On Thursday, November 12th I attended the new musical Allegiance, starring former Star Trek star George Takei. This show will make you laugh, angry, and cry all in the same show. Inspired by the true life experience of it’s star George Takei, Allegiance follows one family’s extraordinary journey in this untold American story. The headline of the show is billed as “Inspired by the true life experience of it’s star George Takei, Allegiance follows one family’s extraordinary journey in this untold American story.”
The official description on the website states: “When A mysterious envelope leads Sam Kimura (Takei) back 60 years to a time when he (played as a young man by Telly Leung - Godspell, “Glee”) and his sister Kei (Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga — Miss Saigon, Mulan) strive to save their family from the wrongful imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Sam enlists in the army to prove the Kimuras’ loyalty, but Kei joins draft resisters fighting for the rights of their people. Their paths take them from the lush farmlands of California to the wastelands of Wyoming to the battlefields of Europe, and their divided loyalties threaten to tear them apart forever. But as long-lost memories are unlocked, Sam finds that it is never too late to forgive and to recognize the redemptive power of love.”
George Takei (Sam Kimura) who simply and lovingly plays this role with such joy and innocence, and a tender sense of humor that makes you smile and say “Good Ole George” really takes the role on well. You can feel his emotion and pain that he went through by his portrayal. The ever so talented Lea Salonga beautifully and elegantly delivers as Kei, and her stainless steel pure, clear, and crisp voice is all so ever present especially in her solo number “Higher” which had the crowd roaring!
The younger and more handsome version of Sam played by breakout Broadway and Tv star Telly Leung is terrific! With a high belt, and great acting ability, he is the STAR of this show. He makes you want to stand up and fight the battle with him. He is a leader, a lover, a fighter, and will do anything to save his family. His acting chops are out of this world. The entire cast was stellar and really played off each other well! This shows set was simplistic, yet a delightfully elegant, often using the same pieces for several scenes, they really use it to their full ability!
Allegiance runs at The Longacre Theatre 220 W. 48th St, New York, NY. For tickets visit www.AllegianceMusical.com or call the Box Office a 1-(800)-432-7250
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