AJ RAFAEL AND EAST WEST PLAYERS BRING BACK ONE NIGHT ONLY CRAZY TALENTED ASIANS CONCERT TO LITTLE TOKYO IN AUGUST FOR NISEI WEEK
Performers to include Broadway and East West Players alums Grace Yoo and Jasmine Rafael along with special and surprise guests.
JULY 15, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA - East West Players (EWP), the nation's longest-running Asian American theater, in partnership with singer-songwriter AJ Rafael and the Nisei Week Foundation, announce the return of CRAZY TALENTED ASIANS: NISEI WEEK, a vibrant showcase of top-tier Asian American talent. This unforgettable evening is part of the iconic Nisei Week festivities in the historic Little Tokyo neighborhood in Los Angeles, shining a spotlight on the diverse voices and stories that continue to shape the Asian American experience in the arts.
A Celebration of Talent, Identity, and Community
At the helm is music director and event founder AJ Rafael, whose musical prowess and community leadership have made him a trailblazer in the Asian American arts scene. With over a million subscribers on YouTube, a million monthly Spotify listeners, and collaborations with artists like Tori Kelly and Kina Grannis, AJ’s influence is undeniable. Named a Filipino American Game Changer by the City of Los Angeles, AJ created Crazy Talented Asians in 2018, inspired by the cultural wave of “Crazy Rich Asians,” to provide a platform for Asian American artists to shine.
“I envisioned this iteration of Crazy Talented Asians to be subtitled Homecoming as so many of our performers have deep roots performing on the East West Players stage,” says AJ Rafael. “Bringing Crazy Talented Asians back to Little Tokyo for Nisei Week feels like coming home, and it’s an honor to return to this stage with a lineup of incredible artists who continue to break barriers and redefine what’s possible for Asian Americans in the arts. I can’t wait to be back on this stage and celebrate everything we've all been doing in the past year!”
“As we celebrate East West Players’ 60th anniversary, there’s no better way to honor our legacy than to showcase the next generation of Asian American performers,” said Lily Tung Crystal, Artistic Director of East West Players. “CRAZY TALENTED ASIANS: NISEI WEEK is more than just a concert, it’s a homecoming for artists who have helped shape our stage and a reminder of the vibrant creativity that exists within our community. We’re thrilled to partner with AJ Rafael and Nisei Week to uplift the voices of our community that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.”
"We’re thrilled to welcome Crazy Talented Asians back for a second year as part of our annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival," said Helen Ota, 2025 President of Nisei Week Foundation, "As East West Players marks its 60th anniversary this year, we’re proud to continue our longtime partnership and shared mission to uplift AAPI arts and culture in Los Angeles. It’s events like this that truly capture the spirit of creativity, community and pride that define Little Tokyo."
The evening’s lineup features a dynamic roster of performers whose talents span Broadway, television, poetry, and music:
Grace Yoo — Broadway standout from Hadestown, and celebrated for her roles in Soft Power and Mamma Mia! at East West Players.
Jasmine Rafael — Known for her performance in Broadway’s & Juliet and as choreographer for Assassins at East West Players.
Justine Rafael — Starred in Spring Awakening and On This Side of the World at East West Players.
Aman K. Batra — Acclaimed poet, educator, and TEDx speaker whose work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, and national poetry stages. Aman’s art bridges justice, healing, and storytelling.
Haven Everly — Actress and singer with credits including Netflix’s “You,” Showtime’s “The L Word,” and the feature musical “The Girl Who Left Home.” Haven’s journey from Sacramento to New York’s Apollo Theatre is a testament to her artistry and resilience.
Alyssa Rafael — Singer, actor, and executive producer named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in Hollywood & Entertainment, and producer for Disney+’s Launchpad Shorts Incubator.
8eyes — LA-based singer/songwriter duo Abe Soane and Jeong-Soo Park, whose heartfelt music and harmonies have captivated audiences since their days at UCLA.
Allen “Lucky” Weaver — SoCal theater artist and Casting Director for EWP, known for roles in Rent, La Cage Aux Folles, and Rocky Horror Show.
Leah Lewis — Actress and singer, best known for Netflix's “The Half of It”, CW's “Nancy Drew”, CBS's “Matlock”, and voicing Ember in Pixar’s Elemental.
From show-stopping musical numbers and original compositions to spoken word and theatrical performances, CRAZY TALENTED ASIANS: NISEI WEEK promises an evening of artistry that is as entertaining as it is empowering.
Event Details
What:
CRAZY TALENTED ASIANS: NISEI WEEK
When:
August 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM
Where:
David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St, Los Angeles, CA
Produced by:
AJ Rafael, East West Players, Nisei Week Foundation
About East West Players
East West Players, the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, was founded in 1965, at a time when AAPIs faced limited or no opportunities to see their experiences reflected outside of stereotypical and demeaning caricatures in the American landscape. EWP not only ensures that AAPI stories are told but works to increase access, inclusion, and representation in entertainment and media. Designated by the Ford Foundation as one of America's Cultural Treasures in 2020, EWP continues its groundbreaking work through defining and expanding the representation and stories of the AAPI community. Learn more at eastwestplayers.org.
East West Players is supported in part by the Perenchio Foundation, Dwight Stuart Youth Fund, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and many other generous foundations, companies, and individuals.
About Nisei Week
The 83rdNisei Week Japanese Festival is a nine-day event first held in 1934 and is recognized today as one of the longest running cultural festivals in the United States. This event will take place in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district from August 9-17. For the festival schedule, visit NiseiWeek.org, call the Nisei Week Foundation office at 213.687.7193 or email info@niseiweek.org.
