Quote of the Day: I want the world to know that the Kim Loo Sisters existed and that they were incredible, and that they brought so much life and joy to the arts world…They’re the best sister act you’ve never heard of! Jessica Huang (from interview in the program notes at the History Theatre)

Jessica Huang who wrote the Book and Lyrics for Blended 和 (Harmony): The Kim Loo Sisters and Jacinth Greywoode who wrote the music for the show have done a marvelous job of bringing the story of the talented Kim Loo sisters to life, and to light. Although popular at the time, late 1930’s and 1940’s where they appeared on Broadway and performed in USO shows, they are not as well known as some performers of their time. Greywoode and Huang used inspiration from the writings of Leslie Li and her documentary, The Kim Loo Sisters, to develop this musical. Leslie writes about her mother, Jenée and her aunts, in her book Just Us Girls (which I now want to read). Lily Tung Crystal directs this wonderful, entertaining and beautiful musical of four sisters during the Big Band era. The four women playing the Kim Loo sisters have gorgeous voices that blend beautifully together. Suzie Juul plays Sophie (aka Alice) the oldest sister. Morgan Kempton plays Maggie. Kelsey Angel Baehrens plays Jenée, and Audrey Mojica plays the youngest sister, Bubbles.

Kelsey Angel Baehrens, Morgan Kempton, Audrey Mojica, Suzie Juul in Blended (Harmony) The Kim Loo Sisters, Theater Mu and History Theatre production. Photo: Rich Ryan

Ann Michels plays the Kim Loo girls’ strong stage mama who looks out for the best interest of her daughters. She is a shrewd negotiator, and knows what it means to play the part to get what you want, or need. She takes care of her daughters, especially while they’re in New York City, and she finds ways to make her own living. Her husband (Ariel Estrada) finds her absence hard to live with, but he also supports his daughters and wife in their pursuits. The couple sends/sings love letters to each other, and have one of my favorite moments/songs in the musical, Why They Make a Bridge. Of course, we know Ann Michels well from the stages in the Twin Cities, particularly The Chanhassen, and her voice and acting are always excellent. She and Ariel Estrada have lovely interactions and their own wonderful blend of harmony.

Ann Michels, Ariel Estrada in Blended Harmony, Theater Mu and History Theatre production. Photo: Rich Ryan

Ethan Yaheen-Moy Chan plays Youlin, a young man recently immigrated from China, who steals Jenée’s heart. When the two marry, he brings her to China to meet, and live with, his father, a general in the Chinese army. We get a chance to see the cultural differences, and what it was like to be in the throws of a world war and separated from family. 

Ann Michels, J C Cutler in Blended Harmony, Theater Mu and History Theatre production. Photo: Rich Ryan

J C Cutler plays George White, the manager. He’s a typical manager who is always looking at what is going to sell, and not caring if it’s culturally offensive, or what the performers need or want. Yet, he has some moments of connection and humanity. His relationship with performer Ann Miller (Audrey Parker) is questionable, although self-serving for both of them. Ann Miller is the headliner, and the Kim Loo Sisters are her back-up, even though they have had their own show in the entertainment business. This causes contention with the sisters, and eventually Jenée breaks off from the group because of it.

Audrey Mojica, Kelsey Angel Baehrens, Audrey Parker, Ethan Yaheen-Moy Chan in Blended Harmony, Theater Mu and History Theatre production. Photo: Rich Ryan

Rounding out the cast, Boomer Xiong and Kyle Camay play various roles throughout the show. The song style is from the Big Band/Swing era, with some Chinese music mixed in, as well as Polish songs. The Kim Loo Sisters’ father is from China, and their mother is an immigrant from Poland. They got married at a time when some states had laws against interracial marriages. They both bring with them past traumas, and no doubt race discrimination and prejudices against them. Yet, they raised four amazing daughters who were tremendously talented and made a name for themselves. 

Suzie Juul, Audrey Mojica, Kelsey Angel Baehrens, Ann Michels, Morgan Kempton in Blended Harmony, Theater Mu and History Theatre production. Photo: Rich Ryan

The story of the Kim Loo Sisters is beautiful and endearing. It’s about sisters and the deep family bond. It’s about show business and the struggles to keep your identity and integrity in a cut-throat, money hungry world. It’s about history and how it is remembered and who gets to tell their story. The songs were absolutely gorgeous. A four-piece band is live on stage, under the direction of Elise Santa. Rush Benson did the wonderful choreography. I especially loved the fan dance, and they also had classic moves of performers of the times. Scenic Design by Mina Kinukawa that included a stage within a stage and dynamic lighting, by Mags Scanlon. Gorgeous costumes by Mathew J. LeFebvre.

Audrey Parker, Audrey Mojica, Morgan Kempton, Suzie Juul in Blended Harmony, Theater Mu and History Theatre production. Photo: Rich Ryan

You can see this gorgeous production of Blended 和 (Harmony): The Kim Loo Sisters at the History Theatre in St. Paul, MN through May 26, 2024. This is a co-production with Theater Mu. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Have you heard of the Kim Loo Sisters?