Hahn Cho, Ben Carroll and Eddy Hong (Photo by Diana Toshiko)
Reviewed by Dana Martin
Chalk Repertory Theatre
Through June 9
RECOMMENDED
Pang Spa, by David Johann Kim, is an exploration of familial dynamics and obligation. This world premiere production, presented by Chalk Repertory Theatre, is an endearing-if- uneven story about a family coping with unimaginable loss.
Daniel Pang (Ben Carroll)’s life is nothing like he’d imagined it would be. After working for years as a regional actor, Daniel returns to his hometown of Los Angeles to be a caretaker for his elderly parents, both suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Daniel’s parents Tae (Hahn Cho) and Avy (Christopher Callen) are former grocery store owners who lost their business in the years following the LA uprising in 1992. Their stores were at the epicenter of the rioting in Koreatown, their businesses robbed and set ablaze. In addition to the structural devastation, the body of a neighborhood kid was found dead in their store, a final devastating blow from which they’d never recovered. Daniel remained career-driven and physically absent as the years progressed, leaving all family matters and caretaking obligations to his older brother David. But David had taken his own life three years prior, prompting Daniel to return home permanently, only to find himself living in his brother’s shadow in the eyes — and faltering memories — of his parents. When Dora (Jasmine Kimiko) a young soldier unexpectedly arrives fresh from military service, Daniel makes a life-changing discovery.
Reena Dutt’s direction is organized and innovative, but finds an uneven pace throughout; some scenes soar while others falter. The first act moves fluidly but the second act loses steam; it weighs on the play’s culminating climax and dissipates its emotional impact.
Ben Carroll is a steadying presence as the reluctant, put-upon protagonist Daniel. Hahn Cho’s performance as ailing father Tae is robust and endearing; he’s crass, politically incorrect and one can’t help but like him. Christopher Callen’s subdued Avy exudes an elderly innocence and vulnerability. Jasmine Kimiko’s performance as Dora is at its strongest when she’s emotionally driving the scene. Dian Kobayashi’s Mrs. Weiss and Edward Hong’s Yong offer solid ensemble support.
Maria Hong’s costume design is straightforward with a bit of whimsy, while Austin Quan’s sound design adds a subtle environmental soundscape. Scenic designer Justin Huen makes full use of the space, creating two apartment buildings joined by a courtyard. Huen is also tasked with creating a homemade Korean spa in the center of the action and meets the challenge with great success.
Playwright David Johann Kim chronicles a family in perpetual crisis, still reeling from the devastating violence and destruction of the L.A. riots in 1992. Twenty years later, the family is still coming to terms with their losses and the betrayal of their own community. Kim finds humorous, loving ways to reveal characters confronting and grappling with such devastation in the midst of the advancing dementia of both of Daniel’s aging parents. The Pang’s immediate community, their neighbors, have become extended family and provide a healing balm by way of friendship and emotional support.
Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 2 pm, May 26 and June 9; 7 pm, June 2; Mon. 8 pm, June 3; through June 9. https://www.chalkrep.com/. Running time: two hours and 15 minutes with an intermission.
Note: Pang Spa is presented in collaboration with EST/LA’s world premiere Two Stop in conjunction with AAPI Heritage Month. Both productions focus on subject matter surrounding the 1992 L.A. uprising.
