Interview with award-winning Broadway producer Ken Dingledine

Interview with award-winning Broadway producer Ken Dingledine

2025-01-14

Today we take you to meet Tony Award-winning Broadway and West End producer Ken Dingledine. He’s known for his work on productions like "Titanic the Musical" and "Moulin Rouge The Musical." Recently, he has been involved in the Taiwanese musical "Don’t Cry Dancing Girls", which is set to debut on Broadway in late January. FTV reporter Stephany Yang sat down with Dingledine to learn more about the show and his vision for the future of Broadway shows.

Ken Dingledine is a renowned Broadway producer with over 30 years of experience in theater production and licensing. Recently, he has been involved in the Taiwanese musical "Don’t Cry Dancing Girls." The musical has already captivated audiences in Taiwan with sold-out performances and now it will make its debut on Broadway at Theatre Row on 42nd Street from Jan. 23 to Jan. 25. This is the first Taiwanese musical to debut on Broadway.

Ken Dingledine
Broadway producer
In any type of theater work, the story is so important. Telling a good story and one that is relatable is key. When I saw this show, I fell in love with the message of the show. It is about family relationships. It is about love. It is about guilt, and how we deal with our families. Those are so universal and it is something that when I watch the show I could only think about my own family.

This musical tells a story of three sisters from Yunlin, Taiwan. It explores themes of family, love, loss, as well as the traditions of Taiwanese funeral rites. The first version of the production set to debut on Broadway will be performed in Mandarin and Taiwanese, with an English-speaking narrator and subtitles. Dingledine is working to help the US audience connect with the Taiwanese production.

Ken Dingledine
Broadway producer
The show here is written for a Taiwanese audience. The writers are Taiwanese. The composers are Taiwanese. It is pretty much written for that audience. We are now going through what I would call a new development process. In its next chapter how do we take this show and make it work for an audience in New York. Language of course a big part of it but also the cultural references may evolve to be a little bit more understandable for markets in the West. Humor is a big part of this show. This show is wildly funny. How do we connect with the audience to understand and to get the humor. These are just some of the processes we are going to go through. It is pretty much a redevelopment of the show. We expect this to continue to evolve. The next version or iteration that we will do in the U.S. will be a fully English-language version of this. We will get through the translation process, the cultural translation process so ultimately, I would see this in a full English language production.

Born into a musical family, Dingledine has been immersed in theater since childhood. With over 30 years of experience in Broadway, he has brought several well-known musicals to the stage, including “Titanic the Musical,” “Moulin Rouge” and more. Dingledine is optimistic about the future of Broadway and sees great potential in Taiwan growing its presence there.

Ken Dingledine
Broadway producer
The market is growing. More tickets were sold to a Broadway show last year than any year previously. It is a market that the future is becoming younger frankly. We see more influences from the pop music scene, in shows that come from anime or shows that comes from other cultures. We are seeing more of that in the Broadway space. We expect that evolution to continue. The set design, those type of enhancement elements, can come but the first goal is to tell really good stories. There are great stories coming out of Taiwan and that is what we really need to encourage.

Dingledine is bringing Taiwan’s first musical to Broadway, and he hopes to continue to bring more content from Taiwan to the world.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

台灣音樂劇《勸世三姊妹》首進軍百老匯製作人丁墾專訪

2025-01-14

台灣音樂劇《勸世三姊妹》將於1月23至25日在百老匯首演，今天帶您認識幕後重要推手，製作人丁墾(Ken Dingledine)，他曾參與音樂劇《鐵達尼號》、《紅磨坊》。

著名百老匯製作人丁墾，擁有超過30年的劇場製作及授權經驗。最近，他參與音樂劇《勸世三姊妹》的製作，這部在台灣擁有好口碑的音樂劇，將於1月23至25日，在百老匯紐約42街的劇院Theatre Row演出，成為首部進軍百老匯的台灣音樂劇作品。

[[百老匯製作人丁墾]]
"任何類型的戲劇作品中，故事都相當重要，講一個好故事，並且能引起共鳴是關鍵。當我看這個音樂劇時，我非常喜歡裡面所傳達的訊息。這是關於家庭關係、關於愛、關於內疚，以及我們如何與家人相處，這些都是具有共通性，讓想到我自己的家人。"

這部音樂劇以雲林虎尾三姊妹的家族故事為核心，探討了家庭、愛情、失落以及台灣葬禮傳統。在百老匯演出的第一版本，以中文和台語演出，並配有英語旁白和字幕。丁墾努力為美國觀眾與台灣製作建立連結。

[[百老匯製作人丁墾]]
"這齣劇是為台灣觀眾而寫，編劇、作曲家都是台灣人，這幾乎是為那些觀眾而寫的。我們現在正處於新的開發過程，下一個階段，我們將討論如何讓這個節目更適合紐約的觀眾。語言當然是其中的重要組成部分，但文化參照也可能演變為西方市場更容易理解的部分。幽默是這個節目的重要元素，這個劇非常有趣，我們要想如何使觀眾理解其中的笑點，這些是我們要處理的一些流程，幾乎重新建構本劇，我們會持續推進。經過翻譯，在美國的下一個版本是全英文版本，未來可望看到全英語製作。"

丁墾出生於音樂劇世家，從小就耳濡目染。他擁有30多年百老匯經驗，將多部知名音樂劇搬上舞台，包括《鐵達尼號》、《紅磨坊》等。丁墾對百老匯的未來樂觀其成，並認為台灣有巨大的發展潛力。

[[百老匯製作人丁墾]]
"市場正在成長，去年百老匯演出的門票售出量比以往任何一年都多。坦白說，市場正走向年輕化，我們看到越來越多來自動漫、流行音樂，或其他文化背景的的影響，在百老匯舞台上看到了更多這樣的情況，預計這種演變也
持續。佈景設計，那些增強元素的類型，這些都可以實現，但首要目標是講真正好的故事。台灣有很多很棒的故事，這才是我們真正需要鼓勵的"

丁墾將台灣第一部音樂劇《勸世三姊妹》帶到百老匯，也希望繼續將更多台灣內容帶到世界各地。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週日至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

Biden announces tightening of advanced chip export controls

2025-01-14

Huang Kuo-chang announces intention to run for TPP chair

The TPP will hold its election to pick a new party chair on Feb. 15, and already one party member has announced plans to run for election. It’s none other than Huang Kuo-chang, who is currently the acting party chair. Another potential candidate is former lawmaker Tsai Pi-ju, who has not yet confirmed her intentions to run.

Huang Kuo-chang remained mum facing reporters’ questions about whether he’d run for party chair. But just one hour later, he announced his decision to social media.

In the post, Huang said that, after careful consideration, he has decided to throw his hat in the ring. He added that he would spare no effort in leading the party and his comrades forward during Ko Wen-je’s absence.

Huang Kuo-chang
TPP acting chair
The decisive factor for my decision was a long discussion I had with Ko Wen-je. Carrying out the missions that our former chair entrusted us with is a common task we must assume without shirking our responsibilities.

Former lawmaker Tsai Pi-ju has also expressed intentions to run for party chair. She has seemingly been trying to garner support outside the TPP, with her recent visits to the New Power Party and to lawmaker Fu Kun-chi. Tsai says she’ll speak with Huang before officially announcing her plans.

Tsai Pi-ju
Former lawmaker (TPP)
We can all sit together for a chat, and decide on a candidate. I’m not dead-set on running for election.

Tsai has allegedly tried to get party leaders together for talks, but Huang has not involved himself in the process. There’s no consensus yet, but already Tsai says Huang should run for Hsinchu mayor in the 2026 local elections.

Tsai Pi-ju
Former lawmaker (TPP)
Hsinchu is our strongest base. I think he should run for election there. If he becomes party chair and leads the election campaign, it would bring momentum to our party.

Huang Kuo-chang
TPP acting chair
We are united in our strategy for the 2026 local elections. Hsinchu is not the only point of discussion.

Though Tsai and Huang have yet to discuss their plans face to face, they do direct words at each other in public. The race for TPP’s chairmanship has kicked off.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2025-01-14

Chinese fishing boats get as close as 10 m from Kinmen shore

Two Chinese fishing boats came as close as 10 m away from Taiwan’s shore in Kinmen on Monday evening. A Coast Guard vessel was immediately dispatched to the scene to drive the boats away. The intrusion has renewed attention on Taiwan’s maritime sovereignty, with lawmakers calling for tighter patrols.

A fishing boat approaches the shore near Shaxi Fort in Little Kinmen. A Coast Guard vessel immediately sails to the scene and sounds its horn to drive it away.

The Coast Guard vessel sounds a loud siren and flashes a blinding spotlight. The intruders were two Chinese fishing boats fishing illegally in Taiwan’s waters, getting dangerously close to the shore.

Lee Chih-hung
Jinhu Township representative
Amid the current cross-strait tensions, we didn’t know whether the boat was approaching to explore the coast, to search for something or to catch fish. So, measures had to be taken to drive them away. The actions taken are an assertion of our country’s sovereignty. That’s the most important part.

Chen Shui-yi
Kinmen Fishermen’s Association
We urge our fishermen to not approach Chinese fishing vessels when they go out to sea. We hope that Coast Guard units can strengthen enforcement.

The incident has sparked criticism from lawmakers, as the intentions behind the boats’ intrusion remain unclear.

Chen Yu-chen
Lawmaker (KMT)
Our Coast Guard is doing its utmost to enforce the law. We used to have a channel of communication. That prevented illegal fishing boats from the mainland from entering our waters. By the same token, our own vessels must refrain from engaging in any illegal or disorderly activities.

Hsu Chih-chieh
Lawmaker (DPP)
If vessels without a name, without licenses, without registration, without anything cross over to our side, we can’t just let them be and let them come in and out at will. I hope that our Coast Guard will enhance their monitoring of these kinds of vessels.

As the Lunar New Year draws near, Chinese fishing boats have been crossing maritime borders to fish, sailing increasingly close to Taiwan. The Coast Guard Administration has two large vessels and one smaller one at hand to conduct patrols round the clock to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2025-01-14

Students share experience in New Southbound Policy study program

Students from South and Southeast Asia began a five-month study program last year at several universities in Taiwan. The program offered them a chance to learn from professors and doctors. The participants also got to travel in Taiwan and learn Mandarin Chinese. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to some of the program participants to hear about their experience.

This is a study abroad program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A total of 104 students from New Southbound countries visited Taiwan to participate in a five-month exchange at National Chung Hsing University, Taipei Medical University, National Taipei University of Technology, National Quemoy University, and National Pingtung University of Science and Technology. Applicants with a background in health care, biological sciences, laboratory work, and data analysis were selected.

Phoebe Ashley Chua
Program participant
I came from the Philippines. I am working as an occupational therapist in a pediatric setting. I was interested in Taiwan because it is a first-world country. There are a lot of medical advancements that I feel like I can learn a lot from.

Duc Minh Cap
Program participant
I come from Vietnam. Before coming here, I already finished my master’s program in public health. Of course, I will recommend this program to my students when I go back to Vietnam. How can I say? This program is very amazing. The classes for this program, we not only learn about modern medicine, but also we learn about traditional medicine. It means a lot to me.

During the program, students participated in medical-related courses and Mandarin courses. They also visited scenic attractions and immersed themselves in cultural experience activities. Many of the students hope to continue to work or study in Taiwan.

Phoebe Ashley Chua
Program participant
Taiwan is very open and very welcoming to international students. They offer a lot of courses in English which makes it easier for international students to come and apply to master’s programs and doctor’s programs. And even, there are a lot of scholarships that are available for us to apply to. One of my future plans after joining this program is to also enroll in a master’s program here in Taiwan.

Duc Minh Cap
Program participant
The Taiwanese people are very friendly. The transportation here is very convenient. I had a chance to visit one of the tallest buildings in the world 101 and stand on the highest floor and see the Taipei City. It was an unforgettable experience.

The program hopes to support the New Southbound Policy, by deepening exchanges between Taiwan and other countries in the medical, semiconductor, and smart agriculture sectors.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2025-01-14

New Zuoying Station builds playground for resident cats

2025-01-14

Nine diners test positive for norovirus in buffet cluster

2025-01-14

Free health checks for 30-to-39 age group starting this year

The Health Promotion Administration is expanding its free health check program to cover the 30-to-39 age group this year. On Tuesday, the HPA held a press conference with spokesperson Chen Kuan-yu, who played at the Premier12 last year and is currently 34-years-old. Now, adults between the ages of 30 and 39 are eligible for a free health check every five years under the National Health Insurance.

Rakuten Monkeys pitcher Chen Kuan-yu, who also played in Team Taiwan for Premier12 last year, is a spokesperson for the Health Promotion Administration.

Chen Kuan-yu
Rakuten Monkeys pitcher
There aren’t so many of us in the 30-to-39 age group in the Taiwan Team. I don’t really do health checks. But they’re important for athletes, because some illnesses are internal and more difficult to notice.

Due to an increasing prevalence of high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood lipids in the 30-to-39 age group, starting this year, those in this age group can get a free health check every five years under the National Health Insurance.

Chen Kuan-yu
Rakuten Monkeys pitcher
There are more refined foods now, so we need to exercise moderation in our interest in food. It’s also important for us athletes to pay attention to what we eat.

Chiu Tai-yuan
Minister of health
There are many young career-minded people now. Sometimes they do a health check in their 30s or 40s, and find out they have slightly high cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, or they’re slightly overweight. But you’ll see that as soon as they start adjusting their lifestyle and improve their physical and mental health, all the numbers in red will go back to black, so no immediate intervention will be needed. That also helps prolong the potential onset of chronic diseases.

To put things into perspective, as of 2023, 9.7% of 30- to 39-year-olds have high blood pressure, 2.5% have high blood sugar levels and as many as 18.7% have high blood lipid levels.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2025-01-14

Baseball fans snap up commemorative EasyCards

2025-01-14

Banks handing out water, other lucky items for LNY

To help their customers grow their wealth in the new year, many large banks are handing out auspicious gifts for the Year of the Snake. Cathay, for instance, is giving away limited- edition lucky coins, water bottles, and rice. Yuanta has designed a traditional treasure bowl and piggy bank, while Bank SinoPac decided to make something for the kids. For its VIP customers, the securities division has even collaborated with Beigang’s Wude Temple to make a lucky gift box for the first time.

Getting a lucky water bottle on your visit to the bank has become a Lunar New Year tradition. Customers are also delighted to receive lucky coins and rice.

Member of public
I think it’s really special. I’ve never gotten any of the New Year giveaways from a bank before, so I figured this year I’d give it a try. I hope I can get a big prize at the year-end banquet.

Member of public
It can be a sign that it’ll be a good year. That everything will go smoothly and I’ll make money. I might put it on my desk or at home.

Shih Chun-lan
Bank PR and development associate
The two red envelopes for this year when put together make a knot symbolizing happiness. With the color and design, we hope to make people happy. We also hope that when people give these to their friends and family, they’ll feel fortunate.

The water given out by Bank SinoPac features snakes winding around apples and pineapples in an orchard. Each of the three working days leading up to the holiday, every branch is to give out 88 bottles.

If the New Year candy and spring couplets aren’t enough, the bank’s securities division has also collaborated with Wude Temple in Beigang to create a lucky gift box. The water bottle has an image of the Black Tiger General, while the lucky coin is embossed with a treasure bowl, featuring different images on each side. The limited-edition gift box is available for the bank’s VIP customers.

Liao Ta-i
Folk tradition expert
To change your luck, place it diagonal from the front door in your house or inside the right-hand drawer in your desk.

Yuanta is only offering 160,000 lucky water bottles for the New Year, along with 13,000 treasure bowls of an adorable snake inlayed with 18 ingots. Banks are pulling out all the stops to wish their customers a prosperous new year.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2025-01-14