George Takei, the original and beloved Mr Sulu from Star Trek, film and television star, activist and social media icon makes his London stage debut at Charing Cross Theatre.
Their loyalty was questioned, their freedom taken away, but their spirit could never be broken. Inspired by the true events surrounding its star George Takei, Allegiance is the story of the Kimura family, whose lives are upended when they and 120,000 other Japanese-Americans are forced to leave their homes following the events of Pearl Harbor. Sam Kimura seeks to prove his patriotism by fighting for his country in the war, but his sister, Kei, fiercely protests the government’s treatment of her people. An uplifting testament to the power of the human spirit, Allegiance follows the Kimuras as they fight between duty and defiance, custom and change, family bonds and forbidden loves.
Allegiance brings to light the history of Japanese-Americans living in the USA during World War II which I am ashamed to admit I knew nothing about previously. This is when the musical is at its strongest when it uses the medium to present the horrific realities these people were put in by the American government and the strength and courage it took to survive it, only for it to be unspoken of for so long by the wider society.
Where the show is somewhat let down is in its saccharinely sweet overlay. While the subject matter is dark this overcompensates by leaning too far into the ‘American’ musical style of making every song upbeat with high-energy dance numbers that take away somewhat from the realities of the situation. I don’t think it should all be doom and gloom don’t get me wrong but it is missing some levels which would really make this musical one to remember. It has an ‘enemy to lovers’ storyline too that feels pretty cliched.
The performances of the cast, however, are faultless. Not a foot or note is wrong at any time from anyone on the show and it’s expertly handled. It makes this relatively intimate venue feel like you are watching a big-budget performance in the heart of the West End. The lead Telly Leung handles this role with such ease and confidence that the audience can’t help but be won over and his voice is flawless. George Takei similarly puts in a great performance and between them, they really bring this show to life.
The lighting design by Nic Farman is truly exceptional and really helps transform the space. Combined with a surprisingly catchy score it really does give this show a polished feel.
