Ryun Yu, Sab Shimono, and Jully Lee in South Coast Repertory’s Photo Courtesy: South Coast Rep

Written by Daniella Litvak 

Besides the usual, useful information about the cast, crew, and upcoming shows, the program for Tokyo Fish Story includes “A Gajin’s Guide to Sushi,” a one-page history/glossary giving you the low down on sushi. Besides making your mouth water, it’s an excellent overview of the terminology used throughout the show. I don’t think you’ll get lost if you don’t know what “tamagoyaki” or “noren” means, but knowing what’s being talked about adds a little more spice to the experience. I recommend looking at it while you’re anxiously waiting for the curtain.

Now that the prep work is out let’s move on to the main course. Tokyo Fish Story is about… It’s hard to describe the plot because the play wants to be about many different things. It wants to be a story about a great restaurant in decline because customers are choosing gimmicks over quality. It wants to be a story about a protégée learning to stand up to his mentor. It wants to be about a man coming to terms with past mistakes, served with a side of commentary regarding gender inequality in restaurant kitchens.   And so on.

All of these ideas have potential. Maybe it could have all come together if the play had a longer run time. (It’s 90 minutes and without an intermission). As it stands, this mishmash of ingredients can come across as undercooked. For instance, a businessman tries to tempt Nobu, an apprentice chef, into working for the competition. However, the way the scene is written, although very funny, the offer never draws Nobu. It’s never brought up afterward or has consequences– undermining the dramatic stakes.

Playwright Kimber Lee has a knack for comedy and dialogue. The acting is fantastic. Each actor brings nuance and vulnerability to their role(s). Watching them talk about sushi, Star Wars, or hip-hop as they go about their day is a joy. There’s quite a bit of pantomiming forced upon them, but they never look ridiculous.

The space is utilized effectively, and the staging is well done. The scene transitions are flawless, and the sound effects and music add to the atmosphere. I recommend seeing Tokyo Fish Story.

8/10

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March 8-28, 2015

Similar drama: check out Jiro Dreams Of Sushi

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