Opened: November 8, 2015

Book by: Jay Kuo, Lorenzo Thione & Marc Acito

Music & Lyrics by: Jay Kuo

Original Broadway Cast: George Takei, Telly Leung, Lea Salonga, Katie Rose Clarke, Michael K. Lee, Christòpheren Nomura, Greg Watanabe, Aaron J. Albano, Marcus Choi, Janelle Toyomi Dote, Dan Horn, Darren Lee, Kevin Munhall, Rumi Oyama, Catherine Ricafort, Momoko Sugai, Autumn Ogawa, Elena Wang, Scott Watanabe, Cary Tedder & Scott Wise

While a musical with an important storyline, Allegiance lacks the depth that could make it emotionally and historically sound.

Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Kimura family is forced into internment camps at Heart Mountain in Wyoming. Sam (Telly Leung) wants to fight in the war despite racism while his sister Kei (Lea Salonga) falls for an outspoken objector, Frankie (Michael K. Lee).

Learning about the internment camps is significant as it’s been somewhat erased from American history teachings. Unfortunately, nothing seems developed enough. The audience doesn’t get to see the hardships the Japanese community went through.

Both female leads need a bit of work with Kei not clearly having a passion or confusion between sides and Hannah (Katie Rose Clark) having too small an impact as a whole.

Final say: Could be great, but not there yet. ★★★☆☆