The set of the San Francisco Playhouse's production of “My Home on the Moon” captures audience members from the moment they take their seats. A steam pot simmers on a stovetop in the middle of a green-tiled kitchen. The walls are decorated with photos of mountain landscapes and food recipes, while the scent of pho wafts through the air, transporting viewers outside the theater and into their favorite Vietnamese establishment.
Running from January 25 to February 24, “My Home on the Moon” follows Lan — the owner of Vietnamese restaurant Pho Lan — and her chef Mai as they deal with the gentrification of their neighborhood and the resulting lack of customers. Struggling to keep the restaurant afloat, Lan applies for a small business grant in hopes of keeping her dream and her late sister's dream alive. Upon receiving the grant from Novus Corp, mysterious consultant Vera arrives to change the workflow, ultimately blurring the line between transformation and reality. “My House on the Moon” explores themes such as finding hope in tragedy, artificial intelligence, displacement and loss, and tells a poignant story about keeping culture alive.
The stunning design by Tania Orellana is a breathtaking masterpiece. The basic set mimics a restaurant, and is so realistic that it could have been taken straight from the streets of San Francisco. Using subtle details like colorful tassels tied to a fan and an embroidered curtain in place of a door, the collection exudes familiarity as it radiates the feel of an authentic Asian restaurant. The space is filled with different bottles, plants and pots, making it appear alive and making the whole set look more realistic.
Delving into topics like artificial intelligence and the metaverse, technology plays a large role in the visuals. Screens surround the set and are built into the restaurant's ceiling panels, allowing graphics to seamlessly integrate into the production beyond the confines of the stage.
Each actor deftly plays their role with bold choices that lead to moments of drama and hilarity. Sharon Omi (Lane) plays her character's sweet, optimistic nature with ease. Her warmth was comically contrasted with the often grumpy and opinionated May (played by Jenny Nguyen Nelson). The duo's dynamic shines most brightly in scenes involving Renabeth Apostol (Vera), who plays herself with a discordant, yet lively, robotic tone. With very distinct personalities, the three form an entertaining relationship, impressing the audience with their attractive chemistry.
Will Dao (Beau, Food Critic, Lion Dancer, Chef 2) and Erin Mei-Ling Stuart (Gigi, Camera Person, Lion Dancer, Chef 1) play multiple roles and bring undeniable life to each character. Dao takes on a larger-than-life persona as the loud-mouthed, eccentric food critic, but then effortlessly transforms into a caring, concerned friend when playing Beau. Stewart commands the leadership of a powerful CEO — a level of confidence evident in her unwavering confidence in Novus Corp.'s success in its AI endeavors — but she also seamlessly portrays the role of a mindless underling when she plays a food critic's camera person. Each actor embodies their role so vividly that it's easy to forget that each role is played by the same person.
His interaction was one of the most endearing aspects of the show. Members of the public are customers when Lan and Mai work in the restaurant. Later, they become viewers of the company's presentation as Gigi conducts a data test summary demonstrating its technological success. The food is cooked directly on stage, making the restaurant feel energetic and creating an olfactory experience for the audience that transports them from the stage to Fu Lan. Watching actors eat real food – rather than using props – keeps the illusion alive, and turns the world on stage real.
“My Home on the Moon” combines the unexpected pairing of pho and artificial intelligence to tell a beautiful story that raises questions about the effects of technology and artificial intelligence on the lives of working-class families. No matter how hungry viewers are when they walk in, this show is bound to leave the audience chanting the catchy tagline “Are you hungry?” Yes, Chef!” by Curtain Call.
