Hannah and the Dread Gazebo

Reviewed by Lara J. Altunian 
The Fountain Theatre in association with East West Players
Through September 22 

Currently experiencing its California premiere at The Fountain Theatre, Jiehae Park’s latest play is a cute, but messy dramedy that combines Korean culture and politics with a unique, yet relatable story about spirituality and identity. Although the concept is compelling, the narrative’s convoluted development leads to a finale that provides the audience with little catharsis.

Studious Hannah (Monica Hong) is preparing to take her final exam to become a pediatric neurologist when she receives a mysterious package labeled “a wish,” which includes a suicide note from her maternal grandmother. After failing to get in contact with her family, Hannah hops on a 17-hour flight to Seoul, South Korea. There she finds her parents (Hahn Cho and Janet Song) and brother Dang (Gavin Lee) dealing with an even bigger problem — grandmother’s disappeared body. They quickly reveal to Hannah that the old woman leapt off the top floor of her apartment building for senior living located right on the border of North and South Korea, and straight into the demilitarized zone. Entering the DMZ would immediately start an international incident.

The bleak situation affects each character differently, forcing them to deal with their inner conflicts regarding family as they fight against an unsympathetic government for the right to bring their grandmother home.

The play contains quite a few profound and commendable plotlines that enhance the story. These include the Americanized Dang being accused of racism against his own people, and the vivid intertwining of Korea’s founding legend with the family’s emotional journey.

Additionally, many moments add welcome comic relief to the sometimes-grim tale. Especially when involving cultural misconceptions and language barriers. Jully Lee, credited as “Shapeshifter”, is particularly funny in her portrayal of multiple Korean citizens the family meets during their quest. She switches between each role with ease, donning and discarding Michael Allen Angel’s simple props, while maneuvering around Yee Eun Nam’s movable set and video projections. Jennifer Chang’s direction shines in every one of Lee’s appearances. The actress steals the show in all of her interactions with the other characters. However, the rest of the cast notably brings their personal brand of enriching humor to the table as well, creating an entertaining dynamic on stage.

The biggest problem with Park’s play is her staging of the narrative. Throughout, Hannah consistently breaks the fourth wall to speak to the audience about every story’s need for a beginning, middle, and end. The mundane concept is stressed so often, it serves as a distraction to the unfolding events, adding nothing whatsoever to the story. Further agitating the problem is Park’s final message, which remains murky, primarily because of the play’s anticlimactic conclusion.

Hannah and the Dread Gazebo is a thoughtful piece that reflects on “the in-between”. Multiple elements stir the characters through limbo both literally and figuratively as they wait to find out their family members’ fates, as well as their own. A stronger ending and fewer tangents would allow that theme to be felt more deeply.

The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., East Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m.; Mon., 8 p.m.; through Sep. 22. (323) 663-1525 or https://www.fountaintheatre.com/event/hannah-and-the-dread-gazebo/. Running time: 95 minutes with no intermission.