The new musical, which is billed as the "vibrant and unforgettable story of one family's resilience in the face of seemingly-insurmountable odds," marks the return of Broadway favorite Lea Salonga, a Tony and Olivier winner for her work in Miss Saigon. The production also boasts the Main Stem debut of "Star Trek" icon George Takei, whose life inspired the new musical. The cast also features Broadway and "Glee" star Telly Leung.
Allegiance has a book by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione with music and lyrics by Kuo. Olivier Award nominee Stafford Arima directs in his Broadway debut. Andrew Palermo serves as choreographer.
The complete cast comprises 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, Kevin Munhall, Elena Wang, Scott Watanabe and Tony winner Scott Wise.
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 (Leung) and his sister Kei (Salonga) fought to stay connected to their heritage, their family, and themselves after Japanese Americans were wrongfully imprisoned during World War II. An epic story told with great intimacy, Allegiance explores the ties that bind us, the struggle to persevere, and the overwhelming power of forgiveness and, most especially, love."
Lynn Shankel is musical supervisor and also provides arrangements and orchestrations. Laura Bergquist serves as musical director. Scenic design is by Tony Award winner Donyale Werle with costume design by Tony Award nominee Alejo Vietti, lighting design by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley, sound design by Tony Award nominee Kai Harada and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe. Projection design is by Darrel Maloney. Casting is by Telsey + Company/Craig Burns, C.S.A. Allegiance had its world premiere in a record-breaking engagement at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego in 2012.
The Longacre Theatre is located at 220 West 48th Street. For more information visit www.AllegianceMusical.com.
