Jay Kuo Uses Japanese Internment to Celebrate the Human Spirit

by Jennifer Ann Charron

“Allegiance” connects the shameful history of Japanese American internment during WWII with a family’s story of hope and resilience. We follow the Kimura family from their Salinas farm to captivity in a Wyoming relocation camp. But “Allegiance” is no downer. This plucky musical is jam-packed with heartening songs of family, love, and redemption. After some dissonance, Jay Kuo’s writing rises to brilliance.

While “Allegiance” vividly portrays the humiliation of Japanese Americans during WWII, Kuo creates a heartwarming ode to the human spirit–combining serious drama with elevating comedy. Director Lily Tung Crystal’s energetic cast belts out  twenty-five first-rate songs. She includes romantic ballads like “This Is Not Over”; robust anthems like “What Makes a Man” and “Resist”; and swing numbers like “Get in the Game.”

Starting with the charming “Wishes on the Wind,” the cast moves to upbeat numbers, displaying their dance chops to a boogie-woogie beat. The ensemble seamlessly adds rich chords and beautiful harmonies.

“Allegiance” features two captivating romances. Hannah Campbell, (talented Emma Onasch) the camp’s nurse, brings warmth and joy to Sammy Kimura (fiery Vinh Nguyen). Onasch’s amazing natural soprano and great comedy talent make her a star. Sammy Kimura embodies the role with convincing realism. Both in the internment camp and on the battlefield, Nguyen movingly imparts Sammy’s determination and optimism.

Frankie Suzuki (sparkling Nick Rodrigues) romances Kei Kimur (superb Lindsay Hirata) with the satirical song “Paradise,” culminating in their beautiful duet “Nothing In Our Way.” As Kei Kimura, Hirata performs gorgeous ballads like “Higher” with judicious use of vibrato. Hirata’s lyrical expression, precise timing, and graceful presence raise her to star status.

Older men, Sam Kimura and Ojii-Chan (both played by amazing Dennis Yen) embody the heart of “Allegiance.” In the Epilogue, Yen’s Ojii-Chan leaves no dry eyes. Yen brings rich humor, elegance, and ease to his indispensable roles. He adds pathos as he tends his garden during the shocking and soul-stirring bombing of Japan.

Suffused with cacophony, horror, and happiness, “Allegiance” brilliantly portrays a historically accurate view of a dark chapter in U.S. history. A trip to Contra Costa Civic Theatre will prove that history set to music can set us free.

“Allegiance” –book by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo, and Lorenzo Thione, music by Jay Kuo, at Contra Costa Civic Theatre, El Cerrito, California, through Sunday, October 21, 2018. Info: ccct.org

Cast: Lindsay Hirata, Dennis Yen, Vinh Nguyen, Emma Onasch, Nick Rodrigues, Bryan Pangilinan, Doy Charnsupharindr, Christopher Juan, Melvign Badiola, Juliet Evens, Joseph Alvarado,

Pauli Amornkul, Jomar Martinez, Anne Yumi Kobori, Marah Sotelo, Domonic Tracy, Edward Nattenberg, Nicole Ogata, Celeste Kamiya, Alvin Castillo Buñales, and Joseph Alvarado.