LA JOLLA’S WORLD PREMIER “THE FAMILY ALBUM” A MUST SEE

World premieres usually open to much scrutiny and rewrites. Changes here and there and then are ready for the world to see and hear in this case, to hear. Not so much with  “The Family Album” which  was commissioned by the Playhouse and is  now premiering at the La Jolla Playhouse in the Potiker Theatre through Aug. 23rd.

With book by Sam Chanse and music and lyrics by MILCK(aka Connie K. Lim) and AG (aka Adrianne Gonzalez), conceived by MILCK and Jess McLeod, with story by Sam Chanse, MILCK and Jess McLeod, “The Family Album” is pretty much sung throughout, feeling more an Opera than a musical. 

Band on stage right, Claire Kwon and Aury Krebs (Amanda Zieve, lighting)

"The Family Album" is about an Asian American family as they grapple with challenges including generational trauma, discussions of racism, mental health and sexual assault... The production is based on experiences of the writers and approaches these adult themes thoughtfully, honestly and with sensitivity. "

The story follows Mia (Aury Krebs), an Asian-American singer-songwriter through the ups and downs of her singing career while  distanced from her non supportive family, when her music is interrupted by a family emergency. (“No Home At All”)

Mia is on the brink of a breakthrough, or so she feels, when she receives a call from her sister Charlotte (Courtney Reed) a podiatrist, married and with children. The call tells of a near fatal accident that befell their mother Sylvia (Jodi Long). Brother Daniel (Marc dela Cruz) or the Golden Child (“Golden Child” sung in duet by Krebs and Reed) as he is referred to by his sisters, gets in on the call as well. 

Marc dela Cruz, Aury Krebs and Courtney Reed

Following this Asian American immigrant family, that most can relate regardless of ethnicity, director Jess McLeod is particularly mindful of the Asian customs; honoring your parents, never contradicting and always respectful. It matters not if the same requirements are not always reciprocal. 

When Mia returns to the family home she finds that all is not as dire as she was given to believe. Immediately she is pissed and ready to take off again.  Slowly but shortly, she begins shrinking into the young girl (Claire Kwon) she used to be with all her fears and doubts; ignored by her mother and chided for never finishing anything she started, and being blamed for an incident that happened to her when she was fourteen but was never able to have her mother listen to her side of the story, while all along her brother, who was in financing, could do no wrong even as an adult. 

Aury Krebs center, Paul Nakauchi and Jodi Long, background

Krebs is not only a gifted vocalist , but she has the ability to pull you into her life whether she is at the top of her game or struggling just by the sound of her voice or her expressive feelings. Interestingly, when she is a quandary or angry, three or four Hi Hi Meows (Cat like figures) show us the anger she feels but no one else see it. Yours truly found those images rather strange and confusing at first glance. 

Her younger self (Claire Kwon), no slouch either, is equally convincing as a soloist  or in a duet with her older self. As her mother stands by and listens,  the divide between mother and daughter, the  misconceptions, the tensions, the doubts only deepen the gaps. 

Aury Krebs with Hi Hi Meows

Both Sylvia and Daniel (“Restless”) have their issues as well which they both express in song. There are times when the entire cast is singing full throttle, somewhat like an octet in opera. I found that fascinating since there isn’t a weak link among them and the emotions rang through the hall.

Paul Nakauchi and Jodi Long

As cautionary as is the relationship between Mia and her mother and siblings, the bond between Henry and Sylvia is loving, kind and understanding. In one scene where they are cooking together, it almost looks and sounds like an episode of “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”. (“Stir It Up”)

Aury Krebs and Claire Kwan

The emotional rollercoaster of dreams made, dreams fallen by the wayside, family squabbles, disappointments and achievements and sameness are all played out in “The Family Album”. It is a bitter/sweet tale that when all is said and done will make you laugh, relate and perhaps even cry when the closing number “Our Mother” is sung.

Jodi Long, Claire Kwon, Aury Krebs  

(P.S. The first time I returned home from College and challenged my Mother because of some of the foods she had in her refrigerator, I got the schooling of  a lifetime. The old saying, “You can never go home again” oft times rings true.(Thomas Wolfe). I never did that again! )

The Band, which can be seen clearly on stage right includes, Musical Director  Michael Sobie on Keys. Brian Dall on Drums, Vince Cooper on Guitar, Michal Pearce on Bass. Additional music design is by Emily Sherman.  There are about twenty four original tunes in the show ((Dot Dot Deleting” among the most -clever) and “Mother” is a tear jerker. Most of the lyrics are directly related/ tell stories of  what’s going on in the lives of each of the characters. 

Credit Wilson Chin for the minimalist set design, Hahnji Jang for the costumes especially Krebs’ great looking outfits, Amanda Zieve for the lighting, Justin Stasiw for the sound, which was on target, and Dean Remington as stage manager. 

"Family Album" runs only ninety minutes, was created by an all women team, combines comedy with affection and brings out the best and the worse in us. 

Enjoy

A not to be missed show. 

See you at the theatre.

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 23

Where: La Jolla Playhouse’s Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UCSD, La Jolla

Tickets: $30-$99

Photo: Rich Soublet II

Online: lajollaplayhouse.org