A story about family. A story about identity. A story that feels like you. The new musical “The Family Album” is a celebration of Asian American stories.
“The Family Album” is about a rising artist named Mia who wants to pursue her music while navigating her family’s values. Along the way, the musical explores the relationships, experiences and challenges that shape her family.
“It’s a really beautiful story, and one that truly every single one of us feels hits home in so many different ways. I hope that it soars from here because it’s really something Broadway needs,” Kendyl Yokoyama, who played Young Mia from Aug. 9 to closing said.
On July 17, “The Family Album” began previews at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego before opening on July 26.
“We’ve made lots of changes,” book writer Sam Chanse said. “From the first preview to the opening number has changed a lot to make the storytelling clearer and let the audience know where we are and who the lead is right away.
“The Family Album’s” music was written by MILCK (Connie K. Lim) and AG Adrianne Gonzalez) which combines pop, rock and R&B roots.
“The music is fantastic. It’s so fun to sing and I feel that I get to really dive into the music with this show. We’re working very hard to make sure it doesn’t feel like traditional musical theatre. We try to stray away from that as much as possible while still incorporating the things that make a great musical. I think it’s kind of the best of both worlds,” Yokoyama said.
Broadway actor Claire Kwon, who plays Young Mia from July. 17 to Aug 8, is grateful for the opportunity to have been involved in the development of the show.
“I’ve been very lucky that I’ve been involved with the development of the show for a while now,” Kwon said. “I got to be part of some of the first table reads and workshops, and got to see the development as it’s gone on.”
Chanse hopes that audiences will see themselves and their own families in the musical.
“I really hope that people who come to this musical recognize themselves in it, recognize their family and recognize some aspect of their experience, even though everyone’s family and experiences are different. I hope they feel recognized and seen. I think that’s one of the most powerful things about theatre,” Chanse said.
