Written by Ins Choi
Directed by Esther Jun
HOME MCR
A few minutes into this production and hunger pangs are kicking in. The vibrant set design by Mona Camille brings this show alive as it really feels like a shop crammed full of snacks and goodies. If this 80 minute production had an interval I suspect there would be a few shoplifting instances as punters might be tempted to forgo the theatre popcorn for a quick trolley dash on stage. This is a feast for the eyes and makes for an utterly convincing Korean/Canadian convenience store that Mr Kim has poured all his energy into making a success for his family.
Ins Choi debuted the play in 2011 at the Toronto Fringe Festival and it later became a runaway hit as a TV series which ran for 5 seasons on CBC and Netflix. This production is fast paced but then it needs to be as it attempts to crammed in pivotal storyline from all the tv series. The result is a janchi of events as this fractured family reconnect. Mr Kim discovers his story is his family not his business, his wife sees her church community vanish in the path of gentrification, their daughter finds love with a childhood friend and their son reconciled with his father after the violent events of his teenage years. There’s a lot to consume and digest in this production and although it has plenty of charm and endearing moments there is a lot of serious and darker elements that are brushed over in this trolley dash through the 5 series.
Image credit: Victoria Davies
Here the immigrant experience is seen from the first and second generation experience and how these very different perspectives can cause clashes and divides around what constitutes belonging, identity and success. There are some uncomfortable moments that highlight issues around racism and violence within families that are never really addressed in this cheery upbeat production. It’s a fine line to walk but here the audience seem so affectionate towards these familiar characters that they seem willing to laugh along.
The cast are all highly committed and James Yi as Appa and Caroline Donica as his daughter Janet have great onstage chemistry and keep the dialogue sparkling. Andrew Gichigi plays multiple roles with real charm so it’s easy to delight in his burgeoning relationship with Janet. There is plenty to enjoy in this popular and entertaining show but like many of the fast foods on the display shelves it may leave you with a slightly unpleasant aftertaste.
Live Art Alive 