Panel 1: May 28th

Panel 2: May 31st

Registration 17:00, Program 17:30, Close 20:30

$100 Asia Society members; $150 Non-members

Allegiance (musical) is about a story set during Japanese American Internment of WWII, inspired by the experiences of George Takei during Japanese Internment and the history of Japanese Americans serving in WWII. During the Allegiance musical screening event, we will screen the whole musical, followed by a panel discussion with the cast members, which aims to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Two panels will be conducted on May 28 (Panel 1) and May 31 (Panel 2) respectively. In Panel 1, we will have George Takei (starring Ojii-chan) to share his ideas and thoughts behind the musical and the messages he wanted to deliver. In Panel 2, we will have Lea Salonga (starring Kei Kimura) and Telly Leung (starring Sam Kimura) to share their reflections before, during and after the musical performance.

For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, join us to follow the story of Sam Kimura and other Japanese Americans during WWII, to learn about an important chapter of US history and to reflect on the roles that we can all play in the building of a more inclusive society!

Multiple award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga is renown across the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch. She is best known for her Tony Award winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition, she has won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, in the field of musical theatre. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival. Many fans of all ages recognize Lea as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II. For her portrayal of the beloved princesses, the Walt Disney Company bestowed her with the honor of “Disney Legend”.

Recently, Lea starred in the critically acclaimed Sony musical-drama YELLOW ROSE which hit theaters in October. Additionally, in August, Lea released her single “Dream Again” with all profits donated to charities aiding in COVID-19 relief around the world, including The Actor’s Fund. In November 2020 Lea Salonga: Live with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from Sydney Opera House aired as part of Great Performances on PBS. A live album of the performance was subsequently released by Broadway Records. Currently, Lea serves as a judge on the Philippines hit version of “The Voice” including the ratings juggernaut “The Voice Kids”.

Telly Leung is a New York City native, Broadway performer, recording artist, producer, & theater arts teacher. His Broadway & national touring credits include Aladdin in Disney's "Aladdin" on Broadway, In Transit, Allegiance (with George Takei & Lea Salonga), Godspell, Rent (final Broadway company), Wicked (Boq, original Chicago company), Pacific Overtures, Flower Drum Song. In 2010, he starred as Angel in RENT at the Hollywood Bowl opposite Wayne Brady, directed by Neil Patrick Harris. Regionally, he performed at Philadelphia Theater Company, Pittsburgh CLO, The St. Louis MUNY, Dallas Theater Center, The Shakespeare Theater Company in D.C., North Carolina Theater, and North Shore Musical Theater. Television audiences will remember him as Wes the Warbler on “Glee", as well as his guest star appearances on "Instinct", “Odd Mom Out”,“Deadbeat” and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent.” Telly is featured as a coach for the Jimmy Awards in the PBS documentary, "Broadway or Bust". He can be heard on many original Broadway cast recordings and has released two solo albums - I’ll Cover You (2012) and Songs for You (2016) – on The Yellow Sound Label.

His EP, “You Matter” is a collection of 5 songs made during the 2020 pandemic with composer & arranger Gary Adler and profits will benefit Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. He holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama. He has taught master classes and courses at American universities like NYU, Nazareth College and The University of Michigan, and has been a guest teacher at drama programs all over the world, from Edinburgh to Tokyo.

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