1980's preteen Victor Woo dreams of becoming a pop star "sensation". His Chinese-born parents see a different future. Confronting cultural expectations and media stereotypes, "The Average Asian American" reconciles his duty to his family, his heritage, and himself.

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A Note From The Composer

In 1998, I recorded a live CD ("Along The Way") which had a couple of songs about my family - "The Great Wall" (written to my Dad) and "Along The Way" (for my brother). My good friend and mastering engineer for the recording, Brad Meyer, had soon become familiar with my folk repertiore - usually performed solo - just me and an acoustic guitar. I'd earned myself a pretty loyal following in New England by what I believed were well-written songs. Some were political, confronting racism and injustice. Others were bluesy and fun. That helped balance the show. But I think my strongest songs were the ones about family - about my Dad, my Mom, my brother, my sister. Brad later suggested that one day, I release a collection of songs called "Family Matters." So I started thinking about putting a concept album together that showed snapshots of my life - my immediate family, my childhood, my friends from adolescence, etc. My father always encouraged me to write about not only whatever I was experiencing at the time, but also to write songs about where I grew up - Boston, Massachusetts - Empire Street, Charles River, Boston Commons, Watertown Mall, the "86" bus, Harvard Square...

On August 10, 2000 and September 29, 2001 I lost two people very dear to me. To say the least, it was unexpected. But it was then when I promised myself that I would see this project all the way through. For them and for myself. It took me over 3 and 1/2 years to write and record this "concept album" - titled Leaving The Lights On. At the same time, I was touring as a "folkie" all over the US in order to continue building my audience, and of course - pay the rent. But the songs were changing musically. I didn't envision the new album to sound "folky." Even though I always kept an ear close to Dylan, James Taylor, i.e. "singer/songwriters", I began a new love affair with hip-hop music. Tupac Shakur became my Dylan. It was D'Angelo and Donny Hathaway instead of Lightnin' Hopkins and Big Bill Broonzy. But you see, I'd been listening to this music all along. Their stories were different. But the music moved me in ways that words could not. I had always been writing my own story.

Between 2001 and 2006, with the change in musical direction, I'd lost many of my "folkie" fans, but gained a new, and yes, even younger audience, interested in hearing what I still had to say, lyrically and musically. This is probably how Dylan felt in '65. Dylan himself says in Scorcese's No Direction Home: "If an artist is always in a state of 'becoming' then that's the right way to go" - or something like to that effect. I was too "folk" for rock/r&b venues and festivals, and too "rock/r&b" for the folk clubs. But I never doubted that my songs, current and past, could still connect with an audience.

It's 2007 now, and this concept album has turned into a musical - thanks to an angel named Kevin Merritt. Thanks to many angels. And equally, if not most importantly, thanks to John Mazlish, for believing in me from the get-go, and for introducing me to Mr. Merritt in November of 2004. Thanks to my "family, friends, and fans alike," and most especially to Valerie for putting up with me the entire way.

Enjoy the show. Thanks for listening.

Kevin So