Heading East tells
the story of one man over the course of roughly 130 years, representing the
life of the Chinese immigrant in that time. The time warp allows for many
different topics and eras in Asian-American history to be covered, but as discussed in the post-show talkback, it's an issue
that needs to be worked out so that it's a little easier for the audience (and
not so distracting for linear thinkers like me). As a young man in mid 19th Century China , Siu Yee
embraces new ideas and wants to help his parents by moving beyond the old ways.
This eventually leads him to the "gold mountains" of California , where he develops a successful
business. He takes a wife, raises a son, and becomes a citizen, all while experiencing over 100 years of Asian-American history. The show really about what it means to be an
American. Most of us are descended from immigrants, and I found myself thinking
of my own ancestors making the decision to leave home and family behind in
search of a better life in America .
Of course nothing is as good as it seems, there are struggles along the
way, and there's a longing for home, as well as redefining what "home" means.
I really enjoyed the music. There are fun, catchy songs, beautiful duets and solos, and stirring ensemble numbers. (You can listen to the score here, from a 2010 concert.) The cast really did an amazing job; they've obviously been working hard on this little reading (click on the program above to see a list of performers). Everyone sounded fantastic
(thanks to musical direction and piano accompaniment by Anita Ruth of BCT), and successfully conveyed the emotions of the characters. What a pool of talent we have here, it's no wonder the creators chose to work with Theater Mu on this project! Now about the star of the show: I've long been a fan of BD's TV work (especially as Father Ray, the moral center of the Oswald State Correctional Facility), so it was a thrill to see him act and sing on stage. His character is not always
likable as he pursues success with little regard for anything else, but you begin
to understand the man behind the ambition and the complexities of the character
through BD's beautiful performance.
A post-show discussion was led by BD Wong, Robert Lee, and Mu Artistic Director Rick Shiomi. As usual, I'm fascinated by artists talking about their work, and there were many insightful comments from people more knowledgeable than I about the subject matter and the art form of musical theater. I really look forward
to seeing the fully staged production next year (it will be part of Mu's 2013-2014 season) and seeing how it has changed.
There's nothing I love more than new original musical theater, and I'm happy to support it wherever
I can. And I'm thrilled and proud that a work like this is being produced here in Minnesota . After that, who knows? Personally, this is the kind of thing I'd love to see on Broadway instead of another movie adaptation or jukebox musical.
