Signature Theatre’s King of the Yees is Acerbic, Witty, Fresh-as-a-Breeze and Sharp-as-a-Tack
Jacob Yeh (Erhu Player) and Ashley D. Nguyen (Lauren) (Photo by DJ Corey Photography)
In one of the most refreshing new productions by playwright Lauren Yee (Cambodian Rock Band), we are gifted with an insider’s view of Chinese American culture. It is very much her story. Set in San Francisco it tells of a young Yale-educated playwright penning a story of her father, Larry Yee (Grant Chang), a neighborhood activist and amateur genealogist determined to advance the family name. Larry’s connection to a 150-year-old Chinatown social club manifesting mystical powers proves instrumental in Lauren finding her roots. And though he is no relation to a local politician running for office, Leeland Yee (a reference to a real-life character), they share the same last name and Larry, believing in the strong ancestral culture of his elders, becomes Leeland’s exalted gofer and supporter.
Jacob Yeh (Sichuan Face Changer) and Ashley D. Nguyen (Lauren) (Photo by DJ Corey Photography)
There is a strong connection to Larry’s respect for the ancients and his desire to convince his daughter, Lauren (Ashley D. Nguyen), that her destiny lies behind the club’s imposing red door. Between Lauren’s search for her own identity and Larry’s determination to prove his ancestral roots, lie some of the most hilarious characters ever created – some younger generation, others are elders who reflect past cultural norms – and ancestral bugaboos. That the playwright pokes fun at everyone proves the universality of her theme. Fortune cookies, twerking lion dancers, ancient rituals, a Chinese gangster (the real life “Shrimp Boy” Chow!) and an acupuncturist/herbalist make appearances shuttling Lauren headlong towards her goal of understanding her father and finding her cultural identity. No one is spared skewering in Yees’ cleverly representational imaginings.
References to Chinese immigrant heritage play nicely with flashback memories of mid-19th century San Francisco and Lauren’s father’s connection to the Yee Fung Toy Family Association which he is determined to keep afloat. Program notes tell us the association and its many chapters still exist throughout the United States.
Jacob Yeh (Erhu Player) and Ashley D. Nguyen (Lauren) in King of the Yees at Signature Theatre. (Photo by DJ Corey Photography)
King of the Yees is an eye-opening insight into Chinese American cultural assimilation and its subsequent generational struggles – the loss of identity and the keen awareness of rapidly gentrifying Chinese neighborhoods. The playwright employs magical realism and original humor to add to the wonderment of Lauren’s fraught journey to know her father, affectionately drawing each unique character to reveal their strengths and foibles. Her approach results in a super-fast pace and highly physical comedy executed perfectly by its super talented, very much in sync cast. This cleverly constructed play is acerbic, witty, fresh-as-a-breeze and sharp-as-a-tack, and I absolutely loved it. Ditto for the audience who roared in appreciation and wonderment.
Ashley D. Nguyen (Lauren), Sylvia Kwan (Actor 2), Grant Chang (Larry) and Jacob Yeh (Actor 1) (Photo by DJ Corey Photography)
With Jacob Yeh as Actor 1; Sylvia Kwan as Actor 2; Nicholas Yenson as Actor 3 and Fight Captain.
Directed by Jennifer Chang; Scenic Design by Tanya Orellana; Costume Design by Helen Q. Huang; Lighting Design by Minjoo Kim; Sound Design and Original Music by Matthew M. Nelson; Assistant Director Gregory Keng Strasser.
Highly recommended. One of the best comedies of the year!
Through October 22nd at Signature Theatre in Shirlington Village, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206. For tickets and information call the box office at 703 820-9771 or visit www.SigTheatre.org.