The first time I met George Takei, loved by generations as Star Trek’s Mister Sulu, was in 1988. He was starring in the UK Premiere of Undertow, Shimon Wincelberg’s World War II drama about a fanatical Japanese soldier who must confront a bewildered American GI on a lonely Pacific island, which was playing that year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
As editor of GS Magazine, I interviewed George ahead of his visit and then had the pleasure of hanging out with him during the show’s three week run at the Netherbow Arts Centre, now The Scottish Storytelling Centre – I still remember to looks of amazement on people’s faces as we walked up the Royal Mile to his venue one day, the last thing they expected was to see a Star Trek legend strolling up the street.
Some 35 years later, George was back in uniform when I went to see him in his musical Allegiance last year. We were reunited for a quick catch up after the performance and it was very obvious that Allegiance was a passion piece for the actor and he was as delightful I recalled from all those years ago, witty, informed and sharp as a tack.
On top of all that, I loved the musical too, as you can probably tell from review below. Hopefully it will return one day. In the meantime, George, I salute you.
GEORGE TAKEI’S ALLEGIANCE | CHARING CROSS THEATRE, LONDON
★★★★★
Shining light on a little known and shameful period of American history, George Takei’s Allegiance at London’s Charing Cross Theatre is a beautiful yet devastating piece of musical theatre. Based loosely on the Star Trek legend’s family story, it charts the treatment of Japanese Americans living in the shadow of the World War II and their internment, classed as enemy aliens, after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour, in 1941.
Allegiance explores the experience of three generations of the Kimura family as they find themselves stripped of their business, land and property as, along with 120,000 other Japanese Americans, they are banished into one of ten long-term camps across seven US states. It’s a stoic tale of honour, love and survival and one that cannot fail to touch the heart. More so, it’s a story not just of then, but of today.
As Sammy Kimura, a captivating Telly Leung captures the bewilderment and anger of a young man robbed of not just his liberty but also his identity and future. His is a nuanced, intelligent performance that drives the production.
On stage throughout the two hour piece, George Takei, however, is supreme as the older Sam, now a man in his eighties, looking back on a life shattered by his enforced imprisonment all those years before. It’s a noble, heartfelt, and quietly powerful performance that is simply mesmerising. At 85 years old, Takei also plays the Kimura family grand-father, Ojji-Chan, crafting with innate skill two distinct but wholly believable family members from very different worlds.
They are ably supported by a 14-strong, excellently-drilled company that breathes unexpected depth and honour into Marc Acito, Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione’s book while also ensuring the lyrics of Jay Kuo never fail to hit home. Watch for stand out performances from Aynrand Ferrer as Kei Kimura, Sammy’s wonderfully maternal older sister, who is a delight, and Masashi Fujimoto, whose portrayal of Kimura patriarch, Tatsuo, is another anchor of the piece.
From Wishes On The Wind, to With You, and the joyous Stronger Than Before, not forgetting the glorious Our Time Now, Andrew Hilton and Charlie Ingles’ orchestrations flow and soar under musical director Beth Jerem, while Tara Overfield Wilkinson’s dynamic and considered direction ensures the action never falters.
In his programme notes, Takei voices his desire that we all ‘overcome our prejudices, fears’ and ‘allegiances’ to ‘discover our common humanity’. That is the legacy he hopes Allegiance will leave in the hearts and minds of all who see it, and as the musical builds to its stunning denouement, only the hardest of souls and coldest of spirits will remain untouched by this heart-wrenching but ultimately magnificent celebration of the resilience of the humanity.
This exciting production deserves to be seen. And remember, bring a handkerchief. It’s emotional.
George Takei’s Allegiance ran at the Charing Cross Theatre from 7 January to 8 April 2023
