Every so often I make it a point to see plays that I’ve seen before – plays I thought terrific or felt could have been done better. In the latter case, when the play is done better, it’s an especial joy. This is the case with the current Sierra Madre Playhouse production of King of the Yees (through June 12), which I reviewed when it was at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in 2017. Whereas I found that previous production great fun, I thought it marred by an overly manic tone and an underly energetic lead. I’m happy to report that this production directed by Tim Dang is just right, with pitch-perfect casting and staging.
Lauren & the Chiropractor (Harmony Zhang, Tom Dang); Sierra Madre Playhouse; Photo by Robert Velasco
Lauren Yee’s semi-autobiographical play is about Chinatown, and what it means, told through the story of a father-daughter relationship at a turning point. It begins with Lauren, a 30ish Chinese American woman (Miley Yamamoto), and Larry, her father (Christopher Chen), standing in front of the Yee Fung Toy Family Association building. They’re arguing whether the tradition-bound association, or Chinatown for that matter, has any relevance anymore. Then we realize it’s a rehearsal when they’re interrupted by the “real” Larry (Dennis Dun). At which point the “real” Lauren (Harmony Zhang), author of the play, appears. She has already moved to New York, and plans to move even farther — to Berlin, where her non-Chinese husband has found a job. Of course, he doesn’t like it that she’s leaving, while she feels guilty but knows her life has to move on.
(Miley Yamamoto, Christopher Chen); Courtesy of Sierra Madre Playhouse; Photo by Robert Velasco
The playwright presents a number of Chinese stereotypes in this play – the overbearing parent, the Chinatown gangster, the carping shopkeeper, the healer with the long white beard — but she gives them a fresh twist, so that we both laugh at and with them. The set is simple and spare, dominated by a large red double-door. It’s the door to the association, and also serves the door to the Netherworld, through which Larry later disappears. In repeatedly speaking directly to the audience and having actors appear in the audience’s space, “King” cleverly breaks down the “fourth wall” of theater.
FBI & Shrimp Boy Shootout (Miley Yamamoto, Harmony Zhang, Christopher Chen); Courtesy of Sierra Madre Playhouse; Photo by Robert Velasco
I can’t say enough about the terrific cast, with extra kudos to Dennis Dun, who manages to inject real pathos into a character – Lauren’s father – who can too easily veer into dismissible caricature. I also want to mention the fifth actor, Tom Dang, who adeptly and often hilariously jumped into multiple roles, including the healer with the long white beard and also a wildly colorful Yee ancestor.
If you’ve not been to the Playhouse before, it may be small, but it is very charming, with good sight lines all around. All in all, well worth the trek to Sierra Madre.
Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
For ticket info, check: https://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/
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