Hopscotching Through the Years

Vietgone – Writers Theatre

 

A huge success last year as part of Writers Theatre’s new play reading series, Qui Nguyen’s autobiographical, two-act comic drama opens the company’s 2018/19 season in a fully staged production. Lavinia Jadhwani, who directed the 2017 readers theatre version, returns once again to Glencoe to guide her five-member cast in this exciting new staging. Set upon Yu Shibagaki’s sparse, fluid scenic design, highlighted by Rasean Davonte Johnson’s evocative projections and enlivened by Sarah Hughey’s lighting and Kevin O’Donnell’s sound design, this production brings Nguyen’s personal story to brilliant life.

So as not to spoil the many delights to be found in Nguyen’s story, suffice it say that Qui’s parents met, quite by chance, during the mid-1970’s. They, along with hundreds of other displaced Vietnamese refugees, found each other at Fort Chaffee, an Arkansas military base housing immigrants following the fall of Saigon. The playwright hopscotches through the years, peppering his story with a great deal of unexpected humor, a considerable amount of frank language and lots of explicit, four-letter-expletives, as well. But the play’s also interspersed with some surprising, original rap monologues, a few free-loving hippies, a motorcycle maniac, frequent drug use and a couple of ninjas, just to make things extra interesting. The result is a genealogical research project, intermingled with historical facts, comical sex scenes, a Bruce Lee action scene and a close look at the pop culture of the swinging 70’s.

Lavinia Jadhwani directs her production with heat and horsepower, pausing every so often to let Nguyen’s more tender moments to hit home and resonate with the audience. Her style of staging meshes nicely with that of the playwright, which includes a feeling of childlike wonder and innocence that, at times, makes Nguyen’s tale feel more like a fable, than a personal history.

Ms. Jadhwani’s cast is superb and each is excellent in the roles they undertake. As Nguyen’s mother, Tong, Aurora Adachi-Winter is a powerhouse player. Her character’s built such an indelible wall around herself that true feelings have no way inside. When Tong finally acknowledges what the audience has seen all along, it comes as a revelation to her. The actress’ honesty is beautiful at this point, as is Matthew C. Yee’s thoroughly engaging portrayal of the playwright’s father, Quang. His tough machismo is his defense against outside forces, but he also discovers that the former Quang died when he left Vietnam and a new, gentler young man has taken his place. Mr. Yee is a terrific actor in every role he plays, but he’s especially likable in this one. His powerful performance, contrasted with Yee’s softer, vulnerable scenes, also elevate the other characters who surround him.

Playing a wide array of roles, the supporting cast includes some hilarious, often poignant portrayals created by three wonderful Chicago actors. The always remarkable Emjoy Gavino is a particular delight as Tong’s mother; but she amazes the audience with both her Asian and American Girls, a funny translator and a pushy Flower Girl. Ms. Gavino reaffirms that she’s one of the most versatile actresses around. Handsome Ian Michael Minh is perfect portraying the playwright, initially arriving to deliver the obligatory pre-show announcements, and then introducing us to his story. His final scene with Mr. Yee as an aged Quang will bring a tear to the theatergoers’ eye. Minh is also excellent as the Redneck Biker, the Hippie Dude, an American with sincere intentions named Bobby, Tong’s Vietnamese fiancee, Giai, and Captain Chambers. And last, but not least, Rammel Chan makes us laugh as both the Asian and American Guy, but he brings humor and a genuine, heartbreaking quality to Quang’s best buddy, Nhan, as well as to Tong’s beloved brother, Khue. 

Besides being enlightening and educational, this wonderful play offers an evening of entertainment for adult audiences. They’ll also encounter five terrific, versatile Chicago actors at the top of their game. Qui Nguyen does a nice job of masking an essentially serious play, a personal story, within a comedy. He unmasks the whitewashing of American history through the eyes of his own family, and makes us care deeply about these characters. Nguyen showcases their bravery and resilience during so much tragedy and loss. In doing so, Nguyen sneaks in enough warmth and humor to make his story funny, touching and memorable.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

 

Presented August 21-September 23 by Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, IL.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 847-242-6000 or by going to www.writerstheatre.org.

 

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.