A FABULOUS FEVER DREAM
Soft Power at Signature Theatre is a meta-theatrical production that begins with a semi-autobiographical portrayal of David Henry Hwang, who, following a near-fatal incident, envisions a future where China has risen to become the world’s dominant superpower. The narrative then transitions into a futuristic “Chinese musical,” offering a perspective on how a hypothetical Chinese audience might interpret American culture and politics.
Grace Yoo as Hillary Clinton (Daniel Rader)
Grace Yoo and Daniel May as Xue Xing (Daniel Rader)
The story offers a satirical reinterpretation of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, centering on figures like Hillary Clinton and a fictional Chinese executive named Xue Xing. Through this lens, the play explores the complexities of East-West relations, cultural misunderstandings, and the influence of art in shaping political discourse.
Acclaimed playwright David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Yellow Face) often explores themes of identity, race, and cultural exchange. With Soft Power, he continues this exploration by examining the relationship between the United States and China through a theatrical lens.
Andrew Cristi as Chief Justice, center, and the cast (Daniel Rader)
Steven Eng (DHH) and the cast (Daniel Rader)
Accomplished composer Jeanine Tesori has worked on numerous successful musicals, including Fun Home, Kimberly Akimbo, and Caroline, or Change. Her collaboration with Hwang on Soft Power marks another significant contribution to the musical theater landscape.
The production has stellar performances, notably Grace Yoo as Hillary Clinton, Steven Eng as the playwright DHH, and Daniel May as the Chinese producer Xue Xing. Yoo’s portrayal of Clinton is both comedic and moving, effectively conveying the character’s strength amid political and personal struggles.
Grace Yoo, Eymard Cabling, Andrew Cristi, Sumié Yotsukura, and Jonny Lee Jr. (Daniel Rader)
Daniel May, Chani Wereley and the cast (DJ Corey Photography)
The songs in Soft Power combine satire with heartfelt moments, creating a dynamic musical experience that blends political critique with Broadway’s musical traditions. In “Dutiful”, Xue Xing and his daughter Jing explore themes of familial duty and responsibility; In the touching ballad “Fuxing Park”, DHH reminisces about his father’s past in China, set against his own feelings of disconnection from his heritage — the song is visually enhanced by tai chi-inspired staging, adding to its emotional depth; Hillary Clinton’s introduction song “I’m With Her” — a satirical piece set in a Super Sized McDonald’s — humorously addresses the issues in the U.S. and is inspired by The Music Man’s “Ya Got Trouble”, complete with a 42nd Street-style dance routine; Getting to know each other, Hillary and Xue Xing have a wonderful The King and I romping waltz in “It Just Takes Time”; once election results are in, Hillary is eating her feelings with Ben & Jerry’s and pizza while bemoaning the “Song of the Campaign Trail”, a reflective piece that mirrors the style of A Little Night Music, capturing the absurdities and challenges of the election process; “Democracy” sung dynamically by Grace Yoo and reminiscent of a power ballad from Dreamgirls, reflects on the ideals versus the realities of American democracy — reprised as a rousing ensemble number, “Democracy” actually made the audience rise up, as if to say, “I’m with THEM!” I still have goosebumps.
Daniel May and Grace Yoo (DJ Corey Photography)
Daniel May, center, and the cast (Daniel Rader)
Directed by Signature’s Associate Artistic Director Ethan Heard, who is Chinese-American, Soft Power features a stellar, predominantly Asian cast adept at portraying characters from various backgrounds and nationalities. Broadway costume designer Helen Q. Huang crafts a sophisticated look inspired by the real-life candidate’s practical workwear. Set designer Chika Shimizu ingeniously uses a grungy Times Square, simple signage, subtle graffiti, and smoky glass to create distinct environments. Billy Bustamante’s choreography captures both the vigor and emotion of scenes, from a tiki torch-bearing mob to a romantic Fred and Ginger dance. Music director Angie Benson expertly leads the 10-piece orchestra, delivering Tesori’s beautifully eclectic and memorable score.
Grace Yoo (DJ Corey Photography)
Grace Yoo and the cast (Daniel Rader)
photos by Daniel Rader, DJ Corey Photography
Soft Power
Signature Theatre
MAX Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave in Arlington, VA
ends on September 15, 2024
for tickets, call 703-820-9771 or visit Signature
