ASSIMILATION CAN BE SEXY!
Smart. Fresh. Timely. Innovative. Revelatory. Superbly Acted. Susie Reese and I visit SAN DIEGO REP’s LYCEUM SPACE for VIETGONE. Wowza! We had a *blast* swirling in the middle of this blast from the past. For both of us, the Vietnam story is a vital one that resonates with our generation vividly. This play rocks our world!
I had never been to this particular theatre in the Horton Plaza complex. So impressed. It offers desirous intimacy and this theatregoer appreciates seeing a play up front and personal (In this case almost in my lap).
The.performances knock my socks off. Ben Levin’s “Quang” impresses as the displaced South Vietnamese helicopter pilot who finds himself in America, separated from wife and child and anxious to return to his homeland. He encounters a fellow refugee (“Tong” played by Katherine Ko) an independent girl bursting with sexual energy and, unlike “Quang”, anxious to assimilate American culture. They go at each other in more ways than one, yet find a significant attraction despite their differences. Ms.Ko satiates her sexual energy with the attractive Mr. Levin, who initially has to be enticed into the coupling.
The “playwright” introduces VIETGONE as a “love story” and it certainly is that, although it speaks knowingly to immigration issues as well from a refugee’s point of view. As a matter of fact, Quang’s transformation near the end of the story is masterful in its depiction of the issues at the crux of the Vietnam War, then and now.
Oh…and the architecture of this non-traditional play is stunning. Draped in comic book regalia, it constantly arouses, carouses and surprises. Rapping, anyone? How about superhero theatrics! Throw in a dash of hippiedom, a splash of redneck idiocy, some hokey kung-fu and a heavy dose of sexual hijinks and stir the pot.
Lawrence Kao alternately dazzles both as Tong’s brother “Nhan” and Quang’s best friend “Khue”. Meanwhile, Shaun Tuazon shakes things up as the dumb, yet sweet Arkansas soldier “Bobby” as well as offering an hilarious take on a redneck trekking on his gussied-up cycle. Also,Tong’s mother “Huong”, who stubbornly resists any influences from this weird culture in which she finds herself (and who has the hots herself for her daughter’s bedmate), is played and slayed by Emy Coligado; her performance is nothing short of priceless. Sidenote: Happy to see that Chris Bona understudies a number of roles in this show (A great opportunity to be in the company of such extraordinary talent).
In short, the above referenced ensemble of five continually mesmerizes throughout the show. Kudos to all!
Jesca Prudencio wraps (or should I say “raps”) this bravura acting package with a bow and presents it to a grateful audience. Quite the directorial achievement in my own comic book. I suspect that it could have been a challenging, yet zany rehearsal ride for this cast.
All technical credits are right on! Justin Humphres, in particular, does spectacular work with his flexible scenic design and incredible projections. Pow!
At the end of the evening I regret that the theatrical hoopla ends. The poignancy of Qui Nguyen’s marvelous play strikes home for this Vietnam Era veteran. I guess one could say that I am sorry it is VietGONE.
Theatre Curtain Calling…Reviewing the Situation
