What I liked
What I didn't like
My overall impression
Outstanding! I was really moved by Paul Yen’s Secret Identity Crisis, from the depth and complexity of the stories and themes to Paul’s brilliant performance. Even as an American of mixed Asian ethnicity, I have to admit that prior to seeing SIC, I frankly was not very sensitive or sympathetic to the prejudice faced by Asian-Americans in pop culture and the entertainment industry. I also had not anticipated how deeply personal and engaging this production would be, and I think that is what I found so compelling. Paul’s honesty in revealing his insecurities, self-doubt, shame and anger in the process of forging his own identity makes SIC beautifully thought provoking and emotionally rewarding.
The way in which Paul weaves his own personal story with the stories of Asian-Americans throughout American history and his recasting of iconic superheros was marveling. Equally noteworthy is the way Paul masterfully balances tone throughout the play, seamlessly shifting from buoyant comedic moments to his most heartfelt and sometimes tense.
