Description

Set in Qing-dynasty Manchuria, The Crane Wife’s Return of a Favor is a contemporary folk musical adaptation of the traditional tale, written by Carolyn Hao ’26.

A crane takes human form to repay a debt, hiding her true nature in her longing to be loved. A hardworking woodsman’s trusting and earnest nature blinds him to the cost of his kindness. A restless brother and his wife turn to crime to survive, convincing themselves they have no other choice. A playful narrator delights in human deception, while a cynical, prophetic crow watches on; both know how the story will end. As their stories intertwine, secrecy and obligation unravel their deepest desires. The show is a cautionary tale about humanity, sacrifice, and the price of human folly.

Credit

Book, Lyrics, and Songs by Carolyn Hao
Score Composition by Christian Yom
Arranged by Ryohei Miyazaki, Piotr Magierski, Joe Bradley, and Luzy Guanua
Vocal Arrangement by Kieran Chung
Stage Director: Alicia Chu
Music Directors Carolyn Hao and Matthew Yar
Producers: Kyle Neeley, Nathan Chen, and Lucy Vuong
Stage Managers: Zoë Jones and Fujia Sun
Choreographers: Alan Huang and Joy An

Time

• April 11, 1:00 – 3:30 PM
• April 11, 5:00 – 7:30 PM
• April 12, 2:00 – 4:30 PM
• April 12, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
• April 13, 7:00 – 9:30 PM
• April 14, 7:00 – 9:30 PM

Location

CAMLab Cave
Lower Level, 485 Broadway, Cambridge, MA