Here is the review:
Vintage Theatre presents Amy Tan's, The Joy Luck Club playing at their new space in Aurora, CO now through May 20th. The Joy Luck Club tells the stories of four Chinese immigrant women and their American-born daughters. Each of the four Chinese women hasher own view of the world based on her experiences in China, and wants to share that vision with her daughter. The daughters try to understand andappreciate their mothers' pasts, adapt to the American way of life, and win their mothers' acceptance.
"Your Mother is in your Bones" really is the crux of the entire show, already brimming with interpersonal relationships and Asian folkloreand heritage. When I saw the Oliver Stone movie rendition, my eyes welled shut by the end from crying, and while the play is similar to the movie,there are so many distinct differences that make it very unique, and I truly appreciate that. This show is not so much about the mother-daughter relationship, which is still vital to the plot, but rather about the human condition,and the will to survive, thrive, and prosper while finding strength in one another. Act One deals primarily with the mothers’ childhoods and loss of innocence, while Act Two focuses on the daughters’ adulthoods, exploring their life choices and quests for their mothers’ approval.For such a large cast, this was quite an exceptional one. The Mothers, played by Donna Hansen as Suyuan Woo, Tria Xiong as Lindo Jong, Kim Yan as An Mei Hsu, and Janell Kim as Ying Ying St. Clair, had such a pained strength and tenderness to them. Each actress brought it to the table and delivered. The Daughters, played by Samantha Yon as Jing Mei Woo, Michelle Yung Hurtubise as Waverly Jong, Jennifer So as Rose Hsu,Ulcca Joshi Hansen as Lena St. Clair, really embraced and communicated the anguish and conflict of dealing with the Asian mothers, and the tenacity tocarry on. The entire ensemble tugged at every heartstring, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house by the end.
The set by designer, John Barnes, stayed simple, using many levels, and it really felt Fung Shui. I loved the use of gauzy curtains with the reflections of Chinese symbols, as well as a rotating piece that added so much to the unique diversity of the set. Property Manager Beki Pineda really had her work cut out for her with all that was involved in the various stories intermingling throughout this show,and she rose to the occasion with fluid ease. Lighting design by Jen Orfand sound design by Jonathan Scott-McKean helped to enhance this uncomplicated set. The costumes by designer Erin Leonard were ethnic,colorful, and gorgeous.
Director Craig A. Bond should be proud, and I commend him for such an amazing show, rich with Asian heritage and talent, as well as a wonderful new location that will present many moreexciting opportunities for Vintage Theatre! The Joy Luck Club is playing at Vintage Theatre now through May 20th at their new space (1468 Dayton in Aurora,CO). For tickets or more information, contact the box office at 303-856-7830on online at www.vintagetheatre.com
I feel so blessed every time I see something like this, and read about the impact on someone that a show has. It's always nice to know that your show or your work has impacted someone, and that is something that we as actors love. I am thankful for Joy Luck Club. I can't wait to work with everyone agian!! <3
