War and confrontation has always been a relatively popular subject in theatre - either as a basis for a story, or an element within. Few musicals have been written on the subjects - whilst it’s emotion at it’s highest, it’s sometimes difficult to write a believable sing-a-long around the horrors of battle.

Allegiance is the vibrant and unforgettable story of one family’s resilience in the face of seemingly-insurmountable odds, inspired by real-life experience as a Japanese American during World War II. It stars Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Les Miserables) in her long-awaited return to Broadway joined by Star Trek icon George Takei in his Broadway debut at age 78, and Broadway and Glee star Telly Leung. Indeed, Takei not only stars in this, but it was his experiences in World War II that inspired the story.

Allegiance illuminates one of American history’s lesser known chapters as it tells the story of Sam Kimura (Takei), transported back nearly six decades to when his younger self (Leung) and his sister Kei (Salonga) fought to stay connected to their heritage, their family, and themselves after Japanese Americans were wrongfully imprisoned during World War II. An epic story told with great intimacy, Allegiance explores the ties that bind us, the struggle to persevere, and the overwhelming power of forgiveness and, most especially, love.

It features a book by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo, and Lorenzo Thione with music and lyrics by Jay Kuo. Like me you are probably saying "Who?" at this point, most notably around the composer, and co-lyricist Kuo. This marks Kuo’s fourth full-length musical, although the others only appear to have made it as far as college or fringe venues. Allegiance won Best New Musical from the San Diego Theater Critics Circle, and broke all records for its premier at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre.

I’ve kept an eye on this production since it arrived on Broadway, to less than great reviews, and Broadway Records announced they were recording the cast album. To be honest, it wasn’t one I was particularly looking forward to. Yes, there is no doubting the talent here with Salonga and Leung (not forgetting Michael K Lee and Katie Rose Clarke in that list too) but with totally unknown composers and lyricists, and unfavourable reviews of the production, it left me a little hesitant at what I might hear.

At first listen, I have to admit that it is slightly vanilla. The lyrics are simple, in several cases too simple and the melodies, whilst not unpleasant or contrived, are not the most memorable. But on a second or third listen, there is no doubt that this is a moving work, and once you do get ‘into it’ the simplicity of the lyrics, and the atmosphere and emotion built by the music, well, I was sold on it.

There is no doubt that the performances help massively here - I don’t think it would be as listenable (or perhaps have made it this far) without the talent on this recording. Salonga, a desperately under-used talent these days is glorious as Kei, and sings the role with great emotion. Leung plays somewhat of a second fiddle I thought here, and never really gets going, but What Makes A Man will please any fan. Far away from his Star Trek role, Takei also makes his mark here, and it must have been almost closure for him, in the making of the musical.

I always try and pick out my favourite tracks, but this is very much a ‘whole pie’ work - picking bits out really serves no purpose. However, the final track Still A Chance and the opener Wishes On The Wind are as good as you will find anywhere on here, and certainly earned several listens for me.

The show closes on Broadway as I’m writing this review (February 2016), but this recording, superbly produced by Van and the team at Broadway Records as always, is a fitting tribute, not only to the show, but the difficult subject it portrays.

8

Ian Gude