“Kung Fu Zombies vs. Southeast Asian Girl Scouts”: A review
By Mollie Allen
Theater Mu’s world premiere of “Kung Fu Zombies vs. Southeast Asian Girl Scouts” is here at the Frey Theater! I had the pleasure of seeing it, and I loved every minute. From emotional moments to dynamic fight scenes, this show will have every audience member on the edge of their seats.
The majority of the show takes place in a safe haven known as Mount Airy—a home to a community of survivors after St. Paul residents were left to their own devices during a zombie apocalypse. Now it is up to them to protect and care for one another. Three teenage girls, Do-Si-Do (Hope Nordquist), Thin Mint (Mia Angelica Onia Guzman) and Samoa (Dexieng “Dae” Yang), take care of elders, restock supplies, make medical runs and teach the others important survival skills, while also battling their own grief for the lives they had before. This exceptionally moving piece is part of a trilogy by playwright Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay. This part of the trilogy was written recently in response to Operation Metro Surge, the massive deployment of ICE agents in Minnesota. In the playwright’s note, Vongsay says that her work “needed to insist that we belong and that our community will not back down without a fight.” Not only was this mission accomplished, but it was also done in a way that kept the audience engaged for the full 90 minutes.
This amazing cast, with wonderful direction from Fran De Leon and detailed fight choreography by Mason Tyer, does a fantastic job: they deliver hilarious one-liners while simultaneously telling a very deep, emotional story. The youth company was adorably talented, the ensemble was captivating, and Lia Rivamonte and Thomas Phetmeuangmay, whose roles as Mama and Mr. Kee, respectively, highlighted the importance of keeping tradition alive during times of adversity. Guzman brought a bubbly energy to the role of Thin Mint, delivering joy and laughter to lighten the mood. Nordquist and Yang both delivered genuine, open-hearted performances that brought me to tears. De Leon did a magnificent job directing, using moments of stillness to serve the story's deep emotional moments. As for Tyer, he choreographed high-energy, fast-paced fight scenes that had the audience holding our breath.
Additionally, the lighting, scenic and costume design flawlessly drew me in. The moment I walked into the black box, I was completely taken by the set and lighting. It immediately set the mood of the show, drawing me in before I even found my seat. In addition to the set and lighting, the costumes tied in beautifully with the setting of the play. The apocalyptic world was beautifully designed, drawing me deep into an alternate universe that didn’t feel entirely otherworldly.
The show is recommended for ages twelve and up, and contains adult language, flashing lights and atmospheric haze, along with depictions of violence, gore, blood, and zombies.
This is a can’t-miss show, with very important messages, and I encourage everyone to make their way to the Frey Theater to check it out. The show runs until Nov. 15, and tickets can be purchased through the link on Theater Mu’s website at theatermu.org.
