPECIAL
FROM MY DREAMS

FARAWAY IN THE EAST
STARS ABOVE THE LIMESTONE MOUNTAINS
FARAWAY IN THE EAST
LI RIVER OLIVE TREES
FARAWAY IN THE EAST
IS THERE SOMEONE WAITING THERE
WHO WILL TELL ME THAT HE CARES

I MUST HAVE A GUARDIAN ANGEL
A LUCKY STAR THAT FOLLOWS ME
I COULDN’T ASK FOR MORE
IT WAS GIVEN TO ME

BUT OUT THERE IN THE DARKNESS
IS A FIELD, A MOUNTAIN, AND A STREAM
ALL PART OF THIS GREAT LAND
THAT WAITS FOREVER PATIENTLY

FARAWAY IN THE EAST
IN A LAND I ONCE CALLED HOME
FARAWAY IN THE EAST
IS THERE SOMEONE LOOKING FOR ME
SOMEONE SPECIAL, FROM MY DREAMS

I MUST TRAVEL FAR TO SEE IT WITH MY VERY OWN EYES
I MIGHT FIND THERE’S ONLY PAIN AND HEARTBREAK
I DON’T WANT TO LEAVE MY HOME AND MY FAMILY
I’LL FIND THE TRUTH THIS WAY
I’LL FIND THE TRUTH

SO FARAWAY IN THE EAST
FARAWAY IN THE EAST
IN A LAND I ONCE CALLED HOME

FARAWAY IN THE EAST
IS THERE SOMEONE WAITING FOR ME

SOMEONE SPECIAL
SOMEONE SPECIAL
SOMEONE SPECIAL
FROM MY DREAMS

“Suburban Streets Suburban Way” Performed by Kristiann Menotiades, Additional vocals performed by Greggory Brandt, Caroline Nicolian, L Steven Santora, and Kristiann Menotiades

SCENE AND LYRICS

SUBURBAN STREETS ARE BEAUTIFUL
ALL THE YARDS KEPT NEAT AND CLEAN
WE WAKE UP EVERY MORNING
TO THE SUN SHINING

THE BANKS ARE FULL OF MONEY
SO NO ONE HERE GOES HUNGRY
EVERYONE HAS MORE THAN WHAT
THEY REALLY NEED

LIFE IS SWEET SUBURBAN STREETS SUBURBAN WAY
HAPPY FACES YOU WILL SEE EVERYDAY
EVERYONE HAS ALL THEY NEED MERRILY WE ALL SUCCEED
LIFE IS SWEET SUBURBAN STREETS SUBURBAN WAY

WE GO TO WORK AND SCHOOL
EVERYTHING IS REAL COOL
NOT MANY WORRIES
HAVE WE

BECAUSE WE HAVE A MONEY TREE
WASHERS DRYERS
BANKING
MACHINES

LIFE IS SWEET SUBURBAN STREETS SUBURBAN WAY
HAPPY FACES YOU WILL SEE EVERYDAY
ALWAYS SOMETHING GOOD IN STORE WE ALL HAVE SO MUCH AND MORE
LIFE IS SWEET SUBURBAN STREETS SUBURBAN WAY

ALL THE NEIGHBORS GRIN
YEAR OUT YEAR IN
IT’S THE AMERICAN
DREAM

THE NEIGHBORS ALL HAVE BARBEQUES
TUPPERWARE
AND BACKYARD
POOLS

LIFE IS SWEET SUBURBAN STREETS SUBURBAN WAY
HAPPY PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET EVERYDAY
EVERYONE HAS ALL THEY NEED MERRILY WE ALL SUCCEED
LIFE IS SWEET SUBURBAN STREETS SUBURBAN WAY

EVERYDAY AMERICA WHERE PEOPLE LIVE THEIR DREAMS
MERRILY WE SING OUR SONG SO EASILY IT SEEMS
GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE GROUND BENEATH OUR FEET
SMILING FACES EVERYWHERE FROM EVERYONE YOU MEET
THERES NO OTHER PLACE WHERE PEOPLE HAVE MORE THAN WE HAVE
IT’S AND EXPECTATION NOT A DAYDREAM OR A FAD
PEOPLE EVERYWHERE JUST WANT TO BE THE SAME AS ME

LIFE IS SWEET SUBURBAN
SO COMPLETE SUBURBAN
COME ON IN GRAB A SEAT
SUBURBAN STREETS SUBURBAN WAY

“Life In America” Performed by Anderson Davis, Additional vocals performed by Doug Kreeger, Lindsey Gort, Ruby Lewis, and Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

NO PLACE LIKE HOME
TO REACH FOR THE STARS
YOUR LIFE’S YOUR OWN
DREAMS WILL TAKE YOU FAR

YOU CAN PRETEND
OR YOU CAN BE REAL
JUST ALL DEPENDS
ON HOW YOU FEEL

LIFE IN AMERICA
IN THE LAND OF THE FREE
LIFE IN AMERICA
THE LAND CREATED FOR YOU AND ME
LIFE IN AMERICA
WHY WOULD YOU EVER LEAVE

A FACE UNKNOWN
LUCK COULD TAKE YOU FAR
A PRINCE A THRONE
OR MAYBE A STAR
YOU COULD BE RICH
AND THEN LOSE IT ALL
EACH DAY’S YOUR CHOICE
EACH PLAY YOUR OWN CALL

LIFE IN AMERICA
IN THE LAND OF THE FREE
LIFE IN AMERICA
THE LAND CREATED FOR YOU AND ME
LIFE IN AMERICA

LIKE NO OTHER PLACE ON EARTH
YOU START OUT WITH A HOPE AND DREAM
HOLD ON TO IT NEVER
LET YOUR DREAM GO

NO PLACE LIKE HOME
TO WISH ON A STAR
MEI LI
THERE’S JUST NO PLACE LIKE HOME HERE IN AMERICA.

IF YOU BELIEVE

I ALWAYS BELIEVED,

LIFE WILL TAKE YOU FAR

SO TAKE MY HAND
AND NEVER LET GO
WE’LL MAKE OUR STAND

WE’LL STAND UP PROUD. WE’LL SING OUT LOUD.

WE’LL MAKE OUR OWN SHOW

IT’S OUR BIRTHRIGHT IN AMERICA.

LIFE IN AMERICA
IN THE LAND OF THE FREE
LIFE IN AMERICA
THE LAND CREATED FOR YOU AND ME
LIFE IN AMERICA
THE LAND CREATED FOR YOU AND ME
LIFE IN AMERICA
WHY WOULD YOU EVER LEAVE

“I’ll Miss You So” Performed by L Steven Santora

SCENE AND LYRICS

YOU KNOW MEI LI
WE DID OUR BEST
TO MAKE YOU HAPPY
AND KEEP YOU SAFE

YOU KNOW MEI LI
YOU’LL BREAK MY HEART
IF YOU FORGET THESE
TIMES WE SHARED

YOU KNOW MY LOVES FOREVER
NEVER A MOMENT MISSED
I’LL BE RIGHT HERE WHENEVER
YOU MAY NEED A PLACE TO REST

BECAUSE MEI LI
ALWAYS YOUR MINE
NEVER FORGET
I’LL MISS YOU SO

YOU KNOW MEI LI
I’LL MISS YOU SO

STAY HERE MEI LI
JUST ONE MORE YEAR
YOU KNOW MEI LI
I’LL MISS YOU SO

“Fly” Performed by Kristiann Menotiades

SCENE AND LYRICS

Later in the evening, Mei Li prepares for bed. She rereads the letter from the orphanage. Confused, she just wishes she could just fly away from everything.

IF I KNEW THE ANSWERS
LIFE WOULD BE SO SIMPLE
I WOULD KNOW THE REASONS WHY

THAT SOME HOW I AM DIFFERENT
YET STILL I AM THE SAME AS THEM
INSIDE

IF I HAD MY WAY
I’D SOAR ABOVE THE CLOUDS AND THEN FROM HIGH
I’D SEE WHY
IF ONLY I COULD SPREAD MY WINGS AND
FLY JUST FLY

FARAWAY THE VOICES
CALL FROM MYSTIC DARKNESS
BEGGING ME TO COME BACK HOME
A PLACE THAT LIVES IN THEIR MINDS
IS NOT THE ONE THAT I HAVE ALWAYS
KNOWN

IF I HAD MY WAY
THE VOICES FROM THE DARKNESS WOULD SUBSIDE
THEN I’D BE FINE
IF ONLY I COULD SPREAD MY WINGS AND

FLY, FLY TO HEAVEN ABOVE
WHERE LOST TIME AND BROKEN PROMISES
WILL BE DISTANT MEMORIES

WHY AM I SO AFRAID OF WHAT I’LL FIND
NOT KNOWING WHAT OR WHO I LEFT BEHIND
I MUST TRY
TO SPREAD MY WINGS AND FLY THERE

IF I HAD MY WAY
I’D SOAR ABOVE THE CLOUDS AND THEN FROM HIGH
I WOULD SEE WHY
IF ONLY I COULD SPREAD MY WINGS AND
FLY JUST FLY

“My Journey” Performed by Kara Lindsay

SCENE AND LYRICS

Mei Li lies down and cries herself to sleep. The dreams come again but more vivid than in the past. In this dream she is at dinner with her parents about her desire to return to China. John angerly tells Mei Li if she continues to insist on going that she should go and not come back. Mei Li runs to her bedroom, picks up the letter on the dresser and runs into the darkness.

I’M GOING BACK IN TIME
TO A PLACE THAT I ONCE KNEW
BACK IN TIME AND SPACE
I WANT TO KNOW MORE OF THE TRUTH

GOING BACK IN TIME
TO WHERE LOVE CREATED ME
IT’S MY HISTORY
MY DESTINY, MY JOURNEY

NOT SURE OF THE WAY, OR WHAT I WILL FIND THERE
WITHIN MY SOUL, THERE’S THIS EMPTINESS THAT DRIVES ME
AM I AFRAID, YES, I’M AFRAID, BUT STILL I GO THERE
FOR WHAT I FIND, MAY EASE MY MIND, AND SET MY SOUL FREE

GOING BACK IN TIME
TO A PAST SO LONG AGO
WAS I NEEDED THERE
OR DID THEY RUSH TO LET ME GO

GOING BACK IN TIME
TO WHERE HURT MAY FOLLOW ME
IT’S MY HISTORY
MY DESTINY, MY JOURNEY

WILL ANSWERS MAKE SENSE, WILL I BE IGNORED THERE
WILL THEY REPENT, FOR ALL OF THE LOVE, DENIED ME
GUESS I COULD STOP, AND TURN AROUND, MY BACK TO REALITY
BUT WHERE’S THE GAIN, WHEN HURT REMAINS, WHERE WOULD I BE

GOING BACK IN TIME
TO A PAST SO LONG AGO
OR DID THEY RUSH TO LET ME GO

GOING BACK IN TIME
TO WHERE HURT MAY FOLLOW ME
IT’S MY HISTORY
MY DESTINY, MY JOURNEY

“At the End of The River” Performed by Kristiann Menotiades

SCENE AND LYRICS

In the distance, she sees a faint image of a Chinese man wearing a police uniform, and a young woman who are calling to her. She runs towards them. But they disappear before she reaches them.

Suddenly, the darkness transitions to a beautiful sun filled morning on the banks of the Lijiang River in Guilin, Guangxi Province, China. She is overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty of river and surrounding mountains.

I DIDN’T CARE ABOUT HISTORY
BEFORE I CAME BACK HERE
I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT WAS MISSING
NOW IT SEEMS SO VERY CLEAR
THIS RIVER FLOWS WITH HOPE
AND ANSWERS THAT I LONG TO KNOW

AT THE END OF THE RIVER
AT THE END OF THE RIVER
AT THE END OF THE RIVER
I’LL START A NEW JOURNEY
THROUGH THE HILLS AND THE VALLEYS
IN THIS NEW LAND I ONLY DREAMED OF
WHERE I CAN SEE THINGS I ONLY DREAMED

I DIDN’T THINK THAT MIRACLES COULD HAPPEN
IN A LAND SO FAR AWAY
NOW I BELIEVE THAT MIRACLES WILL HAPPEN
HERE TO ME

AT THE END OF THE RIVER
WHERE I’LL START A NEW JOURNEY
THROUGH THE HILLS AND THE VALLEYS
I COULD STAY HERE FOREVER

AT THE END OF THE RIVER
I’LL START A NEW JOURNEY
THROUGH THE HILLS AND THE VALLEYS
IN THIS NEW LAND I ONLY DREAMED OF
WHERE I CAN SEE THINGS I ONLY DREAMED

“This Is Yo Ping” Performed by L Steven Santora Additional vocals performed by Doug Kreeger, Lindsey Gort, Ruby Lewis, and Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

Mei Li is relaxed, and now recovered from the nightmarish dream. But at the same time, she is lost in her new surroundings. She walks to a nearby building seeking information. She approaches a portly Bellman standing at the entrance to a hotel. The Bellman greets Mei Li in Mandarin. “Zǎo shang hǎo (Good Morning).” Mei Li tries to reply in Mandarin saying “zǎo shang hǎo.” But her pronunciation is dismal at best. The Bellman laughs and speaks to Mei Li in English, and cautions Mei Li not to speak Mandarin because in may confuse people. He reaches into his pocket and gives Mei Li a destination card that has places of interest labeled in Mandarin with English translation. He also insists that she will need a guide and offers to find one for her. He calls out, “Yo Ping!”

CALLING YO PING
I’M CALLING YO PING
Yo Ping!
COME OVER HERE AND MEET MEI LI
FOR SHE’S IN NEED OF YOUR SERVICE

THIS IS YO PING
HE WILL TELL YOU
EVERYTHING
YOU NEED TO KNOW
YOU NEED TO KNOW

HE’S A TOUR GUIDER
A CABDRIVER
HE KNOWS THE BEST
PLACES TO GO
YOU NEED YO PING

THIRTEEN YUAN TAKES YOU HERE
TWO YUAN MORE WILL TAKE YOU THERE.
AN EVEN TWENTY TAKES YOU
MOST ANYWHERE

I AM YO PING
YOU CAN TRUST ME
EVEN WHEN THE
CHIPS ARE DOWN
WHEN CHIPS ARE DOWN

I’LL PROTECT YOU
FROM THE BAD GUYS
WHEN THE BAD GUYS
ARE HERE IN TOWN
YO PING WILL CARE

THIRTEEN YUAN TAKES YOU HERE
TWO YUAN MORE WILL TAKE YOU THERE.
AN EVEN TWENTY TAKES YOU
MOST ANYWHERE

THIS IS YO PING
HE’S AND EXPERT
TAKING TOURISTS
HERE TO AND FRO

I AM YO PING
I WILL TELL YOU
EVERY LITTLE THING
YOU NEED TO KNOW

THIS IS YO PING
HE WILL TELL YOU
EVERYTHING
YOU NEED TO KNOW

THIS IS YO PING
HE’LL PROTECT YOU
FROM THE BAD GUYS

THIS IS YOU PING
HE WILL GUIDE YOU

I AM YO PING

“Uptown Downtown” Performed by Wilson Scott, Additional vocals performed by Wilson Scott, Kirsten Bracken, Marissa Lesch and Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

A young man, about Mei Li’s age, approaches the Bellman and speaks to him in Mandarin. The Bellman introduces Yo Ping to Mei Li in English and tells her to show him where she would like to go using the “destination card.” Mei Li points to Elephant Trunk Hill, a famous tourist area that Mei Li is familiar with. Yo Ping nods, and they go off together. On the way they pass through busy congested streets.

UPTOWN DOWNTOWN
PEOPLE IN A RUSH GOING BY
DOWNTOWN UPTOWN
WATCHING ALL THE PEOPLE GO BY

LIFE, AN ENDLESS FAST LANE, IN THE CITY, NIGHT AND DAY
RUSHING HERE TO, RUSHING THERE TOO, SURPRISES WE ARRIVE OK
IF YOU STAND STILL, YOU MAY END UP, LAYING FACE UP
FROM DOWN ON THE GROUND

FAST CARS, MOPEDS
SEEMS TO BE AN ENDLESS SUPPLY
BIG BIKES, LITTLE BIKES
WATCHING ALL THE PEOPLE GO BY

PEACE, IS NOT AN OPTION, WHEN YOU’RE LIVING, THE CITY LIFE
IF YOU GET THERE, IT WON’T BE EASY, IF YOU GET BACK LUCKY YOU
THEY WON’T YIELD FOR YOU, THE SCARY TRUTH IS
IT ALL STARTS OVER AGAIN

NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST
SCRATCH YOUR HEAD AND WONDER WHY
UP DOWN LEFT RIGHT
WATCHING ALL THE PEOPLE GO BY

UPTOWN DOWNTOWN
PEOPLE IN A RUSH GOING BY
DOWNTOWN UPTOWN
WATCHING ALL THE PEOPLE GO BY
WE’RE WATCHING ALL THE PEOPLE GO BY

“Modern China” Performed by L Steven Santora, Additional vocals performed by Doug Kreeger, Lindsey Gort, Ruby Lewis, and Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

Mei Li and Yo Ping arrive at the park and Yo Ping vanishes into the crowd. Excited in her new surroundings, Mei Li strolls while admiring the beauty of Guilin “the most beautiful place under heaven.” All at once the crowd becomes silent and focuses attention on the park entrance. Someone in the crowd calls out ” Look everyone! It is dǒng shì zhǎng.” A stocky Chinese man, with a mustache enters the park greeted by applause and frantic picture taking. The Mayor of Guilin, Zheng Hu, throws up his hands and calls out, “Everyone in the park, gather here, watch and listen, to what China has to say, this day!”

Everyone in the park, gather here!
Watch and listen, to what China has to say, this day!

WE ARE A MODERN WORLD
We’ve come so far in short time not long
Our people are over one billion strong

FORTY-ONE CENTURIES BOLD
The old and the new shines on every face
Our history prepared us to take this new place

THE SLEEPING DRAGON HAS AWAKENED
AND IT IS SURE TO DO GREAT THINGS

WE ARE ONE HEART
WE ARE BEAUTIFUL

WE ARE We are!
MODERN We are modern!
CHINA We are China!

A POWERFUL FORCE WILL UNFOLD
We grow stronger each day in our hearts and in our minds
We believe in the skills that our intellect defines!

OPEN YOUR EYES AND BEHOLD
The beauty of this land is unparalleled you see
Gather around everyone listen to me!

NO LONGER SECOND TO SOME LEADER
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD LET IT BE KNOW
WE ARE ONE HEART
WE ARE BEAUTIFUL

WE ARE We are!
MODERN We are modern!
CHINA We are China!

LOOK AT US
AS WE WILL SURELY ACHIEVE
TOMORROW IS ALL THAT WE NEED

THE FUTURE IS OURS
YOU WILL SURELY SEE AND BELIEVE
WE ARE CHINA

WATCH AS THE FUTURE UNFOLDS
The future is here for us all to behold
Come follow us now watch our story unfold!

COME FOLLOW US
Come follow us!
WE ARE CHINA

SO DEAR TO US
So dear to us!

WE ARE CHINA
We are China!
China!

“Guilin” Performed by L Steven Santora, Additional vocals performed by Doug Kreeger, Lindsey Gort, Ruby Lewis, and Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

The Mayor strolls like a king acknowledging his subjects. Soon everyone returns to their previous activities except for Mei Li who shadows the mayor. Aware he is being followed; Zheng Hu turns and greets Mei Li in Mandarin. “Nǐ hǎo.” Mei Li tries to respond in Mandarin, but Mayor’s laughs and advises her to speak English. Mei Li agrees that she has heard that before, and tells the mayor that she was born in Guilin. A bit curious that an American who does not speak Mandarin very well is native to Guilin, he continues by telling Mei Li all about the wonderful place where she was born.

THIS LAND IS HOME
TO GENERATIONS
THE HEART AND SOUL OF
MILLIONS THAT HAVE LONG PASSED BY

AND ONCE YOU SEE
HER HILLS AND VALLEYS
YOU’LL SWEAR THIS MUST BE
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE ON EARTH

GUILIN MY HEARTBEAT
GUILIN MY HOME
GUILIN
WHEN THE SUN ARISES
THE HILLS ALL BEGIN TO SING

HER NIGHT LIGHTS KISS
THE FIELDS AND RIVERS
WITH GOLD AND SILVER
SHINING FOREVER SHINING FOREVER

GUILIN MY HEARTBEAT
GUILIN MY HOME
GUILIN
WHEN THE SUN ARISES
THE HILLS ALL BEGIN TO SING

ALWAYS KNOWING
RIVERS FLOWING
HILLS SPEAK OF TIMES GONE BY

IT’S MY BIRTHPLACE
RICH IN HEAVENS GRACE
IT’S MY HEARTS ONLY DESIRE

GUILIN MY HEARTBEAT
GUILIN MY HOME
GUILIN
WHEN THE SUN ARISES
THE HILLS ALL BEGIN TO SING
GUILIN

“There’s Something More” – A Beautiful Day” Performed by Michael Leadbetter

SCENE AND LYRICS

Mei Li tells the mayor she wants to go to the social welfare institute and that she has a letter written about her by the institute’s administrator, Yang Shu. He knows Yang Shu and tells Mei Li that she will need a guide to get there. Mei Li says that she has one, and his name is Yo Ping, but he has disappeared into the crowd. “Oh!” The mayor replies and calls out, “YO PING!” Out of the crowd Yo Ping runs quickly to the mayor and stands perfectly still he replies in Mandarin. When the mayor responds in English, Yo Ping responds with perfect American English. Mei Li and Yo Ping walk away together.

While walking Mei Li speaks first. “You speak perfect English, why didn’t you talk to me before. Yo Ping relies that there was no need. As they walk together Yo Ping explains that he mastered American English by frequently talking to Americans in the tourist areas. Now sharing language, they begin to share their stories.

THERE’S SOMETHING MORE OUT THERE FOR ME
MY WIND HAS GREATNESS I FEEL THE BREEZE

OUT THERE IN MY FUTURE
THERE’S A PERFECT PLACE FOR ME

THERE’S SOMETHING MORE OUT THERE FOR ME
MY WIND HAS CHANGE SO CLEAR TO SEE

OUT THERE IN MY FUTURE
IS THIS PERFECT PLACE FOR ME

I CAN SEE IN YOUR EYES
YOU’RE A LEADER A MAN OF DESTINY

YOU’RE A WOMAN
WHOSE TIME HAS FINALLY COME

HANDSOME SMART AND DETERMINED

WITH SUCH BEAUTY AND GRACE

SURELY MANY WILL WANT TO FOLLOW YOU

YOU ARE NOT LIKE ANYONE I’VE EVER MET
SO MAYBE YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUT YOUR HAND IN MINE

I CAN SEE IN YOUR EYES

YOU ARE A PRINCE DISGUISED AS A GUIDE

YOU’RE A PRINCESS
YOU’RE A PRINCESS

YOU MADE THIS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY

“If We Believe” Performed by Christian Engelhardt and Susana Wickstrom

“That’s When I’ll See You Again” Performed by Nathan Salstone and Kristiann Menotiades

SCENE AND LYRICS

Yo Ping leads Mei Li to an overlook view of the karst mountains surrounding the Lijiang River, and then to a reflecting pond. Seeing their reflections side by side, Yo Ping suggests that their futures together may be seen in the water’s reflection. “We have great yuanfen,” he says. “Perhaps it is in our destiny to meet.”

ONE PLACE, ONE TIME
HERE WE CAN BE
FREE TO FOLLOW OUR HEARTS

BEFORE MY EYES
SO CLEAR TO SEE
YOU’RE EVERYTHING I HOPED YOU WOULD BE

DUET
THIS TIME, IS OUR TIME
TO SHARE, ONE LIGHT
THAT GUIDES US ON LIFE’S JOURNEY
IF WE BELIEVE

ONE PLACE, ONE TIME
HERE WE CAN BE
FREE TO FOLLOW OUR HEARTS

WE’LL WALK THIS PATH TOGETHER
LET THE DAYS BE WARM, AND THE NIGHTS
BE SHELTERED AND SAFE FROM THE COLD

THIS TIME IS OUR TIME
TO SHARE ONE LIGHT
THAT GUIDES US ON LIFE’S JOURNEY
IF WE, IF WE BELIEVE

I’LL NEVER STOP BELIEVING IN YOU

I WILL ALWAYS BE BY YOUR SIDE
AND I PROMISE THIS
DREAM WILL COME TRUE
IF WE, IF WE BELIEVE

“Mei Wen Ti” Performed by Kara Lindsay

“Just Girls” Performed by Betsy Lawrence, Emily Miller, Kristiann Menotiades

SCENE AND LYRICS

The attraction grows. However, Yo Ping has finished his task. They have arrived at the institute. With a smile he touches Mei Li’s hand and walks away. Mei Li begins to speak, but cannot finds the words to express her feelings. She looks down at her hand for a moment, then raises it, as Yo Ping disappears in the distance.

Mei Li faces the door of the institute. She knocks, the door opens, and a mature woman greets Mei Li. Mei Li asks to see Yang Shu. “Why?” The woman asks. Mei Li takes the letter from her pocket and hands it to the woman. She reads the letter, looks down briefly, looks up at Mei Li and says, “I am Yang Shu. Welcome sister.” They walk inside together. There is much going on. There are many nannies and many, many more babies.

MEI WEN TI, MEI WEN TI
THAT’S HOW WE SAY NO PROBLEM
MEI WEN TI, MEI WEN TI
WE SING OUR TEARS AWAY

A LAND MADE UP OF FAIRY TALES,
KIND OF PASSED US BY
BUT WE PRETEND THAT IT’S OK,
EACH DAY WE SING AND SMILE

MEI WEN TI, MEI WEN TI
THAT’S HOW WE SAY NO PROBLEM
MEI WEN TI, MEI WEN TI
WE SING OUR TEARS AWAY

SOME KIDS HAVE ONE SISTER
AND OTHER KIDS HAVE FIVE
BUT LUCKY ME I HAVE MOST OF ALL,
ONE HUNDRED NINETY-NINE

MEI WEN TI, MEI WEN TI
THAT’S HOW WE SAY NO PROBLEM
MEI WEN TI, MEI WEN TI
IT HELPS TO MAKE US SMILE

IT’S OK MY LIFE’S THIS WAY,
I’M SURELY NOT ALONE
BUT MAYBE SOON THEY’LL COME FOR ME,
A FAMILY OF MY, ALL MY OWN

MEI WEN TI, MEI WEN TI
THAT’S HOW WE SAY NO PROBLEM
MEI WEN TI, MEI WEN TI
IT HELPS TO MAKE US SMILE
SOME DAY SOON THEY’LL COME FOR ME
MEI WEN, MEI WEN TI

“In A Chinese Way” Performed by Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

They speak and walk together for a long time. Mei Li, says “I know you remember the letter, but do you remember me?” Yang Shu says there have been so many who have come and gone. Yang Shu reacts by saying that she does remember the letter that came on a cold night in January. She remembered the note written in the letter stating the birth mother wished for her baby to retain the name Mei Li. I sent the letter with you when you were adopted by the Americans because the mother wished it to be so. And your parents obviously honored the mothers wish.

Yang Shu does not have specific information about Mei Li, where her village might be, or who her biological parents are. However, she gives Mei Li some hope for finding out more about her life in China by telling her about the policeman who brought her to the orphanage – The Old Guard, Zhuang Guo. While she describes him the scene transitions to a home in a nearby village where Zhuang Guo is preparing for his policing duty, patrolling in the park.

EVERY DAY I WAKE UP
HOPING THIS MIGHT BE THE DAY
THAT BY MAGIC SHE FORGIVES ME
AND SHE COMES BACK HERE TO STAY
AND SHE ALWAYS WANTS TO HAVE ME
BY HER SIDE, TO SHOW HER THE WAY

BECAUSE SHE NEEDS HER FATHER
TO TAKE CARE OF HER
IN A CHINESE WAY

I KNOW I HAVE BEEN MISSING
NOT THE BEST FATHER HAVE I BEEN
BUT IN MY HEART I ALWAYS KNEW
I WOULD SEE HER FACE AGAIN
AND IF ONLY SHE WOULD TELL ME
THE WORDS I HOPED SHE’D SAY

BECAUSE SHE NEEDS HER FATHER,
TO COMFORT HER,
IN A CHINESE WAY

LIKE A FLOWER BLOOMING FRESH EVERY SPRING
SHE WOULD GROW AS I TEACH HER THE TRADITIONS
I WOULD HOLD HER HAND IN MINE
TO GUIDE HER
THEN EVERY DAY WOULD BE THE WAY
IT ALWAYS SHOULD HAVE BEEN

BUT I HAVEN’T BEEN THE FATHER
THAT I HOPED THAT I WOULD BE
IT WASN’T MY ARMS THAT HELD HER CLOSE
DURING THOSE TIMES WHEN SHE SURELY NEEDED ME

BUT THINGS COULD BE MUCH DIFFERENT NOW
IF ONLY SHE COULD STAY

BECAUSE SHE NEEDS HER FATHER
TO LOVE HER,
IN A CHINESE WAY

She goes on to say, that on most days, The Old Guard will be found in the park at Elephant Trunk Hill. Mei Li thanks Yang Shu and leaves.

ACT TWO

JUNE 1989

“There’s Unrest” Performed by Jeff Howell, Greggory Brandt, L Steven Santora

“We are East, not West!” Performed by Jeff Howell, Greggory Brandt, L Steven Santora

“You Must Be a Good Soldier” Performed by Greggory Brandt

SCENE AND LYRICS

June 1989

There’s unrest among the people!
There’s unrest among the people!
IN THE CITIES AND THE COUNTRYSIDE
There’s unrest among the people!
THERE’S UNREST AMONG THE PEOPLE
OH NO
THEY ARE PLOTTING TO UNSEAT US
IN SEARCH OF CHANGE THEY’RE TRYING TO BRING US DOWN
THEY ARE PLOTTING TO DEFEAT US
OH NO

Take the matter to the Elders.
They must decide the fate of the protesters!

WE ARE EAST NOT WEST
WE CANNOT TOLERATE THESE PROTESTS
YEE UHR SAHN SUH

MAKE A STAND HERE WE MUST
FOR OUR LAND FOR EACH OF US
YEE UHR SAHN SUH

THE STUDENTS ARE JUST PUPPETS
OF THESE LIBERAL MINDED THUGS
THERE IS NOTHING TALK WILL DO
TO MAKE THEM TURN BACK TO OUR WAYS

WE ARE EAST NOT WEST
WE CANNOT TOLERATE THESE PROTESTS
YEE UHR SAHN SUH
YEE UHR SAHN SUH

WE CAN’T LET THIS GO MUCH FURTHER
IF WE WAIT TOO LONG WE’RE SURE TO LOSE CONTROL

CHAIRMAN MAO IS WATCHING
WATCHING EVERY LITTLE MOVE WE MAKE
SOME MUST DIE SO OTHERS MAY LIVE.
WE WASH OUR HANDS, IT IS DONE

“Lullaby” Performed by Anderson Davis & Caroline Nicolian, Additional vocals performed by Doug Kreeger, Lindsey Gort, Ruby Lewis, and Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

Story Present Day

Zhuang Guo recalls the events in China during 1989. Now in the park with his friend Hu (the mayor), Guo tells him that he believes his daughter is in Guilin and she will come to the park looking for him. His deceased wife, Xi’er, told him in a dream. He restates his profound regret for the actions he took on that cold night in January.

TAKE THIS NAME
FOR YOUR OWN
TAKE THIS CUP, FILLED WITH MILK AND HOPE
TAKE MY LOVE ALWAYS TRUE
TAKE THIS LULLABY WITH YOU

SHE CAN’T STAY
THIS I KNOW
HOW I WISH IT WASN’T SO
TAKE MY STRENGTH YOU’LL NEED IT TOO
TAKE THIS LULLABY WITH YOU

XI’ER, GIVE THE CHILD A NAME, IF YOU MUST
HURRY, THE TIME IS NOW LATE SHE MUST GO ON, TO HER FATE

TAKE THIS NAME, MY MEI LI
It means you’re beautiful like the flower of the plum tree.

TAKE THIS GIFT OF WHITE TSUE-SHEN
TAKE THIS LULLABY

THERE IS NO OTHER WAY
XI’ER, IT IS TIME
SHE MUST GO ON
I’M SORRY
I KNOW IT’S NOT RIGHT
BUT WE MUST GIVE UP, THIS FIGHT
TODAY SHE’LL START
A NEW LIFE

TAKE THIS NAME FOR YOUR OWN
TAKE THIS CUP FILLED WITH MILK AND HOPE
TAKE MY LOVE ALWAYS TRUE
TAKE THIS LULLABY WITH YOU

“Will You Buy This Rose” Performed by Kara Lindsay, Additional vocals performed by Wilson Scott, Kirsten Bracken, Marissa Lesch and Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

Mei Li does in fact return to the park that day looking for Zhuang Guo. Mei Li spots a policeman and walks up behind him unnoticed. Caught off guard when Mei Li speaks Zhuang Guo hears his wife say “turn around, it is our daughter.” Zhuang Guo turns toward Mei Li, she introduces herself, and begins asking questions about being carried as an infant to the orphanage. Not prepared to confront Mei Li, Zhuang Guo replies that he has no knowledge of such things. There is a skirmish nearby. Zhuang Guo orders Mei Li to go away to be safe while he handles things. She complies by hurrying away but is soon approach by a young child selling a rose.

WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE
IT’S NOT MUCH MORE THAN FREE
WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE
YOU WILL BE HELPING ME

YOU SEE I’M NOT SO STRONG
THAT I CAN MAKE IT ON MY OWN
AND I DON’T HAVE LONG
TO CONVINCE YOU THAT I REALLY NEED

THIS SMALL AMOUNT
TO HELP ME THROUGH THIS DAY
I CAN BARELY COUNT
I’M JUST THE MESSENGER THEY SAY
SO I MUST MAKE YOU SEE
WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE FROM ME

WILL YOU TAKE ONE CHANCE
THERE’S REALLY NOT MUCH TIME
IN A FLASH THIS DANCE
NO LONGER WILL BE MINE

YOU SEE I’M JUST A GIRL
WHO DOES NOT HAVE A HOME
SO PLEASE HAVE A HEART
AND BUY ONE OR TWO OR MAYBE THREE

IT’S NOT MUCH FOR YOU (MOVE ALONG MAKE A SALE)
BUT IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME (DON’T COME BACK TILL IT’S DONE)
IT’S NOT HARD FOR YOU (LIFE IS SHORT BETTER HURRY)
COST IS BARELY MORE THAN FREE (NEVER WALK ALWAYS RUN)

SO I MUST MAKE YOU SEE
WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE FROM ME
(NOW HURRY DON’T HESITATE
THERE ARE SO MANY SALES YOU COULD MAKE
SO TAKE ADVICE FROM ME)
WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE
PLEASE HURRY DON’T HESITATE
WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE
THERE ARE TOO MANY CHOICES TO MAKE
SO I MUST MAKE YOU SEE

(NOW HURRY DON’T HESITATE
THERE ARE SO MANY SALES YOU COULD MAKE
SO TAKE ADVICE FROM ME)

WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE
IT’S NOT MUCH MORE THAN FREE
WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE
YOU WILL BE HELPING ME
SO I MUST MAKE YOU SEE
WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE FROM ME
WILL YOU BUY THIS ROSE FROM ME

“A Cold Night in January” Reprise

SCENE AND LYRICS

She hurries away wondering if being a child on the street would have been her fate had she stayed in China. Daylight is fading and she cannot find Zhuang Guo again, so she leaves the park and goes to the hotel.

The next day Zhuang Guo is certain that Mei Li will return looking for him. Speaking again to Zheng Hu, He fears the inevitable and decides he will hide from Mei Li if she returns. Zheng Hu admonishes his friend saying that he must tell Mei Li that he is her father. And that he must tell her everything about her short time in China as an infant. The wind on a cold night in January blows through the park.

“Pearl of China” Performed by L Steven Santora

SCENE AND LYRICS

The ghost of Xi’er tells Zhuang Guo that Mei Li has returned. Zhuang Guo and Zheng Hu move from their secret place and see Mei Li in the distance. Zheng Hu reminds his friend about what he must do.

Go Mei Li. And find your new life.

TODAY A FLOWER BLOOMS IN CHINA
SURELY IS FATE THAT HAS BROUGHT HER HERE
THE WIND FROM A CAVE IS NOT WITHOUT REASON
I SEE THE PEARL OF CHINA IN YOU

I SEE A FACE SO SWEET AND INNOCENT
AS SHE WALKS AWAY WITH HIGH HOPES AND DREAMS
SURELY THIS FLOWER PREPARES TO BLOSSOM
I SEE THE PEARL OF CHINA IN YOU

YOU’VE COME BACK HERE TO FIND THE TRUTH
THE LIFE YOU ONCE KNEW
AND NOW YOU’RE OFF TO FIND THE LOVE
YOU LEFT BEHIND IN CHINA

AWAY ON HERE JOURNEY TO HER NEW HOME
FAR FROM THE LIFE THAT SHE’S ALWAYS KNOWN
THIS WISE MAN KNOWS THAT SHE IS A SPECIAL ONE
I SEE THE PEARL OF CHINA IN YOU
I SEE THE PEARL OF CHINA IN YOU

“Lullaby” Reprise

SCENE AND LYRICS

Zhuang Guo approaches Mei Li from behind and touches her shoulder. Mei Li asks him why he left the park after the skirmish. He says that he did not leave, it is his duty to stay in the park, but that he hid until darkness came because he did not want to be found. Me Li says, “Because you didn’t want to be found by me.” Zhuang Guo replies. “Yes.”

Mei Li says. Then…

Zhuang Guo goes on to say, “Yes, I took you to the orphanage. But there’s more. I know where you are from. I know who you are. Because, Mei Li, you are a part of me.”

Mei Li cannot speak. Zhuang Guo explains the circumstances in China at that and the pressure he was under as a government official during time of her birth. He goes on to talk about the day that he took her to the institute.

“This is China Life” Performed by Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

The details are difficult for Mei Li and she is filled with emotion, confusion and anger. Still unable to speak both remain quiet until Zheng Hu returns and interrupts a tense reunion. Zheng Hu tells Guo to tell Mei Li about China life.

My father was a farmer!
His land was on that hill.
His mother was a good wife!
Her skin was smooth as silk.
His brother was a merchant,
WHO NEVER HAD A WIFE
THIS IS CHINA LIFE

RAN OFF TO JOIN THE ARMY
THOUGHT I COULD DO SOME GOOD
PROTECTING ALL THE PEOPLE
FROM EVIL THOUGHT I SHOULD
I SERVED MY TIME WITH HONOR
AND I LEARNED TO USE THIS KNIFE
THIS IS CHINA LIFE

IN THE WEST
THEY CARE ONLY FOR TODAY
AND THE PAST NEVER HAS MUCH MEANING
HERE IN THE EAST
WE LOOK FORWARD AND BEHIND US
SONG, YUAN, MING, QING
SHOW US MANY THINGS

MY LIFE’S WORK FOR THE PARTY
IS WATCHING CITY STREETS
I MANAGE THE DISORDER
I KEEP THE VILLAGE NEAT
THE PEOPLE ALL RESPECT ME
THEY KNOW I’M ON THEIR SIDE
THIS IS CHINA LIFE

WE ARE PROUD
WE ARE PROUD, STRONG AND NIMBLE
STRENGTH IN OUR HANDS AND MINDS
WUSHU

AND WHEN WE FOCUS
OUR WILLS AND HEARTS TOGETHER
THERE IS NOT ONE THING
THAT WE CAN’T DO

WE LEARN OUR LESSONS EARLY
WE LEARN THEM VERY WELL
ACCEPT WHAT COMES BEFORE US
THE ORDER KEEPS US WELL
WE ALL BELIEVE IN HONOR
THIS SURELY MAKES US RIGHT

THIS IS CHINA LIFE
THIS IS CHINA LIFE

“The Chinese Proverbs” Performed by Jeff Howell

“You Are Zhuang” Performed by Jeff Howell

SCENE AND LYRICS

A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP
WASN’T IT A SINGLE STEP THAT BROUGHT YOU HERE
A SMILE WILL GAIN YOU TEN MORE YEARS OF LIVING YOUR LIFE
THESE ARE THE TRUTHS
THE CHINESE PROVERBS SAY

STUDY HARD WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG AND YOU WILL NEVER FAIL
AND BE SURE THAT YOU LET THINGS GO THEIR NATURAL WAY
HAVING NO PATIENCE WILL RESULT IN SOMETHING YOU DON’T INTEND
THESE ARE THE TRUTHS
THE CHINESE PROVERBS SAY

BACK IN THE DAYS
OF THE GREAT DYNASTIES
WISE MEN WROTE PROFOUND THINGS

SO NOW I SAY
WE MUST FOLLOW THEIR LEAD
EVERY DAY, TO SUCCEED

You will have a good life if you follow their lead!

IN A LAND OF A BILLION SMILES THESE TRUTHS WE ALL ACCEPT
THAT A BIRD DOESN’T SING WITH AN ANSWER JUST A SONG
FOR HE WHO ASKS A QUESTION IS NEVER A FOOL
THESE ARE THE TRUTHS
THE CHINESE PROVERBS SAY

Want only for what you need!
THE WISE MEN SHOW THE WAY
WHILE NEEDING FOR NOTHING MORE
THAN EARTH AND SKY

BEING TOO ANXIOUS ONLY BRINGS YOU THINGS
THAT YOU DO NOT NEED
THESE ARE THE TRUTHS
THE CHINESE PROVERBS SAY

BACK IN THE DAYS
OF THE GREAT DYNASTIES
WISE MEN WROTE PROFOUND THINGS

SO NOW I SAY
WE MUST FOLLOW THEIR LEAD
EVERY DAY TO SUCCEED

You must follow what the proverbs say!

A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP
WASN’T IT A SINGLE STEP THAT BROUGHT YOU HERE
A SMILE WILL GAIN YOU TEN MORE YEARS
OF LIVING YOUR LIFE
THESE ARE THE TRUTHS
THESE ARE THE TRUTHS
THESE ARE THE TRUTHS
THE CHINESE PROVERBS SAY

And, the meaning of the name “Zhuang.”

MEI LI YOUR CULTURE IS A RICH ONE
YOU BELONG TO THE STRONG AND PROUD ZHUANG
LIKE MY NAME AND YOURS
FROM THE ANCESTORS
IT’S A PART OF YOU
A PART OF WHO YOU ARE

MEI LI YOUR EYES ARE LIKE ZHUANG EYES
WITH VISION BEYOND WHAT OTHERS SEE
THEY WILL ALL HAVE SMILES IN HEAVEN
NOW THAT YOU’VE COME BACK
NOW THAT YOU’VE COME BACK

MEI LI YOU ARE SPECIAL
LIKE THE THIRD SISTER LIU
WITH A VOICE OF A LARK
CELEBRATE AND LOVE YOUR CULTURE
YOU ARE ZHUANG
YOU ARE ZHUANG

MEI LI FEEL THE POWER OF WHAT IS NATURAL
CLIMB THE MOUNTAINS TOUCH THE EARTH AND FEEL THE BREEZE
WHILE WE LOVE THE YOUNG WE RESPECT THE OLD
IT’S A PART OF YOU
A PART OF WHO YOU ARE

MEI LI YOUR EYES ARE LIKE XI’ERS EYES
WITH BEAUTY AND GRACE THAT ALL CAN SEE
AND SHE IS PLEASED I KNOW IT
NOW THAT YOU’VE COME BACK
NOW THAT YOU’VE COME BACK

MEI LI YOU ARE SPECIAL
LIKE THE THIRD SISTER LIU
WITH A VOICE OF A LARK
CELEBRATE AND LOVE YOUR CULTURE
YOU ARE ZHUANG
YOU ARE ZHUANG

MEI LI YOUR CULTURE IS A RICH ONE
YOU BELONG TO THE STRONG AND PROUD ZHUANG
THEY ALL SMILE PROUD IN HEAVEN
NOW THAT YOU’VE COME BACK
NOW THAT YOU’VE COME BACK TO ME

“Promise Me” Performed by Helen Karloski and Devin Ilaw

SCENE AND LYRICS

Zheng Hu leaves the situation less tense. Zhuang Guo tells Mei Li that she is now home. Calmed for a moment, Mei Li becomes upset when Zhuang Guo insists that China is where she belongs. Mei Li daydreams about her mom and dad at home in America.

I DON’T WANT TO HEAR YOU SAY GOOD-BY

PROMISE ME, YOU WON’T FORGET
THE DAYS WE SPENT, IN THE PARK
TELL ME I AM THE ONE
INTO MY ARMS YOU’LL ALWAYS RUN

PROMISE ME, THEY’RE ONLY WORDS
BUT THE WORDS I LONG TO HEAR
FOR AS LONG AS I BREATHE
IN MY HEART, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE

WHO AM I TO UPSET YOU
MAKE YOUR HEART ACHE LIKE MINE
PROMISE ME THAT YOU’LL COME BACK SOMETIME

WHERE WOULD I BE WITHOUT YOUR LOVE
LOST IN THE SHADOWS OF A COLD AND DARK NIGHT
SEARCHING FOR YOUR LIGHT

PROMISE ME YOU WON’T FORGET
AND BEFORE YOU SAY GOOD-BY
HOLD ME AND WHEN YOU LET GO
SAY THE WORDS I NEED TO KNOW

PROMISE ME, I WON’T ASK FOR MORE
BUT IN TIME I HOPE YOU’LL SEE
I WAS ALWAYS THE ONE
THAT YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON

WHO AM I TO REFUSE YOU
WHO AM I TO MAKE YOU CRY
I DON’T WANT TO HEAR YOU SAY, GOOD-BY

“Get Me Out of Here” Performed by Kristiann Menotiades

SCENE AND LYRICS

Mei Li’s confusion turns to anger. She shouts that she does not belong in China and certainly not with him and runs away.

“Why Can’t We Be Free” Performed by Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

As she runs, the streets begin to transform into chaotic imagery of America and China. She sees Yo Ping running from the police with a group of protesters.

WHY CAN’T WE BE FREE
TO DO AND SAY AS WE PLEASE
THESE CHAINS THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY
ARE STARTING TO TAKE A TOLL ON ME

IN A LAND OF COUNTLESS PEOPLE
ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH
LIFE’S NOT GETTING ANY BETTER
I CAN’T LIVE MY LIFE BY CHOICE
SOMEONE’S ALWAYS WATCHING ME

WHY CAN’T WE BE FREE
TO THINK AND LEARN ANYTHING
THE PAIN THE STRESS THE MISERY
ARE STARTING TO TAKE CONTROL OF ME

WE’RE PUSHED SO CLOSE TOGETHER
THAT ONE CAN HARDLY BREATHE
THE NOOSE KEEPS GETTING TIGHTER
THERE’S NO PLACE TO SPEAK YOUR MIND
THERE’S NO PLACE TO LIVE IN PEACE

BREAK THESE CHAINS ON ME
TAKE THESE CHAINS FROM ME
I WANT TO FEEL FREE
I WANT TO FEEL FREE

IN A LAND OF GREAT RESOURCES
I’M SO SMALL I HARDLY COUNT
WHEN I FEEL LIKE BEING NOTICED
SOMEONE COMES TO STEP ON ME

WHY CAN’T WE BE FREE
TO DO AND SAY AS WE PLEASE
THESE CHAINS THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY
ARE STARTING TO TAKE A TOLL ON ME

“Life in America Life in China” Performed by Jeff Howell with Kristiann Menotiades

SCENE AND LYRICS

She sees and hears the Chines politburo demanding that she choose between China and America.

You must choose!
There is no middle ground!
There is no past!
There is no future!
Only now!

FOLLOW ME TO YOUR DESTINY

You’re not a child!
This isn’t a game!
This is your life!
If you don’t choose right!
You will lose!

TAKE MY HAND AND YOU’LL SEE THE LIGHT

ZHUANG GUO SAVE ME
I AM LOST
AND SO TIRED
YOU ARE ALL I HAVE HERE
TELL ME THAT YOU
CAN STOP THIS DREAM

“Stay with Me Mei Li” Performed by Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

There are slums, dirty areas of the city full of pimps, street children, and petty thieves. They surround her. With no way out, she stumbles to the ground, covers her face with her hands, and cries. All at once she calls out for Zhuang Guo to help her. Suddenly, she finds that she is back in the park still surrounded by street vendors and criminals. Zhuang Guo spots her and runs to her. He disperses the criminals and Mei Li runs into his arms. They quietly embrace as Zhuang Guo speaks softly and comforts her. After a time, Zhuang Guo softly asks Mei Li to come to the village to see her birth home. Feeling safe in Zhuang Guo’s arms, Mei Li accepts. Once there, exhausted from the day, she quickly falls asleep. After all the years, Zhuang Guo has found his daughter, and she is at home. He pleads to the heavens for her to stay with him.

STAY WITH ME
IT’S YOUR HOME
AND I PROMISE YOU
YOU’LL NEVER BE ALONE

STAY WITH ME
HERE’S YOUR ROOM
AND IT’S JUST THE WAY
WE LEFT IT HERE FOR YOU

STAY WITH ME NOW
I WILL LOVE YOU
FOR THE REST OF MY DAYS
MEI LI
MEI LI

LISTEN CLOSE
TO THE SOUNDS
OF THE VILLAGE
WHERE YOU SURELY DO BELONG

STAY WITH ME NOW
AND I WILL LOVE YOU
FOR THE REST OF MY DAYS
MEI LI
MEI LI

LOOK AROUND YOU SEE THE MOUNTAINS
AND THE RIVERS FEEL THE BREEZE
THIS IS YOUR HOPE
THIS IS YOUR LEGACY
CAN’T YOU SEE

STAY WITH ME
HERE’S YOUR ROOM
AND IT’S JUST THE WAY
WE LEFT IT HERE FOR YOU

STAY WITH ME NOW
I WILL LOVE YOU
FOR THE REST OF MY DAYS
MEI LI
MEI LI

“Whirlwind” Performed by Alex Manalo, Additional vocals performed by Tommy Honsana

SCENE AND LYRICS

In the morning, Mei Li wakes up to the smell of fragrant blossoms from nearby trees. From the window in the sun lit room, she sees the mountains of “the most beautiful place under heaven.” Mei Li feels like she is home. She sees traditional Chinese clothing carefully arranged over a chair. She dresses, looks at her image in a mirror, and sees a woman’s shadow behind her. She is Chinese. She is Zhuang.

She leaves the room and finds Zhuang Guo in the kitchen preparing breakfast wearing a gardening apron. She makes a joke about the apron. Zhuang Guo does not get the joke, but the chemistry between them is as a father and daughter’s chemistry would be. Zhuang Guo tells Mei Li that they will go to the park and spend a wonderful day together. Once there, they do things that fathers and daughters do. They joke, they laugh, and swing educating each other about life. Mei Li is happy. Zhuang Guo is too.

IT’S STILL ALL NEW TO ME
AND VERY HARD TO BELIEVE
THAT I FEEL LIKE I BELONG
IN THIS PLACE I’LL ALWAYS KNOWN WOULD BE HERE

THE BREEZE THE SUNLIGHT I’M FREE
NO LONGER CHAINS HOLDING ME
HOW I WISH THAT I COULD STAY
AT THE END OF THE RIVER TODAY

WHIRLWIND
CAUGHT UP IN A WHIRLWIND OF EMOTION
I LOVE HIM
AND HE LOVES ME

WHIRLWIND
SOMETHING NATURAL OVERWHELMED ME
I THINK I’LL STAY ANOTHER DAY
SO HE CAN

TAKE MY HAND AND LEAD THE WAY TO MY FUTURE
HOME

WHIRLWIND
CAUGHT UP IN A WHIRLWIND OF EMOTION
I LOVE HIM
AND HE LOVES ME

WHIRLWIND
SOMETHING MAGICAL OVERWHELMED ME
I LOVE THE WAY I FEEL TODAY
COULD BE THE WAY THE LIFE WILL BE HERE
MAYBE I’LL STAY HERE FOR AWHILE
JUST MAYBE

“In Heaven” Performed by Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

Mei Li and Zhuang Guo return home that evening tired but content. Zhuang Guo retires to his room as does Mei Li. However, for Mei Li, the night brings thoughts about her home in America. Her sleep is disturbed several times throughout the night. Each time she wakes up more homesick than the last. She misses her parents John and Lia. As the sleepless night continues, she realizes that her life is really in Connecticut, and not in Guilin.

She quietly gets dressed. Unable to find paper she uses the back of her letter from the orphanage to write a goodbye note to Zhuang Guo. She quietly leaves the village, but after a short distance, she realizes she cannot leave without telling her father. She returns to Zhuang Guo’s home finding him at the door holding the note. Mei Li begins to explain, but Zhuang Guo interrupts.

Sadly, but with strength and understanding, he tells Mei Li that she must go to her parents in America. Mei Li smiles, hugs him, pulls away quickly, and leaves the village. Zhuang Guo watches with tears in his eyes. He hopes that one day he will see her again, perhaps in heaven, where mistakes made in life are forgiven.

I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE YOU AGAIN
I NEVER THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULD COME HERE
SO MUCH TIME HAS LONG PASSED BEFORE ME
AND MEMORIES ARE NOT AS CLEAR TO SEE

I ALWAYS THOUGHT I’D SEE YOU IN HEAVEN
SOMEHOW I THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULD MEET ME THERE
WHERE MISTAKES MADE IN LIFE ARE FORGIVEN
AND LOVE IS AS FRESH AS THE COOL AUTUMN AIR

IN HEAVEN WE CAN FLY HAND IN HAND THOUGH THE CLOUDS
ON ANGELS’ WINGS WE WILL SOAR THOUGH THE AIR
LAUGHING AND SINGING UNAFRAID OF OUR FEELINGS
THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE KIND WORDS TO SHARE
YOU COULD TELL ME YOU CARE, YOU CARE

I ALWAYS THOUGHT I’D SEE YOU IN HEAVEN
SOMEHOW I KNEW THAT YOU WOULD MEET ME THERE
WHERE AN ANGEL WOULD HELP YOU FORGIVE ME
AND WE WOULD START OVER FROM HERE, RIGHT FROM HERE

I ALWAYS THOUGHT I’D SEE YOU IN HEAVEN
SOMEHOW I THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULD MEET ME THERE
WHERE MISTAKES MADE IN LIFE ARE FORGIVEN
AND LOVE IS AS FRESH AS THE COOL AUTUMN AIR

“You’re A Part of Me” Performed by Kara Lindsay

SCENE AND LYRICS

Now some distance from the village Mei Li turns and looks back at the village and imagines Zhuang Guo still standing at the door.

NO I NEVER KNEW YOU
BUT I ALWAYS KNEW YOU
HERE AND GONE IN A FLASH
OF A LOST FOND MEMORY

IF ONLY I COULD BE WITH YOU
FOR MORE THAN JUST A DAY
MAYBE YOU WOULD TOUCH MY HEART
AND TAKE THIS HURT AWAY
DADDY

BUT I ONLY KNEW YOU
LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY
AND TIME WILL NOT CHANGE
THIS DISTANCE THAT I FEEL FROM YOU

BUT I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
YOU’RE A PART OF ME

IF ONLY I COULD BE WITH YOU
FOR MORE THAN JUST A DAY
MAYBE YOU WOULD TOUCH MY HEART
AND TAKE THIS HURT AWAY
DADDY

BUT I ONLY KNEW YOU
IN THIS PLACE INSIDE MY MIND
AND WORDS WILL NOT CHANGE
MY DREAM INTO REALITY

BUT I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
YOU’RE A PART OF ME
MEI LI WALKS TO THE RIVER TAKING WATER INTO HER HAND WHILE LOOKING AT HER REFLECTION IN THE DISTURBED WATER.

MY FAIRY-TALE WASN’T LIKE THE REST
I COULD ONLY GUESS
WHERE I BELONGED
AND WHO THAT I BELONGED TO
MEI LI STANDS TO ADDRESS THE AUDIENCE AGAIN
BUT I ONLY KNEW YOU
LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY
THIS DAY WILL NOT CHANGE
THE DISTANCE THAT I FEEL FROM YOU

BUT I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
YOU’RE A PART OF ME

“That’s When I’ll See You Again” Performed by Kristiann Menotiades and Nathan Salstone

SCENE AND LYRICS

She turns away and sees Yo Ping walking toward her. Once face to face Mei Li asks how he knew where she would be. Yo Ping says that The Mayor told him she would be at her father’s house. “And you did imagine I would be here did you not?”

“Life in America” Reprise Performed by Anderson Davis

“Guilin” Up tempo Performed by Anderson Davis, Additional vocals performed by Wilson Scott, Kirsten Bracken, Marissa Lesch and Anderson Davis

SCENE AND LYRICS

A door closing startles Mei Li. She wakes up in her room in suburban Connecticut. Mei Li gets up and looks around confused and surprised that she is not in China. She walks to the mirror and at first glance she sees her reflection dressed in tradition Chinese clothing. There is also shadowy image of a Chinese woman smiling.

She blinks and woman disappears. Lia calls from kitchen. Mei Li is in her normal night clothes once again. She looks under the pillow for the orphanage letter but instead, sees a sealed envelope. She opens the envelope and the letter is inside, with something written on the back with Chinese characters. Under the characters there is some additional writing in English. Mei Li imagines the voice of Zhuang Guo saying, “do you understand now who you are my flower?” Mei Li whispers, “Yes father… baba…, I understand.”

GUILIN, MY HEART BEAT
GUILIN, MY HOME
GUILIN, WHEN THE SUN ARISES
THE HILLS ALL BEGIN TO SING

GUILIN, MY FIRE
GUILIN, MY ONLY DESIRE
GUILIN, WHEN THE NIGHT BEGINS
THE STARS SHINE THE BRIGHTEST, IN GUILIN

THIS LAND, IS HOME TO GENERATIONS
THE HEART, AND SOUL OF, MILLIONS THAT LONG PASTED BY
AND ONCE, YOU SEE, HER HILLS AND FIELDS
YOU’LL SWEAR, THIS MUST BE, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE ON EARTH

ALWAYS FLOWING, RIVERS GROWING
HILLS THAT SPEAK OF TIMES GONE BY
IT’S MY BIRTHPLACE, RICH IN GOD’S GRACE
IT’S MY HEART’S GREAT DESIRE

GUILIN, MY HEART BEAT
GUILIN, MY HOME
GUILIN, WHEN THE SUN ARISES
THE HILLS ALL BEGIN TO SING

GUILIN, MY FIRE
GUILIN, MY ONLY DESIRE
GUILIN, WHEN THE NIGHT BEGINS
THE STARS SHINE THE BRIGHTEST, IN GUILIN

HER GENTLE TOUCH, AND MORNING MIST
THE RAIN, HAS NURTURED, THE FLOWERS OF THOUSANDS OF YEARS
HER NIGHT LIGHTS KISSED, HER LAND AND SEA
AS BRIGHT AS BRIGHT AS THEY DO BY DAY

IF I EVER GO, I WILL ALWAYS KNOW
THIS IS WHERE I BELONG
WHEN MY TIME IS NEAR, I’LL BE COMING HERE
TO SEND MY SPIRIT HOME

GUILIN, MY HEART BEAT
GUILIN, MY HOME
GUILIN, WHEN THE SUN ARISES
THE HILLS ALL BEGIN TO SING

GUILIN, MY FIRE
GUILIN, MY ONLY DESIRE
GUILIN, WHEN THE NIGHT BEGINS
THE STARS SHINE THE BRIGHTEST, IN GUILIN

Mei Li carefully puts away the letter, gets dressed and hurries to the kitchen to have breakfast with her mom and dad. John speaks about a China visit, but Mei Li says it is no longer necessary, because she has been there. Lia and John are quietly confused. Mei Li quickly says, “I meant to say, I don’t feel like we need to go right away. I’m just looking forward to college now.”

Two months later at college orientation, Mei Li, John, and Lia stroll looking at the college campus. A young Asian man approaches them. With disbelief, Mei Li says, “Yo Ping?” “But… you are just a dream.” Yo Ping laughs and says, “A student visa brought me here. They were impressed with my English.” He adds proudly “And yes, I am a dream.”

MÉIYOU NA’R NENG BI DÉ SHÀNG JIA! (THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME)

“The Love Inside” Performed by Anderson Davis & Caroline Nicolian

SCENE AND LYRICS

Return to stage song

THIS IS MY CONFESSION THE YEARS DID TAKE THEIR TOLL
A LOOK AT MY REFLECTION I SEE AN EMPTY SOUL
THEN ONE DAY I FOUND YOU ACROSS THE LAND AND SEA
FACE TO FACE THIS STRANGER ISN’T SO STRANGE TO ME
I WANT TO SEE INSIDE YOUR HEART WON’T YOU LET ME IN
THEN WHEN I HOLD YOU, I WON’T LET GO

WHY CAN’T I BELIEVE MY EYES I NEVER DREAMED YOU COULD BE REAL
NOW HERE WE ARE FACE TO FACE LIKE WE HAVE NEVER BEEN APART
HOW I FEEL THESE FEELINGS LOST I’LL NEVER KNOW
BUT NOW I SEE IN A STRANGER’S EYES THE LOVE INSIDE OF ME

FARAWAY DISTANT LAND IT’S A MAGICAL PLACE
I’VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR YOU
ALL MY LIFE I’VE NEEDED YOU TO
TOUCH MY FACE WITH YOU HAND

WHY CAN’T I BELIEVE MY EYES I NEVER DREAMED YOU COULD BE REAL
NOW HERE WE ARE FACE TO FACE LIKE WE HAVE NEVER BEEN APART
NOW I’M WITH YOU SO DRY THE TEARS FROM YOUR EYES
BECAUSE NOW I SEE IN A STRANGER’S EYES THE LOVE INSIDE OF ME
YOU’RE THE LOVE INSIDE OF ME