Baltimore’s theater scene will open the new year with a powerful world premiere asRapid Lemon Productionslaunches its 2026 season withFrom East, Like the Sun, a new play by Karen Li, directed by Jalice Ortiz-Corral.
Set across generations and shaped by migration, memory, and longing,From East, Like the Sunasks a timely and deeply human question: how do immigrant families break cycles that force them to leave home in search of safety, stability, and opportunity? The play follows two generations across two families, joined by the presence of a 19th-century ghost, as they pursue the elusive “mother lode”—whether measured in gold, belonging, or a sustainable way of life.
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The production features a dynamic cast including Daniel Lin, Caleb Madison, Eric Christian Panuela, Tevis Tsai, M. Eden Walker, and Kay-Megan Washington. Janis Beltran serves as both assistant director and stage manager, anchoring the production’s behind-the-scenes leadership.
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 90px;}}The creative team brings together a strong group of designers and collaborators. Mel Gabel leads intimacy and combat direction, while Steve Sawicki designs the scenic environment. Lighting design is by Martin Sundiata, costumes by Rowan Gardner, and sound design by producer Max Garner. Together, the team shapes an immersive theatrical experience that supports the play’s emotional and historical layers.
Performances will run January 9 through January 25 at theStrand Theater, located at 5426 Harford Road in northeast Baltimore. Evening performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.
In addition to regular performances, the production includes several special events designed to deepen audience engagement and accessibility. An “Industry Night” performance on Monday, January 12 offers discounted $15 tickets for theater professionals and creatives. A post-show talkback with playwright Karen Li will follow the Friday, January 23 performance, providing audiences an opportunity to engage directly with the play’s themes and development. The January 18 matinee will be a “Masked Matinee,” requiring all audience members to wear masks.
@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-2{min-height: 100px;}}@media ( min-width: 728px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-2{min-height: 90px;}}Founded in 2012, Rapid Lemon Productions is a Baltimore-based nonprofit theater company dedicated to developing and presenting new work that reflects and engages the communities it serves. WithFrom East, Like the Sun, the company continues its commitment to bold storytelling, representation, and the creation of space for underrepresented voices on stage.
For more information about the production and the company, visitrapidlemon.org.
