Allegiance NYC Reviews and Tickets

"Directed in workmanlike fashion by Stafford Arima, 'Allegiance' has a complicated story to unfold and to humanize. It does a reasonable job of providing a nuanced view of events, the occasional swerve into melodrama notwithstanding…The authors, feeling the responsibility of illuminating this shameful chapter in American history, pack the show with so much incident and information that 'Allegiance' often feels more like a history lesson than a musical."
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"If only the creative team behind 'Allegiance' could have worked such gentle magic with the raw and painful material of history. This well-intentioned but mawkish musical about a family interned after Pearl Harbor tries to balance romance, humor and tragedy, but crumples things badly…There’s a complex tale of honor, shame and assimilation here, but it’s been stretched out to cartoonish billboard size."
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"Whenever the authors find ways to dramatize the stark humiliations suffered by people who were, after all, loyal citizens of the United States, 'Allegiance' is momentarily effective…But too much of the show is devoted to far-fetched plot twists whose attempts to gin up excitement…'Allegiance' is so overmusicalized that the book feels anemic. And though often pretty too many of those songs sound too much alike as they reach for grandeur but get stuck at glue."
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"The powerful sentiments involved are too often flattened by the pedestrian lyrics and unmemorable melodies, making an unconvincing case for this material's suitability to be a musical…The songs and their platitudinous lyrics lack personality, despite the best efforts of the talented performers…The most moving work comes from Takei...His deep personal association to the material and evidence of a generous spirit of forgiveness are among the show's strengths."
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"In fact, when it’s not threatening to rip your heartstrings out all together, 'Allegiance' is quite entertaining, with 1940s dance numbers, nods to the Andrews Sisters, and bits of jazz influence. Even if it’s not 100 percent original all the time, 'Allegiance' is an important show with a phenomenal cast, and it deserves to be seen."
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"The strength of 'Allegiance' is in the story. Not the musical’s book, which is no more than serviceable, but the disturbing real-life events behind it…Authentic moments are few and fleeting, overwhelmed by standard love songs...In their sincere efforts to 'humanize' their complex historical material, the creatives have oversimplified and reduced it to generic themes...It must be said that the production values are quite high. The design of the show is highly stylized, but in a meaningful way."
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"It is of no artistic value whatsoever, save as an object lesson in how to write a really bad Broadway musical. 'Allegiance' is peopled with characters made of solid cardboard. The Japanese-Americans are all noble and true, the Caucasians yawping apes save for a bosomy blonde nurse from Nebraska who—stop press—falls for an internee!...The cast is mostly very fine, especially Mr. Takei and the marvelous Lea Salonga…But the show itself is a dud—and a missed opportunity. "
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"This is a musical? You bet, and a darned passionate one, too. The carefully researched book by Marc Acito, Lorenzo Thione and Jay Kuo, who also supplied the soaring music and intelligent lyrics, collates years of events into a gripping trajectory, while the stirring score perfectly illustrates the action, seamlessly staged by director Stafford Arima. "
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"A somewhat ungainly musical that has moments of beauty and passion, as well as a complexity of themes that are not the usual stuff of Broadway shows…Less successful are the staging by Stafford Arima and the dancing by Andrew Palermo, which have the virtue of avoiding Asian cliché but also fail, like the songs, to give the show wings...It’s a triumph of a rare sort, shedding light in a dark corner of our history with uncommon generosity of spirit."
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"Takei, of course, was a kid at the time, and a survivor in every way. Indeed, the moral authority of his presence...is about the only thing that really works in 'Allegiance,' a musical...that seems, alas, wholly out of sync with its subject matter, especially when directed at such breakneck speed by Stafford Arima."
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"There’s noble and meaty material here. But the storytelling has issues. The production, directed by Stafford Arima, is a jumble — super-serious here, airy musical-comedy there. Kuo’s score careens from grand pop opera anthems to earnest but trivial self-help filler songs...'Allegiance' also wants to make a significant statement. But it’s too tangled to say very much."
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"It's so depressing when a new musical that explores an important historical event turns out to have so many problems…The musical gets derailed by Jay Kuo's weak score (full of derivative music and pedestrian lyrics), the busy, broad nature of the plotting and Stafford Arima's unexciting staging…'Allegiance' does raise awareness about a dark, overlooked chapter in American history. But considering the show's problems, it is unlikely to find a wide audience."
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"Shockingly, it works: Not only is 'Allegiance' a grandiose epic reminiscent of Miss Saigon, it also serves as a compelling family drama...'Allegiance' is delightfully old-school: a big schmaltzy musical of dubious historical accuracy delivered with ample humor and heart...Stafford Arima's fast-paced, ever-moving production reinforces that tone."
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"Bookwriters Marc Acito, Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione do a fine job in voicing the multiple issues involved with the situation with earnestness, and director Arima's production eschews extravagance to focus on the human story, but 'Allegiance' lacks a score that meets the emotional demands of its subject...This is a great topic for a musical and the talented company plays it admirably, but 'Allegiance,' while certainly not a bad theatre piece, is an underachieving one."
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"There are a few things that don't quite work - and a couple that are flat-out wrong - in 'Allegiance,' but every time the show threatens to succumb to sentimentality or formulaic musical comedy gestures, it surprises with something striking, even shocking...Even as it arrives at a reconciliation of sorts - which, if staged with more restraint, would be far more powerful - 'Allegiance' doesn't sugarcoat the events it portrays."
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"But none of this has been executed with any wit, color, or invention that may even partially obscure what they're going for…If it all sounds as crushingly boring as it is socially responsible, it is. Dramatic works in general predictably suffer from being forced into activism molds, because any instituted myopia drastically complicates (and perhaps impedes altogether) the process crafting people and situations that can be cared about on anything but a surface level."
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"'Allegiance' is a sometimes moving, sometimes stodgy musical about this terrible injustice...George Takei has a strange way of growing on you. Even when he is the sullen older Sam he is movingly human, his face registering warmth and pain. He is heartbreaking in the finale. Stafford Arima’s direction keeps all the plot lines clear, smartly speeding things up in the second act so when all the emotional threads are woven together, the effect is quite moving."
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"This is a production which features extraordinary talent. Broadway audiences are familiar with the stellar singing of Lea Salonga, and fans everywhere know George Takei as 'Star Trek’s' Sulu. The real eye opener is Telly Leung, who possesses not only a full, rich voice, but also first class dance moves...The rest of the ensemble is uniformly excellent; this is definitely a heartfelt experience for both those in the cast and audience members."
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"You can't blame the creative team for opting for a conventional, emotion-grabbing way into the narrative — even though the focus on the romances and familial strife the relocations generated tends to weaken the well deserved indictment of those who relegated more than a hundred thousand fellow Americans to enemy alien status...The lyrics aren't especially clever or memorable, but the vocally strong cast sings the heck out of them."
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"'Allegiance' still manages to be moving at times, but overall the uninspired music and slight lyrics fail to deliver the impact of this important story...With facile, obvious rhymes and not much musical color, the songs fail to intensify the emotion or advance our understanding of the story. Later book scenes strain credulity and the unbelievable plot machinations required to wrap-up the story threaten to undermine the whole undertaking. There are however some bright lights in this show."
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"The importance of 'Allegiance' and the remarkable strength of its principals and ensemble cast outweigh the new musical’s weaknesses...Despite minor concerns, 'Allegiance' remains a strong and successful musical dealing with an important part of American history. Its thematic content raises enduring questions about the current conversation regarding immigration, loyalty, and citizenship and adds considerable weight to that important discussion."
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"'Allegiance' is both intimate and sweeping in scope. Director Stafford Arima keeps the action moving at a swift pace...Other elements have needlessly been polished to a Broadway shine, which undermines the story’s truthfulness...'Allegiance,' above all, has heart. And though it sometimes feels as though it’s been molded to fit a preconceived idea of what a Broadway show 'should' look like, the musical’s relevance is a haunting reminder of how fragile and fleeting our freedom can be."
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"It’s a powerful tale of survival in the face of injustice, and although book writers Marc Acito, Jay Kuo, and Lorenzo Thione don’t trivialize what happened, they do employ some melodramatic flourishes...The story doesn’t benefit as much from a musical treatment as it could if Kuo’s music and lyrics were more distinct and alive. Stafford Arima directs an excellent cast fully committed to their characters. which makes for an affecting, if not entirely exciting, two and a half hours."
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"The creative team behind 'Allegiance' has worked hard to make this important musical both entertaining and illuminating, and Takei is just one of the many splendid performers, including Lea Salonga and Telly Leung, who boost the enterprise with both lively and touching moments...If there are some unfortunate choices and missed opportunities in 'Allegiance,' they are outweighed by what it does right, especially the heft of the subject matter and the talent of the cast."
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"'Allegiance,' the newest musical to hit the great white way is touching, endearing, well written and passionate. This is a musical that is important on so many levels, especially now...The book, music and intelligent lyrics by Marc Acito, Lorenzo Thione and Jay Kuo will draw you in and touch your soul. This story does not preach but unfolds like a novel you can’t put down."
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"'Allegiance' should be better served by its book, score and lyrics, most of which tend toward the generic. Stafford Arima’s direction does too. Composer and lyricist Jay Kuo and book writers Marc Acito and Lorenzo Thione are striving so hard for stirring nobility that individuality or particular characterization falls by the wayside...The show only really acquires force once the body count rises and the familiar tropes of melodrama are employed."
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"'Allegiance' is more of an operetta than a musical. As such the characters find their voices in the music. There is little in the dialog that is remarkable or revealing. There is an interracial love story that livens up the plot, but other than that the story and the blocking are fairly predictable. Which is not to say boring. Because it is the music that tells the tale, and the music is quite wonderful...Ultimately what wins you over is the heart to heart connection. "
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"The real success of the 'Allegiance' book, however, isn’t its depiction of injustice, which is vivid. What distinguishes the show is its extremely varied portraits of the Japanese-American characters…That’s a lot of history to pack into a two-and-half-hour show, and yet the authors and the cast (under the sure-footed direction of Stafford Arima) never reduce 'Allegiance' to a lecture…It’s unfortunate that the score by Kuo doesn’t enhance this harrowing story."
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"A majestic and moving musical, 'Allegiance' is strikingly mounted under the direction of Arima...Many hands have helped give the production its impressive look in the face of the challenge of having to cover the sweep of family history as well as the trajectory of the war. 'Allegiance' is a big show, but its success lies in the intimate ways in which it examines its characters and in their connecting emotionally with the audience."
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"'Allegiance' is as corny as Kansas in August. But darned if it won't get a grip on your heartstrings...The songs show little imagination in nodding to old-fashioned musical comedy. But Kuo's ballads offer flashes of poignance amid the banality...The book can deal affectingly with the conflicts that tradition and current events may pose in any family. And director Stafford Arima culls potent performances from his actors."
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"It's a shame 'Allegiance' isn't doing better at the box office because no other show on Broadway right now speaks more directly to this moment...It's all well-intentioned stuff and, under Stafford Arima's forthright direction, it's prettily presented but 'Allegiance' lacks the spark that would make it a must-see. Maybe it just isn't angry enough. And there's plenty to be angry about."
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"The show isn't bombastic or preachy, though some may find the well-structured book too earnest. Kuo's serviceable score is loaded with anthems...Although we hear enticing Japanese flute and percussion between scenes, this more 'Le Miz'-lite pop opera than a fusion of musical cultures. But I was engrossed throughout. The show has fully developed characters, a strong cast and a new story to tell in an old-fashioned way."
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"'Allegiance' is not tiresomely noble. Nor does it waste its time pointing out the obvious injustice of what happened. Instead, it creates vivid drama from the conflicts in the Japanese American community…But a musical lives and dies by its songs. Many a show has a weak book but gets revived by a great score...The music and lyrics by Kuo while moving the plot forward are rarely good enough to stand out on their own."
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"The production is hampered by the mixed signals it sends out. Are we supposed to become involved by outrage at what was done to these innocent people, or entertained by the performance of traditional Broadway musical routines?...It isn't clear, actually, why 'Allegiance' needed to be a musical at all. Most of the songs fall into a numbing pattern...The show's final scene is extremely touching. It's too bad the show couldn't find, and sustain, a similar tone much earlier."
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"It’s a poignant and well-crafted story, with a title that operates on multiple levels. Here, allegiance refers to the loyalty we feel for country. And, obligations we have to family and friends. And finally, truths we live by as individuals—the determination to stand our ground when life sours. All these ideas are woven smartly into the often-stirring drama."
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"Director Stafford Arima takes us through all this handily with a semi-expressionistic approach to staging...There are times, though, when following the development of the play’s two love stories gets a little thorny and the actual sequencing of events seems a bit muddled. Despite this, I found enough genuine earnestness in the storytelling and enough artfulness and strength in its sometimes overwrought music to let this show win my allegiance."
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"Internment camps, racial discrimination and an atomic bomb blast are challenging topics to incorporate into a satisfying night of theater. The heavy-handed, cliche-driven 'Allegiance' tries to take on all three — but does so unsuccessfully in a bombastic and generic Broadway musical."
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"Based purely on the emotional resonance of its subject matter, the new musical 'Allegiance' demands attention...The production also features a top-notch cast, including George Takei, who is making his Broadway debut and whose presence adds a painful verity to the show. This actor, along with his family was placed in one of the internment camps. Given all of this, it feels churlish to carp about the shortcomings of 'Allegiance,' and at the same time, it also feels painfully necessary."
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"There are so many powerful, interesting, dynamic, heroic tales in 'Allegiance' that it is a shame the musical score bogs them all down...Most of the performances are top notch...A project with the best of intentions but, because it was made into a musical, was misguided from the get-go...With some heavy script doctoring, 'Allegiance' could have been a modern classic but as is, it is one big missed opportunity."
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"It's honest, earnest, and charming, and it manages to shed light on an ugly chapter in American history without being too pedantic on the one hand, or too flip on the other. It has some rough spots, sure, but they were hardly disruptive enough to keep me from rooting for its characters, connecting with its swiftly-paced plot, or surreptitiously swiping big fat tears from my eyes in the final moments."
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"The musical is marred by contrived storytelling and slathered-on sentimentality. Through clunky expository dialogue that over-elaborates about everything. implausibly soap-operaish plot turns, and perfunctory songs that alternate between soaring ballads and soaring anthems, 'Allegiance' dramatically wrong-foots it at nearly every turn. What helps improve things are the staging and performances…'Allegiance' relies on a first-rate cast and production to provide its emotional force."
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"So do you go see 'Allegiance?' Well if you’re interested in the subject matter and most people seem to be, you should go. The show, however, let’s be honest, maybe shouldn’t have been a musical and certainly not one that runs 2 ½ hours. The story is too important to be taken lightly."
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"'Allegiance' is a beautifully mounted production thanks to Stafford Arima’s masterful direction...And there are moments here that will haunt you, especially the 'Itetsuita' number in the second act...It was one of the most stunning moments I’ve ever witnessed on stage. Which is why it pains me to say that the music and lyrics don’t quite rise to the subject matter of this important and ambitious piece. But, despite that, I swear 'Allegiance' deserves your attention."
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"The musical is one of the best history musicals in years. The story of the relocation, and all of its problems, full of triumph and tragedy, is told eloquently. It is full of history and, at the same time, with superb acting, a strong plot and fine music, a pleasing stage musical for all...'Allegiance' is a must see for history lovers. It is a history lesson, but it is also stellar drama and good music in a bone-chilling and yet heart-warming story."
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"The music is good, if not the most memorable. Act I felt long, but Act II flies by and really tugs at the heartstrings....There is a lot of pain in 'Allegiance,' but - thankfully - director Stafford Arima does a brilliant job of not making the show too dark and of finding the beauty in the bleak. The way he represents the bombing of Hiroshima is so inspired! His formations and choices are to be strongly lauded. Fine job by all!"
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"The show hits its marks in terms of storytelling and characterization, with enough emotional connection to be engaging and occasionally moving. And while the evening is serious, it's neither solemn nor humorless. But there's the undeniable mediocrity of the material...The conflict between political ideology and human relationships is a staple of good drama, but the book delivers it in too many formulaic configurations. 'Allegiance' isn't dull or bad. It just doesn't matter as much as it ought to."
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"What struck me so much about this piece was not the music, normally my favorite entry point into the musical, but the storytelling...You must see this remarkable show. It is only here for two weeks and it will be one of those shows that if you miss it, you will regret it."
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"For a chunk of the first act of 'Allegiance,' despite the best efforts of its very capable cast, and the sincerity of the text, it was not easy to emotionally connect to the characters’ plight. Somewhere along the line, all that changed...By the strong second act, 'Allegiance' exploded as an engaging and moving story."
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"If you just hear about the subject matter, you might think this was a depressing or dark show. Yet in the end you are amazed at the joy you will find while also considering the issue at hand...Director Stafford Arima has done an excellent job at letting us know exactly where we are, which is not as easy as it seems...'Allegiance' is a moving and touching story with some delightful music."
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"Maybe a bit schmaltzy, but heaven knows, we can all use some schmaltz these days...'Allegiance' is a story that needs to be told. We witness the enduring spirit of people during the most trying of times, and the power of love which incites transformation and redemption...I truly enjoyed 'Allegiance,' but worry that it is not finding its audience. Go see it."
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"A fascinating character study that forces its audience to think about what patriotism means to them, 'Allegiance' is a thought-provoking, unique look at a dark chapter in American history that must not be forgotten. As always, Salonga is a vocal titan."
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"Much of the early show seems rushed. The story doesn’t really find its footing until the internees arrive at the camp...The score is rather enjoyable...A gripping tale, 'Allegiance' captures a period when America was facing one of its darkest hours from without, while at the same time, all too many made it even darker for those within."
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"Fearful as I am of the big Broadway musical, I left 'Allegiance' Saturday afternoon delightfully blown away. This is really one musical you need to see...'Allegiance' is more than a well told historical play. It is a story of people and their stories. People living and breathing even in the face of the worst adversity, people trying to retain their spirit or 'Gaman' a word used often here and people we so come to care for."
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"I loved it....'Allegiance' was everything a musical is supposed to be - musically beautiful, politically poignant, romantically oriented, and emotionally gripping. What makes it stand out in the musical genre is that in the end there are as many questions as answers."
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"'Allegiance' is the rare WWII-era piece of drama that actually feels fresh and necessary. A family splintering as they decide how to react to the internment is not a story that's been done to death, and 'Allegiance' deftly handles the high emotions and conflicting schools of thought...While Takei is certainly the celebrity draw, this production is entirely worth seeing on its own merits. If you get the chance, check this one out."
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"The injustices they and their neighbors endure can be felt through songs that tug at the heartstrings of the audience...When the denouement eventually drops, it does so in a torrent of emotions, leaving audience members with lumps in throats and tears flowing...My advice is: go see it sooner than later. When it eventually sells out, you’ll be proud to say that you saw this groundbreaking American musical."
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"'Allegiance' tells a story that is at once deeply personal and complex, and that boldly refuses the impulse to end in triumphant redemption…If the first act follows a somewhat predictable plot line, the second act gets decidedly more complicated...'Allegiance' succeeds as a musical on many levels. It is beautifully produced, and the cast shines through the performance."
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"Love prevails in 'Allegiance,' giving America and the globe one of the most important musicals ever written...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."
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"The show, though, retains both its powerful story core and a good deal of its score…If there’s one aspect of this new 'Allegiance' that gives pause, it’s a nagging sense the creators felt compelled on occasion to dial up the emotional pitch for Broadway with big, earnest ensemble numbers…At its best, 'Allegiance' gracefully shapes dramatic and historical contours into an epic that — in the spirit of gaman — coaxes a fierce beauty from once-poisoned soil."
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"'Allegiance' needs to broaden our views of the world. In one epic scene, the bombing of Hiroshima is shown through the eyes of the Japanese Americans. It was a chilling moment for me. As much as I am always glad to see the Axis lose, it was the first time I saw the Japanese people in the story as anything more than villains... Not only is it poignant and timely, 'Allegiance' is entertaining. While the score and lyrics are rather ordinary, the show’s actors make the play a feast for the eyes and ears."
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“Although there are some inaccuracies in the fictional play, 'Allegiance' is doing a good job in helping to tell the Japanese American story... 'Allegiance' has its flaws telling the exact history, but the messages of the play are important for all to hear and to benefit from its lessons of betrayal by our own government. It was a great evening on Broadway watching 'Allegiance.'"
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"My biggest criticism is of 'Allegiance’s' predictable plot. For the most part, this isn’t a problem…The show still packs serious emotional weight. I’m not ashamed to admit that I teared up multiple times...So 'Allegiance' isn’t just set in the 1940s, it feels as if it were written back then, too.That’s (mostly) a good thing. The show perfectly captures the era’s style…Even with its flaws, 'Allegiance' is a wonderful new American musical."
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"A powerful and bold new work that brings history to thrilling life...deftly and honestly performed...The only way to fight against such ignorance and fear is with education and enlightenment, and that’s what I found in 'Allegiance.'"
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"If you haven’t seen it yet, book your flight, reserve your seat, and make your way to New York through the snow and cold, because you will witness and be a part of history…I highly recommend you be a part of history. Go see 'Allegiance.' You will laugh, you will cry, you will applaud, and then you will stand up at the end to pledge your allegiance."
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"The production has its shortcomings, sure; but not in any hugely damaging way– not damaging enough to diminish its significance. Lyrically, some of the songs move the story from the sharply-focused struggles of Japanese Americans into broader sentiments that somewhat trivialize the gravity of the moments they occupy...Despite its creative miscues, 'Allegiance' brings an untold story to life with unexpected brilliance."
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"If this sounds like powerful stuff, be assured that it is. And, it’s quite clear from the moment 'Allegiance' starts that the cast, crew and creative team have poured their hearts into it...Along with the wonderful acting and singing, the staging of 'Allegiance' is particularly clever...My only issue with 'Allegiance,' and unfortunately it’s a big one, is that the score doesn’t live up to the power and passion of the story."
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"While the personal material lands, the political stuff lacks nuance and weight in “Allegiance.” Despite a handsome production and talent to spare, the writing would need considerable toughening up to withstand Broadway’s harsh glare."
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"Though peppered with promising scenes and powerfully sung by the largely Asian American cast, "Allegiance" retreats from the challenge of its own material and hasn't found a consistent focus, tone or musical idiom. For all its historical reach and welcome significance, the book drifts into two generic romances and in the second act meanders into sentimental warblings that family is "what really matters.""
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"George Takei and Lea Salonga lead an excellent cast in this powerful musical about a Japanese-American family during World War II...It's a heady subject, and one handled with surprising deftness in this powerful new musical."
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"“Allegiance,” with well-crafted music and lyrics, has Broadway aspirations and from the look of it is well on its way. Kuo’s score is a major strength, with many songs based on traditional Japanese melodies, others distinctly American in sound and feel...This is a polished production, with fine performances all around and Broadway veterans in the major roles...“Allegiance” tells a horrifying story in a most human and utterly engaging way. See the world premiere now."
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"Sublime new musical...“Allegiance” finds just the right balance of lyricism, heartbreak, yearning and, yes, humor. Most impressive of all, this original work manages to thread together myriad themes — of family strife, politics, patriotism, racial prejudice — into a beautifully unified exploration of what it means to be true to something."
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"In one seamless and stirring transition, Allegiance—A New American Musical holds the U.S.’s World War II-era shame up to scrutiny and takes our breath away...Yet Allegiance is not bound up in historical shock-and-awe. Its story of a wrongly displaced Japanese American family is a tender subtext to the big-picture injustice of the internments themselves."
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"Dynamic dialogue, backed by passionate energy to spotlight an injustice, lead to stimulating performances...The play also has brilliant lines of humor that provide a welcome relief from the heavy topic."
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"A composer could not ask for better singer/actors to perform his new musical. All are excellent, attractive actors who sing well and create rich, memorable characters. The situation and the relationships are complicated yet clear in director Stafford Arima’s fast-moving production...Is there a dry eye in the house? I think not...It’s difficult to tell on just one hearing if the musical score is up to the talent and the book. The entire endeavor is earnest, both to its credit and possible detriment."
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"An outstanding production...In short, this play is a must-see. The voices are powerful, the dancing fun and lively, and the sets flow seamlessly from act to act, creatively portraying images of the times. Allegiance turns out to be so much more than the documentary that it appears to be at first glance, and will leave you telling your friends that they must see it too."
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"“How can they make a musical out of the injustice of interning native-born American citizens into forced relocation camps during WW II?” Fair question. The answer is: before you complain or dismiss the effort, go see this powerful and cathartic musical, which is beautifully staged, with triple-threat actors, who sing, who dance, and who also touch the heart."
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"Up until I saw the show, I’ll admit I was skeptical of how good it really could be. Something told me it would be exceedingly difficult to illustrate this dark topic in a musical (which are usually lighthearted and fun) and maintain any sense of seriousness. However, I was pleasantly surprised: it worked out. The cast was fantastic...The musical was moving to me...and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a romantic drama about a black eye on America’s history that should be taken seriously."
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"“Allegiance” speaks of family while addressing a sad, embarrassing and shameful note within the United States’ historical playbook, all with a perfectly professional balance of script, music and choreography."
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"With more editing this show could work out its minor flaws, but even as it is, it successfully brings an often-overlooked part of American history to light in a way that is creative and affecting. And for its world premiere, the creators of this show could not have asked for a better group of actors."
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"‘Allegiance’ has some kinks, but is still enjoyable. Original shows don’t come along all that often these days. It’s even tougher to find one that is good and one that leaves you wanting more...It will most surely make its way to Broadway, and between now and then, as with most original shows, it will go through a series of changes and rewrites making it a better show. But see it now. The cast alone is worth the ticket price."
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"Creators of new musicals often don’t push themselves to achieve greatness. Settling for complacency and an easy buck has become far too fashionable. Fortunately, Allegiance doesn’t fall into that category. But in striving for something epic and original, the show’s creators may have bitten off more than they can chew...I applaud Allegiance for being as daring as it is. Perhaps in subsequent productions this show will be honed and new songs will be added, making the show truly special."
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"Allegiance misses its opportunity to take us on a sweeping, sobering, and redemptive journey through a national shame: The internment of Japanese-American citizens into camps during World War II. Tepid storytelling of a powerful event and colorless lyrics, which often repeat what we already know about the characters, keep an interesting story from becoming a good musical."
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