Star Trek's George Takei and Aladdin's Telly Leung will make their London stage debuts in the U.K. premiere of the 2015 Broadway musical Allegiance—based on events in Takei's family during World War II—next year at the Charing Cross Theatre.
The intimate production, conceived specifically for the Off-West End space, will be directed and choreographed by Tara Overfield Wilkinson. Performances are scheduled for January 7-April 8, 2023.
Takei and Leung will re-create the roles of Sam Kimura and his younger self, Sammy, that they originated on Broadway. Additional casting will be announced.
Allegiance, which has a book by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo, and Lorenzo Thione with music and lyrics by Kuo, tells the 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.
Takei said in a statement, “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 imperiled. 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 honor the commitment, ‘Never again’.”
The newly reconceived U.K. production 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.
The musical officially opened on Broadway November 8, 2015, following previews that began October 6 at the Longacre Theatre. At closing, the production played 37 previews and 113 regular performances. Olivier Award nominee Stafford Arima directed the Broadway bow, which also starred Tony winner Lea Salonga. Andrew Palermo served as choreographer. Allegiance was filmed and subsequently shown in movie theatres and also streamed.
Sing Out, Louise! Productions produces the London engagement with general management by Something For the Weekend.
Visit AllegianceMusical.com.
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