By John Lyle Belden
If the title “Kim’s Convenience” sounds familiar, the play by Ins Choi now presented by Indiana Repertory Theatre is the hit show that inspired the Canadian television sitcom of the same name. If it doesn’t, well, you are still in for a treat.
The action centers on an independent convenience store in the Regent Park neighborhood of Toronto, owned and run by Korean immigrant Mr. Kim (Tony K. Nam), known familiarly as Appa. His wife is known as Umma (Tuyèt Thi Pham). Their daughter Janet (Jenny S. Lee) is 30, single, and a photographer with occasional clients. Their 32-year-old son Jung (Jae Woo), they don’t talk about.
Austin Michael Young plays all other roles including customers; Mr. Lee (“the Black man with the Asian name”), who arrives with a tempting offer; and Alex, a local police officer who knew Jung and Janet in high school.
After more than three decades in North America, Appa still has issues with English and making himself understood. This naturally leads to much of the comedy, scripted by Choi from his experience as a Korean-Canadian to sound natural, the way hilarious linguistic confusion happens in real life. Add in Appa’s eccentricities, such as his use of Korean martial arts and his obsession with Korean history (feeding a hatred of Japan), and I have rarely laughed so hard at a show as I have with this.
The comic moments blend seamlessly with some deep family drama. “This store is my story,” Appa says, as he seriously considers its next chapter. His options are basically taking Mr. Lee’s generous payout and retiring, which he doesn’t feel good about, or giving Kim’s Convenience to Janet, who does not want it. Meanwhile, Umma makes contact with her estranged son, who is unhappy with his current life despite recently becoming a father himself.
Appa’s attempts to get Janet more involved with the store intensify both the comic and dramatic atmosphere, with aspects of racial and social profiling in his game of “Steal or No Steal.”
A helpful note: When Appa and Umma speak to each other in Korean, the English translations are projected on the backstage wall.
Direction is by associate artistic director cara hinh, who considers herself “such a Janet.” Scenic design – a perfectly organized and stocked c-store floor and counter – is by Yoon Bae.
Performances have a sense of familiarity among the cast, making their interactions – whether sentimental or tense – sparkle. Nam is relatable as a concerned father, while expressing himself in Appa’s unique way. Pham keeps Umma focused on practical matters, anchored by love and faith. Lee’s Janet is a free spirit, while respectful of her family and culture. Young gives Alex a sense of nervous adventure, hoping to connect with an old friend, but finding connection with his sister. Woo presents Joo as burdened by regret that is aggravated by pride.
Learn the Korean name for ginseng, what happened in 1904, and enjoy the heartwarming experience of “Kim’s Convenience,” through Nov. 15 on the intimate Janet Allen stage at the IRT, 140 W. Washington in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Get info and tickets at irtlive.com.
