Twin Cities-based Mu Performing Arts, one of the nation's largest and most respected Asian-American companies, has named a new leader. And they did not have to go far.
Juilliard-trained actor and director Randy Reyes (above), a Mu mainstay over the past seven years, will succeed Rick Shiomi, whose 20-year tenure ends Aug. 31.
Toronto native Shiomi moved to the Twin Cities in the early 1990s, where he helped start what is now one of the largest Asian-American companies in the nation. He won the 2012 Ivey Award for lifetime achievement.
Reyes, has been a high-profile actr and director in the Twin Cities, appearing at the Guthrie, where he starred in "M. Butterfly," elsewhere. He is currently on tour with the Yale Repertory Theatre's production of "The Servant of Two Masters."
In a statement, Reyes said that he was "truly humbled and exhilarated to be asked to serve as Mu's next" leader.
"Rick Shiomi has been my mentor for over seven years and I've had the honor of seeing firsthand how his leadership has raised the company to its highest level of artistry and professionalism," said Reyes. "I can only hope to build on that strong foundation."
