Innocent When You Dream

Summary

80-something Dan Yamada has been rendered speechless after a stroke, and as he lies in bed, he vividly recalls his life, from his days in the World War 2-era internment camps, to serving in the US Army, to his one true love. At his bedside in the present, his adult children fight over his care and legacy, all while Dan tries to communicate his poignant final wish.

Includes an interview with playwright Ken Narasaki.

This play is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood, in January 2024.

Directed by Anna Lyse Erikson
Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

An L.A. Theatre Works full cast recording, starring:

Kurt Kanazawa as Frank Fujiyama
John Miyasaki as Young Dan Yamada
Suzy Nakamura as Joy Yamada-Hanke
Ken Narasaki as Dr. Park
Rosie Narasaki as Young Grace Hamamoto
Sharon Omi as Adult Grace Hamamoto
Sab Shimono as Dan Yamada
Greg Watanabe as Merv Yamada

Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson
Prepared for audio by Mark Holden
Recorded and edited by Neil Wogenson
Designed and mixed by Charles Carroll for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood.
Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin
Foley Artist: Stacey Martinez

“Blue Skies” performed by Kurt Kanazawa