Kung Fu – Location, Tickets, Reviews
Kung Fu, the new play at Signature Theater by Tony-winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Chinglish) is the story of legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. From his childhood in Hong Kong and bumpy road to stardom in Los Angeles, Kung Fu traces Lee’s unlikely journey using traditional drama, Chinese opera, dance, and, of course, martial arts.
Maxamoo
As one of the most highly anticipated new plays of the season, we expected a lot going into Kung Fu, and it largely delivers. Director Leigh Silverman presents her most dazzling work to date, navigating the play’s pastiche of performing styles with ease. Like Bruce Lee’s own influences, Kung Fu employs elements of dance, martial arts, and Chinese opera in a hyperkinetic production. The hardworking performers nail each chop, kick, and dive with frightening precision (Sonya Tayeh’s choreography is as elegant as it is heart-rending). As an exercise of swagger and style, Kung Fu is remarkable visual storytelling.
We wish we could say the same about Hwang’s script. Though his signature heightened theatricality is in evidence in certain story threads (Lee’s relationship with his opera performer father is beautifully realized), Kung Fu is surprisingly by-the-numbers, plot-wise. Anyone familiar with Hollywood’s biopic formula might find Kung Fu a bit boring, unimaginative and, dare we say, commercial. This isn’t a cardinal sin, but those who love Hwang’s more expectation-defying work might be disappointed.
Luckily, Kung Fu is fun, fast, and a triumph of visual entertainment. It helps that Bruce Lee is played by newcomer, Cole Horibe (of So You Think You Can Dance fame). In addition to being an exquisite martial artist and dancer, Horibe has magnetic stage presence. There are plenty of reasons to make time for Kung Fu, Horibe is chief among them.
Public Opinion
Twitter, for its part, has been having a blast at Kung Fu:
@dramabookshop: The audience cheered at the end of David Henry Hwang’s wonderful KUNG FU @SignatureTheatr with the charismatic Cole Horibe as Bruce Lee.
@chhabs: “Loved @DavidHenryHwang‘s play #KungFu, Terrific staging, study of race, politics, #Hollywood https://www.youtube.com… #BruceLee @mallikadutt“
@HalleyFeiffer: KUNG FU at @SignatureTheatr is incredible. Modern day DEATH OF A SALESMAN with Bruce Lee as Willy Loman and a much happier ending. Loved.
Have you seen Kung Fu? What did you think? Comment below or tweet to us at @Maxamoo.
Critic’s Reviews
Reviews for Kung Fu have been mixed. While most critics praise Cole Horibe’s incredible physicality, just about everybody found Hwang’s script to be lacking.
New York Times
A Dragon Returns, This Time Onstage
New York Post
Bruce Lee bioplay ‘Kung Fu’ misses mark
Variety
Bruce Lee Bio-Drama ‘Kung Fu’
TheaterMania
David Henry Hwang’s new drama examines the early years of late martial-arts star Bruce Lee.
New York Magazine
This Kung Fu Lacks Kick
New York Theater
Bruce Lee’s Story Retold as a Fusical
TICKETS
$25.00 performances before March 18 (sold out)
$75.00 performances after March 18 (click here for tickets)
DATES
Extended through April 6, 2014
LOCATION
Signature Theatre
480 W 42nd Street
New York City
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RUNNING TIME
1 hour 50 minutes, 1 intermission
CAST & CREW
(partial list)
Written by David Henry Hwang
Directed by Leigh Silverman
Featuring Emmanuel Brown, Clifton Duncan, Bradley Fong, Cole Horibe, Francis Jue, Peter Kim, Ari Loeb, Reed Luplau, Kristen Faith Oei, Jon Rua, Phoebe Strole & Christopher Vo