CORVALLIS - Julyana Soelistyo, a 1992 graduate of Oregon State University, has been nominated for a Tony Award for her Broadway debut in David Henry Hwang's play, "Golden Child."
The American Theatre Wing's Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards honor performance in the theater. Winners will be announced during the 52nd annual award show on June 7.
A native of Indonesia, Soelistyo studied at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco after graduating from Oregon State. While performing with OSU's University Theatre, she appeared in "The Tempest," "Les Liaisons Charmantes," "The Misanthrope" and "Piaf."
"Julyana is brilliant," said Charlotte Headrick, who directed Soelistyo in three of the OSU productions. "She is talented, she is gifted, and she is very, very bright. She speaks four languages fluently and she acts in her third language."
Critics have applauded Soelistyo's performance and "Golden Child," which is based on the recollections of the playwright's grandmother about the family turbulence and eventual tragedy caused by a Chinese businessman's conversion to Christianity in the early 20th century.
Wrote Vincent Canby of the New York Times: "Julyana Soelistyo gives a magical performance in dual roles, playing the ghost of Mr. Hwang's grandmother alternately as an ancient crone living out her days in America, and then as a young girl, the daughter of his great-grandfather's First Wife."
The Associated Press wrote: "In an exemplary piece of acting, Julyana Soelistyo gives one of the season's startling performances."
Soelistyo is married to Tim Barrett, another OSU graduate, whom she met while both were active in the University Theatre. She played the title role in the world premiere last year in "Still Life With Iris," for the Seattle Children's Theatre.
Charlotte Headrick, 541-737-2853
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