0:00 - Introduction, David asks why the production chose an almost all-Caucasian cast, Ole describes in detail the production process and non-Asian actors who played the main characters of “Flower Drum Song”
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3:45 - David inquires about whether makeup was utilized to make the non-Asian actors look more Asian, Ole describes the costume and production decisions behind not utilizing makeup to become physically convincing Asian characters, the conversation leads into a discussion about the original script, its controversies, and what potential factors would lead it to be seen as controversial in its current time
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10:00 - David asks about the original "Flower Drum Song" musical and its success, Ole discusses the context behind the success of the production during its time, attributes its popularity to a myriad of factors including the fact that the production was from the famed pair Rodgers and Hammerstein and its environment, they also discuss the differences in the shows during the 1960s in regards to utilizing ballet in the show
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16:53 - Ole describes the structure of a “typical” Rodgers and Hammerstein production and how the "Flower Drum Song" musical fits into this structure, he focuses on the vocals and script, which leads to a conversation about the need for an actor to place trust in the script and music to properly execute the musical vision of the production, he believes that by being faithful to the script, actors and actresses would be able to execute their roles regardless of ethnicity
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23:23 - Ole describes the appeal of "Flower Drum Song" to audiences and why it might be more relevant to the viewers compared to other similar musicals, he reiterates the importance of conforming to the play script in order to capture the aforementioned appeal
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28:38 - Ole describes the production process of "Flower Drum Song" performance at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in San Diego, topics include adaptations from the previous film and play of the same name, casting choices for the school play, and his contribution to the production as a teacher and co-founder of the school
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36:34 - Comparison between the 1966 production and the 1961 production of "Flower Drum Song" and Ole’s experience working in both, topics include stage experience and cast and crew changes
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44:15 - Discussion about the 1981 production, including cast and theater company
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49:45 - Ole discusses why he believed "Flower Drum Song" did not receive a positive reception, thoughts on whether the musical was racially insensitive, discussion about the availability of Asians in performance arts and why it would lead to a problem when trying to cast characters based on ethnicity
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58:17 - Ole shares his thoughts on David Henry Hwang’s revival of "Flower Drum Song"
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64:15 - David inquires about the importance of legacy and being faithful to the script in the context of David Henry Hwang’s revival of "Flower Drum Song"
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70:10 - Ole talks about the "Flower Drum Song" movie and whether he felt it helped or hindered the musical’s career and success, he also speculates on whether it would be possible for the original Rodgers and Hammerstein version of "Flower Drum Song" to ever return to Broadway in the future, closing statements
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