A SMALL SHOP WITH A BIG HEART

A delightful, tender surprise arrives at
the Ahmanson—and quietly wins you over

Sometimes the most unassuming shows sneak up and steal your heart. Kim’s Convenience, the stage original that inspired the Netflix series, arrives at the Ahmanson not with fanfare but with warmth, humor, and a disarming sincerity that feels increasingly rare. Set inside a modest Toronto corner store, Ins Choi’s play introduces us to Appa, a stubborn Korean-Canadian immigrant shop owner navigating family tensions, generational divides, and a rapidly changing neighborhood. What unfolds is not high drama but something far more satisfying: a deeply human portrait of an immigrant family told with humor, grace, and affection. The play doesn’t push—it welcomes you in.

Choi himself anchors the evening as Appa, delivering a performance that is by turns gruff, hilarious, and unexpectedly tender. Around him, the family dynamic hums with authenticity: Daughter Janet (Kelly Seo) bristles with independence and wife Umma (Esther Chung) gently holds the household together. Brandon McKnight astounds as he nimbly populates the world with a gallery of familiar neighborhood characters. Director Weyni Mengesha keeps the tone light without losing emotional truth, allowing the play’s quiet observations about identity, belonging, and family to land naturally.

It may not have been created by Center Theatre Group, but Kim’s Convenience is a genuine find for the Ahmanson: a modest, heartfelt comedy that reminds us how much richness can live in everyday lives—and how satisfying it is to spend time with people who feel real. This is a charming, sweet-natured gem—exactly the kind of show you didn’t know you needed.

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photo by Dahlia Katz

Kim’s Convenience
Ahmanson Theatre
135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Thurs at 2; Tues–Thurs at 7:30; Fri at 8; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 1 & 7
ends on April 19, 2026
for tickets, call 213.628.2772 or visit Center Theatre Group

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