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Peace On Your Wings

Reviewed by Deborah Klugman

Aratani Theatre

Closed

Sadako Sasaki was two-years-old when the atomic bomb fell on Hiroshima. She survived the blast, only to be diagnosed with leukemia in 1954, one of the many unfortunate people who became ill as a result of exposure to radiation. She died the following year.

While in the hospital Sadako began to make paper cranes, in keeping with a Japanese legend that anyone who folded a thousand cranes would have their wish fulfilled. For Sadako it was the recovery of her health. The magic failed to work, of course, but the girl became an inspiration for others, initially among her circle of friends and later across Japan. After her death, her schoolmates raised money for a statue in her honor in the Hiroshima Peace Park, with an inscription that is a prayer for peace.

Directed by Carolyn Lee, Peace on Your Wings — so titled because Sadako is said to have inscribed it on the wings of her paper cranes — is a musical performed by a large ensemble whose ages span 6 to 18 (though the majority are in middle school). It’s produced by Ohanu Arts, a non-profit based in Honolulu that nurtures the performing talents of young people. Ohanu’s founders Jenny Taira and Laurie Rubin collaborated on the book, with the music composed and orchestrated by Taira, who also conducts the production’s live orchestra, with the lyrics written by Rubin.

The story is set in and around a school and a hospital, and takes place in 1954-55, prior to Sadako’s diagnosis and extends a few months beyond her death. Its dramatic crux is the relationship among Sadako (Shayna Yasunaga) and her friends, and the impact of her illness on her intimates and acquaintances. There are also a plethora of peripheral scenes depicting the typical interchanges among sixth graders: pre-adolescent crushes, best or bruised friendships, bullying, the competition among children for status and respect.

While the main idea is inspirational, the narrative, with its patchwork chronology, paper-thin characters and bland dialogue, is not terrifically engaging. Many of the songs have a youthful-yearning sameness. The vocals are pretty good, but in the dance numbers (choreography by Danielle Bensky), not everyone is always in step. At two hours and forty-five minutes (with intermission), the show could use some trimming.

Some of the young performers could well blossom into professionals, especially as vocalists, but it’s hard to tell in this context. As Sadako, Yasunaga delivers her lines with poise, and the littlest player, six-year-old Maya Nakamoto displays remarkable stage presence.

But raising such quibbles about Peace on Your Wings may be beside the point. The show, which is scheduled to tour other U.S. cities and Japan next year, is a healing event. Its production has been timed to coincide with last month’s 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing (an event whose horror is underscored for U.S. audiences by having been perpetrated by our own nation). It’s best appreciated within this context and lauded for its message of hope and peace to the community.

Aratani Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St, dwntn. Closed.