Frequently Asked Questions
The Play
What is CHINGLISH about?
CHINGLISH is the new “shrewd, timely and razor-sharp comedy” (The Chicago Tribune) by Tony Award® winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly) about the challenges of doing business in a culture whose language—and ways of communicating—are worlds apart from our own. It makes its Broadway premiere directly after playing at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre where The Tribune also gave it 4 stars.
In this sexy and romantic play, an American businessman arrives in a bustling Chinese province looking to score a lucrative contact for his family’s sign-making firm. He soon finds that the complexities of such a venture far outstrip the expected differences in language, customs and manners—and calls into question even the most basic assumptions of human conduct.
CHINGLISH is performed in both English and Mandarin (with English subtitles).
CHINGLISH played its final Broadway performance on January 29, 2012.
Who wrote it? Who directed it?
Tony Award®-winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly) is the playwright. The director was Obie-winner Leigh Silverman.
Who was in it?
CHINGLISH starred Jennifer Lim, Gary Wilmes, Angela Lin, Christine Lin, Stephen Pucci, Johnny Wu, and Larry Lei Zhang
Is CHINGLISH appropriate for children?
CHINGLISH is suitable and engaging for young adults (14 and older).
The Longacre Theatre welcomes patrons ages 4 and older.
I’m not familiar with the work of David Henry Hwang. Will I like CHINGLISH?
If you like hilarious, original, superbly written plays that tackle universal subjects with wit and creativity, you’ll love CHINGLISH.
Where did it play before it came to Broadway?
CHINGLISH has a critically acclaimed run at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago prior to its Broadway run. Critics there raved: "Hilarious! A shrewd, timely and razor-sharp comedy. (Chicago Tribune); A "splendidly savvy and entertaining new work" (Variety); "One of the funniest plays in memory...I haven't heard an audience laugh like that in years" (Chicago Sun-Times).
Who produced CHINGLISH?
CHINGLISH on Broadway is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Cathy Chernoff /Jay & Cindy Gutterman, Heni Koenigsberg/Lily Fan, Joe & Matt Deitch, Dasha Epstein, Ronald & Marc Frankel, Barry & Carole Kaye, Mary Lu Roffe, The Broadway Consortium, Ken Davenport, Filerman Bensinger, Herbert Goldsmith, Jam Theatricals, Olympus Theatricals, Playful Productions, David & Barbara Stoller, Roy Gottleib, and Hunter Arnold.
Associate Producer: Jeremy Scott Blaustein.
How long did CHINGLISH run?
Performances began on October 11, 2011; opening night was October 27, 2011. CHINGLISH played its final Broadway performance on January 29, 2012.
How long is CHINGLISH?
Two hours, with one 15-minute intermission.
Is there an intermission?
Yes.
The Theatre
Where did CHINGLISH play?
The Longacre Theatre, located at 220 West 48th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue). Click here to see the map.
Where is the Longacre Theatre?
The Longacre Theatre, located at 220 West 48th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue). Click here to see the map.
Which subways are closest?
Take the 1, 9 trains to 50th Street; N, R trains to 49th Street; B, D, F, Q to 47-50th Street-Rockefeller Center.
Where do I park the car?
There are many parking lots in the neighborhood, but remember that curtain times create added traffic.
Do I have to climb stairs at the Longacre Theatre?
The theatre is wheelchair accessible.
Seating is accessible to all parts of the Orchestra without steps. Wheelchair seating is available in the Orchestra Only.
The mezzanine is located up two flights of stairs; the balcony is up four flights of stairs.
Is there an Assistive Listening System at the Longacre Theatre?
Yes. Headsets for sound augmentation are available at the theatre, free of charge. A photo identification is required as a deposit.
Is the Longacre Theatre wheelchair accessible?
The theatre is wheelchair accessible.
Seating is accessible to all parts of the Orchestra without steps. Wheelchair seating is available in the Orchestra Only.
The mezzanine is located up two flights of stairs; the balcony is up four flights of stairs.
Does the Longacre Theatre have air conditioning?
Yes.
Is there a place in the Longacre Theatre to buy a snack or a drink
Yes.
Is there a coat check?
No.
Is there a lost and found at the Longacre Theatre?
No. Inquiries about lost items should be directed to Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.
May I bring a camera?
No, the use of cameras and recording devices is strictly prohibited.
How can I contact someone at CHINGLISH?
By email at ChinglishBroadway@gmail.com.
