George Takei’s Allegiance: The Broadway Musical On The Big Screen will begin with an introduction from Takei and immediately move into the musical’s presentation, which was filmed during the Broadway run in January 2016. Audiences will also be treated to special behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and creators.
“Allegiance has been a passion project from the beginning,” said Takei In a statement. “This deeply-moving story based on my family’s experiences could not be more timely, or poignant, considering the current political climate. So many people around the globe have never heard about this dark part of our nation’s history, and it is an honor and privilege for me to help tell this story, so that we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. I am deeply grateful that almost 120,000 people experienced the Broadway production during its run, an eerie reflection of the number of Japanese Americans who were directly impacted by the events depicted in Allegiance. This event – with Allegiance coming to cinema screens all around the country – will give to so many more the opportunity to experience and see this musical, which I consider my legacy.”
Allegiance, according to press notes, “illuminates one of American history’s lesser known chapters as it tells the story of Sam Kimura (Takei), transported back nearly six decades to when his younger self (Telly Leung, Godspell, Glee) and his sister Kei (Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga, Miss Saigon, Mulan) fought to stay connected to their heritage, their family and themselves after Japanese Americans were wrongfully imprisoned during World War II. An important story told with great resonance and intimacy, Allegiance explores the ties that bind us, the struggle to persevere and the overwhelming power of forgiveness and, most especially, love.”
“We are excited to bring this wonderful Broadway show to a national audience and to extend its relevant message beyond the stage to the big screen,” Fathom Events Vice President of Programming Kymberli Frueh said. “And to be able to showcase Lea Salonga’s incredible talent again following the Miss Saigon 25th Anniversary event.”
Allegiance has a book by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione with music and lyrics by Kuo. Olivier Award nominee Stafford Arima directed in his Broadway debut. Andrew Palermo served as choreographer.
The complete cast comprised Takei as Sam Kimura/Ojii San, Salonga as Kei Kimura, Leung as Sammy Kimura, Katie Rose Clarke as Hannah Campbell, Michael K. Lee as Frankie Suzuki, Christopheren Nomura as Tatsuo Kimura and Greg Watanabe as Mike Masaoka with Aaron J. Albano, Belinda Allyn, Marcus Choi, Janelle Dote, Dan Horn, Owen Johnston, Darren Lee, Manna Nichols, Rumi Oyama, Catherine Ricafort, Momoko Sugai, Sam Tanabe, Kevin Munhall, Elena Wang, Scott Watanabe and Tony winner Scott Wise.
Allegiance had its world premiere in a record-breaking engagement at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego in 2012. It is produced by Sing Out, Louise! Productions and ATA.
Allegiance officially opened on Broadway November 8, 2015, following previews that began October 6 at Broadway's Longacre Theatre. As of closing, the production played 37 previews and 113 regular performances.
Tickets can be purchased beginning November 11 online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theatre box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theatres through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theatre locations, visit the Fathom Events website.
