It has been confirmed that the Broadway musical inspired by George Takei’s childhood experiences will have its UK premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre next year.
George Takei is set to make his London stage debut in the upcoming UK premiere of his Broadway musical George Takei’s Allegiance, which will run at the Charing Cross Theatre from the 7th January until the 8th April 2023.
‘George Takei’s Allegiance’ tells the moving story of Sam Kimura (Takei) as he is transported back nearly six decades to when his younger self (Leung) and his sister Kei fought to stay connected to their heritage, their family and themselves after Japanese Americans were wrongfully imprisoned during World War II. A powerful story told with great resonance and intimacy, ‘George Takei’s Allegiance’ explores the ties that bind us, the struggle to persevere and the overwhelming power of forgiveness and, most especially, love.
Joining Takei in this London premiere will be his Broadway co-star Telly Leung (Broadway’s ‘Aladdin’ and TV’s ‘Glee’).
George Takei originally starred in the show alongside Tony Award winner Lea Salonga and Telly Leung in its record-breaking world premiere at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego in 2012. The show won multiple awards and was followed by a Broadway run in 2015-2016.
This London production has been conceived specifically for the Charing Cross Theatre stage, directed and choreographed by Tara Overfield Wilkinson (director, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ UK tour, associate director/choreographer of ‘Come From Away’ UK). The musical features a book book by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione with music and lyrics by Jay Kuo. This newly reconceived UK production of Allegiance will also feature musical supervision and orchestrations by Andrew Hilton and Charlie Ingles, lighting design by Nic Farman, sound design by Chris Whybrow and casting by Sarah Leung Casting. Further cast and creative team have yet to be announced.
George Takei said: “Allegiance is a story from America’s past, but it has great relevance today. Once again, fascism is on the march, and whole communities are under attack. Again, the freedoms so many take for granted are gravely imperilled. Allegiance is my legacy. We must learn the lessons of our past so that we may never repeat them. That’s why we tell our story. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to ensuring we collectively honour the commitment, ‘Never again’.”
To find out more about the show visit: https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/george-takei-s-allegiance