ALLEGIANCE Reviews — Page 3

Haven't taken old Rexie seriously for quite awhile

Just saw their new commercial on tv with critics quotes.

That's funny. I don't pay much heed to reviews in general myself (I recognize that guy's name, I suppose), and despite all the reviews so far, word-of-mouth still seems strong, unless someone has heard otherwise on the streets. Critic reviews weren't very influential in the 2009 Broadway League data (less than 20% attendees were influenced be reviews) and that's probably still accurate now. But a third went because they already liked the music, according to that survey. With the nearly universal panning of the music here, they're really relying on that word-of-mouth.

I have read some of the not so favorable reviews for Allegiance. For those of you that have seen it, is it still worth seeing?

Never read reviews. Make up your own mind. If the subject matter and/or the actors interest you try it.It seems to be an earnest attempt to tell a story worth telling. Is it glitzy like other shows? Definitely not. Can it still be entertaining ? Why not.

Pootie2 said: "They just tweeted this review from a university (assistant) professor of history, so I find it a more interesting read than from a typical theater critic:
http://www.processhistory.org/?p=1236"

This is excellently written and so well thought out. This is exactly the lens through which to watch something like Allegiance.

This is another point of view by someone who is not a critic.

http://resisters.com/2015/10/27/allegiance-preview/

Oof! That was not pleasant. At all. I'll write more later, but what a wasted opportunity to create something really special about an oft overlooked part of our history.

The nicest thing I can say? Their hearts were in the right place.

dramamama611, would your criticisms be about the same as those posted in the preview thread?

lite2shine said: "Allegiance is offering deep discount for tickets this week. If you go, go Tues or Wed. After that Lea will be out until next week per TDF site

*Lea Salonga will not appear in the following performances:

Thursday, November 19 at 7pm
Friday, November 20 at 8pm
Saturday, November 21 at 2pm and 8pm
Sunday, November 22 at 3pm"

If this means Elena Wang will be on instead, that might be a treat given that short audition clip in the documentary video.

Just returned home after a 6-show long weekend that included seeing Allegiance. Having previously seen the only other production in San Diego in 2012, and after following the show's progress and knowing many changes have been made since, I watched this production with new eyes and ears. Also now much more familiar with how important the subject matter is - and of the significance of this specific production created by and about Asian Americans - and now that I have sat in an audience that was so moved by this production, the emotion I experienced was unlike anything I have had impact me before. Whatever flaws this musical has, the uniqueness and strengths well overwhelm any weaknesses.

I thought the telling of the historical aspect and the dramatization of the fictional story were both well told, even if the major conflict was a paint by numbers approach. The creative team covered a ton of ground and fleshed out a lot of detail utilizing grade A performances and without over-produced sets and props. In fact, the minimalist sets were very effective with what I thought was excellent use of accent lighting and projections. Kudos to the creative team for making the most compelling scenes very compelling indeed.

"OMG, Lea Salonga is amazing!", was a comment I heard immediately after the 1st act ended. I agree, and she is worth the price of admission. But she isn't the only cast member making this a worthwhile visit. Telly Leung was an improved "Sammy" from what I remember of him in San Diego, but the improved material may be much of the reason why. He was more believable in any case.....and I thought he was good three years ago. Michael K. Lee was definitely a standout, but excellence was exhibited by the entire cast. Katie Rose Clark was a surprise for me as I recalled her role being a bit thankless. Not here. George Takei's roles are small but not insignificant. Knowing his history and his involvement in getting this story and production known, his performance is incredibly special and heartbreaking at the same time.

I sat in the center of the rear of the orchestra (which appeared to be filled to capacity), and I was a bit awestruck by the number of people, both men and women, who were outwardly moved. The audience included members from a few JACL chapters, and there was a talk-back after the show with George Takei and Greg Watanabe (who played Mike Masaoka). I stayed and found the long replies to audience questions very interesting. Along with George Takei's family internment experience, Greg Watanabe told of his family's experience where a family member was born at the real Heart Mountain camp. Greg also talked about the controversy surrounding the real man, Mike Masaoka. He talked about how the characterization of Mike Masaoka had been softened a bit (since San Diego) to more fairly represent a very conflicted and under pressure real life man. I wish I could recall the questions asked along with the full content of the replies.

"Very moving" is the best way I can describe my experience seeing Allegiance. Outside of Hamilton, which I also saw, Allegiance is the show I am most looking forward to seeing again someday.

Well, I'm not sure there's another extremely positive critic review with as many pull quotes as this one just published today: http://www.examiner.com/review/george-takei-telly-leung-lea-salonga-give-winning-performances-allegiance

"The book by Lorenzo Thione is nuclear and deafening. Every word chosen propels the plot of each character leaving not one second for misunderstanding. The music, lyrics and book by Jay Kuo is triumphant! Every song takes a moving journey and with Andrew Palermo's choreography the outcome is entertaining, heartfelt, stylized for the historic times that it brings to life. The scenic designs by Donyale Werle let the true story shine. Costumes by Alejo Vietti color the period with grace. Howell Binkley gives nuclear lighting designs with simplistic perfection. Sound design by Kai Harada is pure. Projection design by Darrel Maloney and wig and hair by Charles G. LaPointe set the historic times. Music direction by Laura Bergquist should remind Tony Awards voters that we are missing an award that should be honored!

Allegiance is the global musical of the century."

The book by Thione is "nuclear and deafening" (I'm not sure that sounds like a good thing?!), while the book by Kuo is "triumphant," eh? I mean, I'm glad this has gotten positive reviews in the mix, but "of the century" kind of pushes this one over the edge alongside those that claim this is the worst musical ever.

Saw and enjoyed it tonight... having followed this show's journey from afar for quite some time, since I was familiar with Kuo in SF, it was sort of just amazing to see that path through to its completion with Telly, Lea, and George up there doing it after working on this project for years and years.

If anything, I think its biggest issue was ambition, which if you're going to get dinged on anything, that is not a bad option. I think narratively, it felt boxed into a corner without as much room for invention and room to breath as I would have liked. I mean, you have actual history to convey, so you don't have a lot of wiggle room there as far as what happened, since people will call you out on it. One of your leads was in the Japanese-American internment camps and is calling this his legacy project. It is a slice of U.S. history that many don't know about, so you have to give them a lot of background. And that is before you start telling your fictional story and adding in songs!

I think that also let to some expository elements to creep into dialogue, song lyrics, etc., since they had a lot of info to get out there, wherever they could.

But even with all of that in the mix, I still had a good time, went on a journey with these characters, and thought it was a rather pleasant night at the theater. But next show, I hope the creatives just create an original story with no historical, cultural, and any other kind of underpinnings, and give themselves a bit more room to explore and play.

Oh, Tom Kitt saw the show last night. FYI.

Wow, and Iain tends to be a bit stingy with his raves...

Updated On: 11/20/15 at 05:34 PM