Pop + Culture + Monday: Larry, The Musical

This past week we went to the opening preview show of a new musical, Larry, at the Brava Theater in San Francisco. Larry is about Filipino American labor leader, Larry Itliong. Quick disclaimer: we have given some of our money to support this project and we know many of the folks who are connected to it.

That said, our family is pretty into musicals, so we were a little worried that this would be a complicated story to tell. Putting together a show like Larry means you have to provide enough background to a larger culture that probably doesn't know much about Filipino Americans, while maintaining all the nuance that honors the genuine experience of the community, in order to provide enough context for folks to appreciate the power of this particular story. A huge ask, but the crew behind Larry somehow pulls it off. There was a lot of information in the first act that set up a second act that was simply stunning.

So, at the end of the day, they do a fantastic job.

It will be interesting to see how folks who are completely new to Filipino American history are drawn into this universal story: one of sacrifice, love, community, and justice.

If you have never been to a preview, these are shows done in order to tighten, change, shift, and get ready for the real deal, which we will see in two weeks. And despite some sound glitches, to a performer the talent was a legit with many stinky face, ooh vocal moments. A full Filipino American cast, this does nothing to dispel the stereotype that all Filipinos can sing. Thanks a lot.

If you are musical theater nerds like us get on the Larry train early. The hope is that this show will pick up support and make its way to Broadway. So if you have producer level money or influence, please bring it. If you don't, get your tickets now through April 14th, follow Larry, the musical on the gram, support the show, support the movement, support the process . . . and let's get Larry to Broadway.

More on Instagram: Reel | Photos