Allegiance – A New American Musical opens today at The Old Globe in San Diego.
Star Trek‘s George Takei, whose family lived in several internment camps during World War Two, plays a dual role in the production.
In Allegiance – A New American Musical, “On the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, a meeting with a young journalist forces World War II veteran Sam Kimura [Takei] to remember his family’s relocation from their California farm to the Heart Mountain internment camp in Wyoming. As they struggle to adjust to their new home, Young Sam and his sister Kei [Lea Salonga] find themselves torn between loyalty to their family and allegiance to their country. With its moving score, Allegiance — A New American Musical takes audiences on a journey into our nation’s history through the eyes of one American family.”
Takei also plays a grandfather.
During World War II, Takei and his family spent time at Camp Rohwer in Arkansas, and in Camp Tule Lake in Northern California. Takei drew upon that experience and stories from his relatives for his role. “I used my father’s experience and I had other relatives who were imprisoned in camps or fought in the 442nd,” he said. The 442nd was an all-Japanese-American infantry regiment which fought in Italy, Frances and Germany.
Allegiance – A New American Musical will run through Oct 21. Tickets may be purchased here.