The skinny: ALLEGIANCE is amazing. Go watch it! The longer version: Preface: this is my first time watching a musical on Broadway. This is my first time watching an ASIAN AMERICAN musical on Broadway. I must be dreaming. That's what I was thinking throughout the whole time I was watching the show this past Sunday.
To be honest, I've heard bad things about the show from theatre critics. I won't go into it here. So naturally, I had a doubt--should I go and watch this? Or should I stay home and snuggle with HBO and Netflix? I'm so glad I went to watch it.
I was completely blown away at the production value of this musical. From the lighting, to the sound, to the acting, singing, dancing, and movement on stage--every bit of the show captured my attention. Is now a good time to confess that I fall asleep in major Broadway plays? Even though it was a musical, the music did not distract me from listening to the story. If anything, it enhanced the story. In terms of performance... I don't even know where to begin. Lea Salonga's voice carried the show. George Takei's humor added color to the darkness of the theme. Telly Leung's swag... you'll have to see it for yourself.
As an Asian American Studies major who learned about the Japanese Internment through literature and history books, I was nerding out the whole entire time. I was crying half the time because they depict the internment in an entertaining, yet very real/raw way. Yes, there was discrimination. Yes, there was injustice. And no, the writers did not water it down. It was told, as is.
As an actor, it's unbelievable to see a stage full of Asian American actors telling an Asian American story. Insane. It gives me so much hope for the future of having Asian American stories told on stage.
It's closing in 11 days, so get your tickets today before it gets sold out. Don't get left out; don't catch FOMO, just GOGOGO!
This is the first, but definitely not the last show.
Gotta keep on trucking. #hustle