The Arthropologist

Houston native Steven Eng returns home for Miss Saigon

Steven Eng as Thuy in Theatre Under the Star's production of "Miss Saigon"
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Theatre Under the Stars
Steven Eng in "Miss Saigon"
Steven Eng

Steven Eng first sang the role of Thuy in Miss Saigon in German. When he got to play the role in the United States he thought, "So this is what it sounds like in English."

Eng is equally comfortable playing Shakespeare as he is roles traditionally cast to Asian actors. Trained as a classical actor at George Washington University's Academy of Classical Acting, he hopes to someday play Hamlet, and considers the Asian classical actor, Randall Duck Kim, a role model. Being Asian is a non-limiting identity for the Houston native.

The actor is in town for the Theatre Under the Stars' production of Miss Saigon, Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boubil's musical that transposes the Madame Butterfly story to Vietnam circa 1975. "I can't believe I am going to admit that I have never seen Madame Butterfly," Eng says smiling.

Thuy is a communist officer betrothed to Kim, the bar girl. "He has serious anger issues," jokes Eng, who is about as different from his character as can be. He last sang this role in 2002 at the Paper Mill Playhouse. "It's funny, my costumes still have my name on them," he says. "Really, it's quite a privilege to revisit this role after so much time. I would like to think I have grown as an actor, and that I have more acting tools to choose from."

As a first generation Chinese-American, the Vietnam era was far from his own family history growing up in northeast Houston. "My job is to portray the role as honestly and sincerely as I can. I had to do a little research on what motivates this character, and there is very little literature out there from the Vietcong perspective," Eng says. He found A Vietcong Memoir: An Inside Account of the Vietnam War and its Aftermath by Truong Nhu Tang a valuable resource. "I keep the book with me," he says.

When he was in Cambodia doing a show, he traveled to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). "I wandered around the city for two days and ended up at the Vietnam museum. I have to say that seeing accounts of what happened from the Vietnamese people helped me understand their perspective. The photos were particularly horrific."

Eng finds Miss Saigon to have the same kind of operatic tendencies as Les Miserables, another hit by the Schonber/Boubil team. "It's epic and sweeping like Les Mis," he says. "The audience gets taken along quite a journey. Vocally, the role of Thuy comes with some difficulty. "

"The big challenge is to scream without ruining my voice," says Eng. "Because my scenes are so fever-pitched, it's important to warm up properly and stretch my voice out. I need to steam my vocal chords to keep them moist. And you won't finding me talking too much. So I am a man of few words right now."

Eng thinks a lot about what it means to be an Asian actor these days. As co-founder of the National Asian Artists Project (NAAP), along with Baayork Lee and Nina Zoie Lam, he's working to help young Asian actors break through. While Lee was in town directing A Chorus Line, Eng and Lee visited with several Houston Asian Arts leaders.

"Houston is an important city for NAAP," says Eng. "We can make an impact here."

Plans are under way for Eng to teach an audition workshop for Houston's Asian actors. "Race does not need to be a deciding factor. Casting agents and directors have to see that a performer of Asian descent is of such good quality that they have no choice but to select that person. Historically that's how actors break through. We can't control who gets hired, but we can control the quality and enter an audition as confident and prepared as possible."

Down the road NAAP hopes to develop an Asian performing company that would perform classics of the American musical canon along with classical theater. "Seeing an Asian in a non-Asian role brings a different voice," says Eng.

Next, Eng heads back home to New York City where he will be workshopping Stuck Elevator, a one-man opera by Byron Au Yong about the true-life tale of Ming Kuang Chen, a delivery man for a Bronx restaurant called Happy Dragon, who spent three days stuck in an elevator in 2005. As the son of a Chinese restaurant owner, Eng can relate.

"It's a human portrayal of the immigrant story. It touches me personally because my parents were Chinese immigrants who went into the restaurant business to provide for their children. I am a direct result of that struggle."

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weekend event planner

These are the top 18 things to do in Houston during Christmas weekend

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

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Welcome to a super-sized edition of CultureMap’s weekend event planner!

Yes, this lineup includes all the post-Christmas happenings going on in Houston – kid flicks at the MFAH, a bourbon-and-boots pop-up, a Beatles cover band show, a holiday burlesque revue, the most dragtastic Sunday brunch in town, etc. But we also threw in a couple events going down on Christmas Day, including some parties where you can see hometown gal Beyoncé Knowles-Carter perform during halftime of the Texans-Ravens game. Don't miss our guides to restaurants open on Christmas, bars that are decorated for the holiday, and all the light displays happening around town.

As Queen Bey would say, let’s get in formation:

Wednesday, December 25

SirDavis American Whisky presents Texans vs. Ravens Watch Parties
As Houston gets ready for the Texans vs. Ravens game — and much-anticipated halftime performance by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter — on Christmas Day, we’ve got watch parties hosted by her brand, SirDavis American Whisky, at six bars and restaurants. Tipsy Lounge, Urban Social, and Rockhouse will have events featuring SirDavis drink specials, photo booths, and a special viewing of the halftime show. The celebrations will also continue post-game at 5015 Bar and The Address, both opening at 6 pm. 3 pm (2 pm Rockhouse).

Houston Christmas Village
After you’re done getting your Christmas Day on with the fam, you can still celebrate the holidays at certain destinations in the city. A great place to start is Houston Christmas Village, which will feature light displays, performances, and flavors that will transport people to international destinations like China, Mexico, India, and Africa. Experiencing the warmth and wonder of their holiday traditions like never before. Through Monday, January 6. 5 pm.

Thursday, December 26

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Little Kid Flicks and Big Kid Flicks
Celebrate Winter Break at the MFAH with family-friendly film offerings from the touring edition of the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Join more than 100 arts organizations across the country by attending lively collections of short animation, live action, and documentary films reflecting NYICFF’s commitment to storytelling and diversity that are sure to spark meaningful conversations. Little Kid Flicks is designed for ages 5 to 10, while Big Kid Flicksis designed for ages 8 and up. 11:30 am and 2 pm.

Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
You can’t have a Christmas season without A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of a miser literally getting a wake-up call from ghosts who teach him about the true meaning of Christmas.The Alley’s hit new adaptation features colorful Victorian costumes, special effects, magic, dancing, and just the right blend of Christmas carols. It is a dazzling Christmas feast with the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his miraculous transformation. 7 pm (1:30 and 7 pm Friday and Saturday; 1:30 pm Sunday).

The Continental Club presents Beetle Thursday
Anyone around here celebrate Boxing Day? Originated in the United Kingdom and celebrated in several Commonwealth nations, it’s an occasion to donate gifts to people in need. (It’s also the Brits’ version of Black Friday, when you can shop for post-holiday deals.) The Continental Club will be saluting the day by bringing in Beetle, Houston’s all-Beatles cover band, to perform classic tunes from the Fab Four all evening long. 7 pm.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert
Trans-Siberian Orchestra comes to Houston as part of their The Lost Christmas Eve tour. The group has released seven albums in their career, most recently Letters from the Labyrinth in 2015. But Lost, released way back in 2004, remains their most-recognized opus. Since then, they’ve done two decades of tours, selling 20 million tickets and surpassing more than $20 million in charity donations. Houstonians will have two chances to see them perform the day after Christmas. 3 and 7:30 pm.

Friday, December 27

Echoes presents “A Houston Night for Palestine”
Echoes will host “A Houston Night for Palestine,” an inspiring evening of film, music, art, and culture benefiting the family of the five surfers featured in the 2015 documentary Gaza Surf Club. The event kicks off with DJ sets by Ice House Radio both inside and outside, setting the tone for the night. Then, enjoy a special screening of Gaza, followed by an insightful Q&A with GSC member Ibrahim N. Arafat. After that, there will be live performances featuring Kam Franklin, Marrshun, Kye Loh, and Clarence James. 5 pm.

The Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra presents Night in Italy
The Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO Orchestra) presents Night in Italy, a nearly New Year’s Eve experience to celebrate the holidays in style. Guests are invited to begin the evening with Italian wine, appetizers, and pastries, accompanied by Italian music both classical and modern by pianist Mary Peterson. The concert will feature performances by tenor Ruben Erazo, soprano McKenzie Garey, and flautist Katherine Rivas Fuentas. 7:30 pm.

Shen Yun
Shen Yun's unique artistic vision expands the theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, deeply moving journey. Featuring one of the world’s most ancient and richest dance systems — classical Chinese dance — along with dynamic animated backdrops and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. Through Tuesday, January 28. 7:30 pm. (2 and 7 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Stages presents Panto Pinocchio
Pinocchio, a sentient AI boy, navigates a town obsessed with viral TikTok dances. When Pinocchio embarks on a quest to discover his true essence, he encounters a world of digital mischief and adventure. Will he unlock the secrets to his identity? Or will the conniving villain Miss Treats disrupt the festivities and thwart Pinocchio’s journey? This panto is packed with high-tech hijinks, side-splitting jokes, and enough singing and dancing to reboot even the most jaded of operating systems. Through January 5. 7 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 28

a’Bouzy presents Bourbon, Bubbles and Boots
Champagne-fueled French restaurant a’Bouzy will have an event this weekend that's certain to get people in a warm but rowdy spirit. Republic Boots will be down there for an afternoon pop-up shop, bringing a whole bunch of footwear for folks to peruse. Texas-based Milam & Green Whiskey will serve cocktails. We bet someone in your group will shout “Bottoms up and giddy up!” at some point during the day. 11 am.

Poppy Tart Productions presents Let It Show - Holiday Burlesque
Things will be getting snowy and sinful over at downtown nightclub Henke & Pillot this weekend. Poppy Tart Productions sleighs in Let It Show, a holiday burlesque show curated to put people in a festive mood. This event will feature an atmosphere of burlesque where art, dance, tease, glamour, and humor make the most delicious holiday cocktail. Performers from Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Austin will be featured. 6:30 and 9:30 pm.

Bayou Music Center presents Sheng Wang
Comedian/actor/writer/proud Houstonian Sheng Wang is back in town for a homecoming show at Bayou Music Center. Wang’s first Netflix special, Sweet & Juicy, was released in September 2022. He was a featured stand-up comedian on HBO’s 2 Dope Queens special and also wrote for the ABC show Fresh Off the Boat. 7 pm.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Would you like to spend the holiday season solving a murder? You can always get your sleuth on at the Dinner Detective. Guests will tackle a challenging crime while they feast on dinner. The criminal is lurking somewhere in the room, and guests may find themselves as a prime suspect before they know it. Each admission includes a full dinner, murder mystery entertainment, wait staff gratuity, prize package for Top Sleuth, and more. 6 pm.

Sunday, December 29

Rich’s presents Sunday Service Drag Brunch
Every Sunday, drag contestant (and The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula contestant) Blackberri hosts Rich’s Sunday Service Drag Brunch, featuring a rotating weekly cast. You can watch these performers slay while filling your belly with such delicious dishes as shrimp & grits and chicken & waffles (with such drink choices as mimosas and Bloody Marys, of course). DJ Aracely Manterola provides the brunch beats and DJ Johnny Moreno creates a vibe on the patio before, during, and after each brunch show. 11 am, 1 and 3 pm.

Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Lancaster Hotel
Today is the last day to get holiday afternoon tea at The Lancaster Hotel, located in the heart of Houston’s theater district. Served on Saturdays and Sundays, the tea includes a delectable array of tea sandwiches, decadent cranberry scones, seasonal patisseries, and a selection of exquisite teas from around the world. Guests also receive a complimentary tea tin with the hotel’s specialty holiday spiced black tea. Noon and 2:30 pm.

The River Oaks Theatre presents The Thin Man
You know what’s a good holiday movie no one talks about? The 1934 Pre-Code comedy The Thin Man. Based on Dashiell Hammett’s influential detective novel, the movie stars screen legends William Powell and Myrna Loy as jet-setting, crime-solving couple Nick and Nora Charles. They spend the holiday season in New York City, drinking cocktails and investigating the disappearance/murder of a wealthy man. Although Nick and Nora went on to have several more big-screen adventures, the original is still a blast. 1 pm.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
What better way to close out this holiday weekend than checking out The Nutcracker – Eastern-European style – at Sugar Land’s Smart Financial Centre. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will highlight an international cast and Ukrainian principal artists performing at the peak of classical European ballet. Audiences will be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and hand-crafted sets and costumes. 3 pm.

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will be in Sugar Land this weekend.

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