Gareth's Culture and Travel Blog

I have to confess some hesitation in deciding to go to see this musical as I thought it might be a vanity project, a showcase for former Star Trek actor, octogenarian George Takai. Well, look at the title. Though its inspired by his family’s experience, he’s not in a lead role, yet the final curtain call is left for him, greeted by a standing ovation that has more to do with his past, so the hesitation is well founded, but it’s good to report the show is very good.

It’s based on what families like Takai’s had to go through in the Second World War as Japanese Americans, interned and mistreated because of their heritage. The same happened elsewhere of course, including the UK with Germans and Italians. The story takes us right through from the outbreak of war to allied victory, mostly through the eyes of one family, the son choosing to demonstrate his loyalty by enlisting, the daughter choosing the alternative path, the father’s loyalties with her. Takai plays the calming presence of the grandfather.

The tensions between the factions are very interesting. Soldier Sam and his fellow enlistees identify with the country in which they are born and are (eventually) allowed to fight for it, albeit in what seem like suicide missions. Those that burn their draft papers feel that fighting would betray their families, whose treatment they consider unacceptable. The representative of the Japanese Americans is seen as weak, more concerned with pleasing Washington than defending their interests. It’s musical theatre, of course, so there are a couple of love stories, a risky adventure and a tragedy for good measure.

The lead performances are outstanding. Telly Leung as Sam is equally talented as an actor and singer. Aynrand Ferrer brings a steely passion to the role of his sister Kei, again with great vocals. Megan Gardiner as the internment camp nurse and Sam’s love interest is lovely. In smaller roles Patrick Munday as Kei’s love interest and Masashi Fujimoto as the father shine. The small band play Jay Kuo’s score, which is full of lovely tunes, if a touch formulaic and a bit too sentimental, very well. It’s superbly sung by a talented cast largely of Asian origin. The traverse staging works well, though the action in the side balconies can’t be seen by a significant chunk of the audience.

There’s an authenticity to the staging and design which serves it well and I left the theatre with my expectations exceeded.