Review: George Takei's Allegiance, at the Charing Cross Theatre, London

After Newsies, it was back on the Metropolitan line to central London, and to catch an evening performance of another American work that is having its UK premiere. Although on a much smaller scale than Newsies. 

Allegiance has become the passion project of American actor George Takei, based off experiences from his childhood. Yes THAT George Takei, best known for playing Mr Sulu in many a Star Trek project. Now I may not be a Trekkie, but COME ON! 

George Takei aside, Allegiance shines a light on a part of history I had never seen talked about in a piece of art before

I've seen the devastating affect of World War 2 on Japanese communities discussed in projects such as The Wind Rises, and Grave of the Fireflies (aka, the most depressing film I have ever seen). 

But I have never seen anything highlighting the deportation of Japanese-Americans from their homes on the West Coast into camps on American soil... Yes, you read that right! 

I don't know how many Americans know about this, let alone Brits. 

As said before, this is inspired by Takei's family's experience in one such camp. After the attack on Pearl Harbour, the Kimura family is sent from their home to a camp in the mid-West. Nothing is then the same again, as the family is divided on what the best course of action is. And that tension remains even after the war ends... 

Allegiance can hit HARD. Bit of a given, with it being based on a very dark and unforgiveable part of American history!

What you become engrossed in, is the journeys these characters take. At the top of the show, among the racist (let's not beat about the bush here) legislation brought in, Japanese-Americans were not allowed to serve in the US Army. And when they are eventually allowed to serve, to "prove their allegiance", it divided the Japanese-American community; do they fight with the American Army, supporting the country they were born into; or do they stand up to the oppressors who'd unjustly sent them to the interment camps. 

I'm going to be honest, a lot of the music isn't memorable as such, as many of the songs seem to be very similar feels of "taking a stand" etc without the earworm Newsies had. It may have even worked better as a play with music rather than a full on emotional musical. 

But what you really get invested in though is the book, and the journeys these characters take. And out of everything, you know what I appreciated about the angle the book took: 

Though the Kimuras take different paths, there's no outright right or wrong answer 

Staged somewhere small like the Charing Cross, this truly allows this moving story to take centre stage. And every single actor (of this mostly Asian cast) works hard to ensure that no audience member feels left out. 

Now speaking of actors... we not only have George Takei to thank for creating this piece, but he stars in it too. We get to see him as an older Sam, and also Oji-chan, the Grandpa! Two completely different characters: from bitter and resentful, to playful and charming, bringing much of the heartfelt relief to the show when it does pop up. It may not be the biggest part in the show, but you cannot help but feel he's the beating heart of the piece. 

Leading the company however, are Broadway actor Telly Leung making his London theatre debut as a younger Sam Kimura, and Aynrand Ferrar (Miss Saigon) as his sister Kei. Like I said, while the Kimura's had opposing views on the situation, you understood both paths, and that is mainly due to these two's performances. 

Getting to see Leung perform live was a real treat, especially in a role that goes from as big a transformation as Sam does, from young idealist, to becoming this war hero figure for Japanese-Americans. And through Ferrar's heartfelt performance, you understood why Kei would be against Sam signing up, and her trying to find another path out of this horrible circumstance. Oh and she has a voice as crystal clear as Lea Salonga, who originated the part of Kei. 

Allegiance is not a perfect piece. But I think it is a more important one than you may realise

Sometimes, when you go to the theatre, the aim of the piece is to get you talking, to get you thinking. Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club was one that did that for me recently, and also Emilia springs back to mind. This is definitely another one. 

My recommendation would be for fans of shows such as Les Mis, Miss Saigon and Come From Away, aka, the sad but also uplifting to an extent ones. But be prepared to be moved. Be prepared to be shocked. Be prepared to want to look into this shameful, xenophobic piece of American history.