I bought tickets to see this new musical with my husband, and 2 best friends. We are all into 1930-40's fashion and knew that this show would be filled to the brim with some amazing prints, shoes, etc. Also, we are all pro swing dancers and knew that there would be some swing (though we already went in with low expectations on that end)Based on the childhood of George Takei of Star Trek fan, it's the story about a family that gets put into an internment camp during the Second World War. It's a story that not even our history books spend much time on as it's an embarrassing time in our country where racism took the helm. It also feels very familiar with the current events of Donald Trump saying we should not let ANY Muslims into our country (disgusting that people should utter something so racist and moronic)
I wanted to love this show. I wanted it to make me feel, and for me to leave the theater singing the songs. While I felt like I could cry a number of times (very strong imagery and directing choices), the music often brought me out of it. The writing of certain scenes were disjointed. For instance, the subject matter is very heavy, and most scenes would involve a heavy topic, and then Takei would say a funny laugh line to end the scene. It was very formulaic. The music wasn't memorable, safe for a few numbers. The dancing made me cringe and not just the lindy hop. I found the basic choreography to be disjointed and unwarranted. It was trying to be something it wasn't. But I am glad I saw the show. It is important to support new pieces of theater, to support new stories being told, and I left the theater knowing more than I had before going in.
We had the most amazing seats (row 3 center orchestra), so pretty much the actors could SPIT on us if they chose. Seeing Lea Salonga this close was so special. She truly is a theater gem.
The fashion was so good and we found ourselves drooling throughout. A lot of the shoes were Remix Shoes (I spotted the Aviators), and many of the prints were authentic on the dresses. If they ever sell them, I WANT IT ALL!
