Ching Chong Chinaman introduces us to the Wong family, golf loving dad (Ken Narasaki), pregnant seeking mom (Helen Ota), children Desdemona (Julia Cho) and Upton (Scott Keiji Takeda) and their new indentured servant from China, Jinqiang (Steve Hu), whose name the Americanized Wong family can’t pronounce, hence calling him “Ching Chong.” The play packs a laugh-out-loud punch as it puts every American stereotype about Asians into an Asian-American family who have become so Americanized they all have lost their sense of connection to China and become “white.” By turning cliché’s about Asian-American identity on its head, Lauren Yee’s smart writing has given audiences something very original and a gut busting funny play. Peter Kuo’s direction has created a cohesive ensemble cast that meshes perfectly on stage. The comedy highlights frequently come from Elizabeth Ho who’s role is, well, to play many roles as a series of characters who behind the scenes have some association with the Wong family. By creating very memorable over-the-top characters she is constantly infusing laughs throughout. All this humor is not without a message and perhaps Julia Cho’s great comedic performance is where those jabs come from by addressing all those who think they are being politically correct without really trying to understand what they are being politically correct about! Not only is this a must see production, it’s a must see more than once play and their sold out performances are an indication that the play’s high laugh meter response is getting around.
Ching Chong Chinaman has been extended through November 27th. For more information and to purchase tickets visit their website: ArtistsAtPlay
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