George Takei to star in ‘Allegiance’ at Charing Cross Theatre

The autobiographical musical is based on Takei’s childhood.

George Takei will star in the UK premiere of Allegiance, a musical based on his personal experiences growing up in the United States after Pearl Harbor. Allegiance begins previews at Charing Cross Theatre on 7 January, with an opening night on 17 January, and performances to 8 April.

Inspired by the stories of 120,000 Japanese Americans forced into internment camps, Allegiance follows the Kimura family as they struggle to survive in the United States. The political conflict reaches their family: Sam Kimura enlists in the army, and Kei Kimura joins the resistance movement.

Allegiance played on Broadway in 2015, and in a review on New York Theatre Guide, a critic said: “Allegiance will leave you thinking about loyalty and honor Ultimately what wins you over is the heart to heart connection. That stupid simple journey of the soul to find its path and the others who will share it.”

George Takei stars in the autobiographical musical. He’s best known for playing Mr. Sulu in Star Trek. In 2017, Takei starred in Pacific Overtures in New York — Allegiance marks his West End debut.

Growing up, Takei spent his childhood at Camp Rohwer in Arkansas and at Camp Tule Lake in California. After World War Two, Takei's family returned to Los Angeles.

Telly Leung will play Sam Kimura, with Aynrand Ferrer as Kei Kimura, Iroy Abesamis, Mark Anderson, Masashi Fujimoto, Megan Gardiner, Raiko Gohara, Eu Jin Hwang, Hana Ichijo, Misa Koide, Patrick Munday, Rachel Jayne Picar, Sario Solomon, Joy Tan, Iverson Yabut.

The musical features a script by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione, music and lyrics by Jay Kuo, direction and choreography by Tara Overfield Wilkinson, set and costume design by Mayou Trikerioti, lighting design by Nic Farman, and sound design by Chris Whybrow.

Allegiance is at Charing Cross Theatre.