Token Theatre, a new Chicago company that aims to “humanize Asian Americans and foster an environment that recognizes us as Americans,” started out during the pandemic and found itself working only online. Last week, though, Token made its live debut with a very, very funny little show.
“Zac Efron,” which has nothing to do with the actor Zac Efron beyond his ability to spark desire, follows the adventures of two gay Asian Americans seeking love, happiness and a measure of internet fame. The idea here, I think, is to show audiences that not every play featuring Asian American characters has to deal with past geopolitical conflicts or the present-day strife of the immigrant experience.
This would not be Asian situation comedy without complex parent-child relationships showing up, in this case mostly on Facebook-style videos featuring some hilarious older actors playing first-generation immigrants trying to figure out their offspring and the twists and turns of their American lives.It’s not all frivolity; things turn darker toward the end of the show and, when they do, the two actors have built up so much empathy that you worry for their vulnerable characters.
But “Zac Efron” is mostly about warmth and positivity, both qualities that Tan, especially, exudes. Here you have a 85-minute comedy show, expertly staged in a nightlife district, that would be a good time for all kinds of folks maybe heading later to one of Old Town’s bars or eateries. I laughed my face half off.When: Through July 21