I love being part of a musical that is still in development—watching the many transformations that take place makes it so worthwhile.
The last time I talked about “Allegiance” was during a reading of its script late last year in New York City. The material had grown from its previous state, but still not ready for prime time.
A couple of weeks ago, one of its creators, composer and lyricist Jay Kuo, held a little reading in his living room with members of the creative team (director Stafford Arima and musical director Lynne Shankel and Jay’s co-book writer Lorenzo Thione) and a few friends to see how the script and music flowed. Since then, the musical underwent even more revisions. It was this version that we began working on last Monday for a workshop to take place at the end of July.
I have never done a workshop before, so this is all new to me.
To my understanding, it isn’t a full-on theatrical production with lighting, an orchestra, costumes and makeup. However, there is some choreography, staging, props, a representation of the set and, to the extent that we can do it, we’ll be off-book.
The day began with actors and production people slowly filing into the rehearsal room. It was a beautiful morning with sunlight filtering the studio through floor-to-ceiling windows. Chairs were arranged with our scripts and scores placed on music stands in front of the piano. A table with fresh coffee, pastries, bagels and fresh fruit was laid out for this morning’s meet-and-greet.
Mix cast
At 10 a.m., the first on the agenda was an Actors Equity meeting to sign tax forms and contracts, as well as get information on current regulations on workers’ compensation and health insurance. Next, after grabbing a little food and drink, we introduced ourselves. Well, a bunch of us knew each other already.
The cast is a mix of the experienced, including Jose Llana (“The King and I,” “Flower Drum Song,” “Spelling Bee”) and Jon Jon Briones (“Miss Saigon”) and the fresh-out-of-college Karl Josef Co (practically with his diploma in hand). There are quite a few I’ve worked with in past shows and readings, as well as others I’ve never met before. We are a mix of Asian and Caucasian, playing different perspectives of a dark time in American history, and it’s a story we’re all excited to tell.
The one thing that continues to impress me about the creative team is its acceptance of this whole process that brings elation, frustration, triumph, defeat and never-ending change. New script pages would fly at us every day at breakneck speed. Lyrics would change spontaneously, as would harmonies and melodies. Songs that we fell in love with at a previous reading may or may not get thrown out. Those rejected are replaced by another that propels the story in a more effective and arresting manner.
It is this acceptance of flux and change—collective humility—that truly amazes. Jay called this an “open-door policy” that he would be learning from the actors as much as we’d be learning from him, Lorenzo, Stafford and Lynne.
It is this shunning of arrogance (at the same time being proud of the work in progress) that will make the next five weeks exciting. From reading the script, I have a feeling we will all be shedding copious amounts of tears for a myriad of reasons.
The one person missing was George Takei—his current filming schedule keeps him away from us until around July 14, when he’ll be joining the rest of this cast. It’s because of him that this story is being told, so once he walks in with that signature baritone resonating in the room, it’ll be a great day.
I pray for much patience and perseverance, and in thanksgiving, for the blessing of the show and the creative forces behind it.
In his opening remarks, Stafford quoted a book that a mentor gave him titled “Always We Begin Again”:
“Live this life
and do whatever is done,
in a spirit of Thanksgiving…
“Come to comfortable rest
in the certainty that those
who participate in this life
with an attitude of Thanksgiving
will receive its full promise.”
And thanks, too
That my gigs at Café Carlyle went swimmingly well, and my utmost thanks to the audiences that came to watch;
And that the great state of New York has made every single LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) person and the people who love them incredibly happy. Belated happy Pride Weekend!