Part rock concert, part history lesson, completely brilliant. Lauren Yee’s CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND is engaging from the first note. A live band playing the contemporary Dengue Fever hits and classic Cambodian oldies is intertwined with a thrilling story of a Khmer Rouge Survivor. A co-production with Theater Mu and The Jungle Theater, this is one NOT TO MISS!
The performance seamlessly moves from hilarious moments between a daughter and her embarrassing father to a haunting drama about the history he was trying to leave behind. We jump back and forth in time learning more about his past with the Khmer Rouge and this dark part of history to discover how his resilience got him to where he is today. Facing the music together in this examination of intergenerational trauma as she prepares to prosecute one of Cambodia’s most infamous war criminals is a story of love, loss, and tragedy, music, and joy.
I was in absolute awe of this stunning cast featuring Mayde Miller, Shawn Mouacheupao, Christopher Thomas Pow, Eric Sharp, Danielle Troiano, Greg Watanabe, and Deryck Hak directed by Lily Tung Crystal. I caught myself hanging on every line and so enthralled by each performer that intermission felt like it came after just 15 minutes. I was fully engaged in this story and have to applaud each cast member for the raw honesty they brought to their roles.
Photos by Rich Ryan. Mayda Miller, Christopher T. Pow, Shawn Mouacheupao, Greg Watanabe, Eric Sharp
The program includes dramaturgy and an interview with the Artistic Directors Christina Baldwin (Jungle) and Lily Tung Crystal (Mu) about this co-production. Lily writes “It discusses a very tragic moment in history, but the beautiful thing about this play is that Lauren has taken the tragedy of the Cambodian genoicde and paired it with the beauty of art and music.” I went in wondering how the pairing of rock music with this heart-wrenching story was going to work and absolutely loved how this was achieved. Masterfully interwoven into the script, the music performed enhances the storytelling while uplifting the vibrant music showing us a rich culture and resilient spirit that leaves us hopeful at the end of this compelling drama.
You have until July 31st to see this innovative, engaging, thrilling, and raw piece of music theater. Cambodian Rock Band is recommended for ages 16 and older due to depictions of and references to war, violence, torture, strong language, and other adult content. Running June 8-July 31. For more information and tickets: https://www.theatermu.org/cambodian-rock-band
Lettered in Theatre 