The women actors each give strong performances, carefully balancing one another out, though the mothers’ stories are more involved and emotionally tragic, which gives these actors more to work with. In this production all the Caucasian male roles are played by David Stanbra and the Asian and Asian-American male roles by Ben Lin and Edward Gunawan. Still, under the direction of Jon Lawrence Rivera, each male character is carefully defined.
Kim has managed to dramatize the tribulations of these women on a set, designed by John H. Binkley, that eschews realism by using a scroll both as a source of scene titles and as part of the set, rolling out like a magic carpet on which to ride. Certainly, the book has more depth, and the movie takes us to more scenic locations, but the depth of emotion and the troubling links between two generations of women remains intact, while under Rivera’s direction this ensemble gives carefully nuanced performances that show how these mothers and daughters attempt to cross the generational and cultural gaps that separate them.
The Joy Luck Club continues until Dec. 21 at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts, 120 Judge Aiso St., Los Angeles. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Dark on Nov. 27. $40-45. Student and senior discounts available. For more information, call (213) 625-7000 or go to www.EastWestPlayers.org.
Article comments
1 - Joanne Huspek
I wish I were close enough to go to this performance. "Joy Luck Club" is my favorite book and movie of all time, and I would love to see this.
As someone part Asian, I disagree with the thought that "Joy Luck Club" is a negative portrayal. I see it more as a reflection of the real thing. The bonus is the life lessons between daughters and mothers.
I still cry every time I've seen this movie, and I've seen it more times than I can count.