SF Playhouse’s ‘Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play’ Is Unique, Quick-Paced, Fun-Loving
by Darlene Jurow
San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street, SF) rings in 2025 with the Northern California Premiere of Keiko Green’s ‘Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play’, currently performing through March 8, 2025. This unique, imaginative, and most enjoyable play is set in 1999 as Japanese American high schooler Ami (Ana Ming Bostwick-Singer) is trying to fit in with her American peers. However, she is devastated to discover that her family helped create MSG, the supposedly addictive and dangerous ingredient that’s gained infamy. However, when a mysteriously cool new girl arrives at school, Ami vows to find the truth and save the world from MSG!
This quick-paced production, which at times is wildly humorous, focuses on ‘90s pop culture influences while at the same time offering a time-traveling adventure in what could be interpreted as a riotous romp through teenage crushes, family legacies, and emotional turmoil.
The cast of ‘Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play’ is hardworking and very talented, led by Ana Ming Bostwick-Singer, making her Playhouse debut as Ami. Francesca Fernandez also makes her Playhouse debut, playing Exotic Deadly, the rebellious and cool new girl. As with Bostwick-Singer and Fernandez, James Aaron Oh, who plays Ami’s grandfather Ojichan and Ami’s brother Kenji among others, also makes his Playhouse debut. Kudos also go out to Nicole Tung, Phil Wong, and Edric Young.
The creative team is superb, led by director and choreographer Jesca Prudencio. Throughout the performance there are numerous wardrobe changes, and, although there are minimal sets, the choreography is very “comic book” like.
For tickets or more information please visit sfplayhouse.org or phone (415) 677-9596.
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Photo caption: Ami (center - Ana Ming Bostwick-Singer) dazzles as she performs at the talent show with back up from her classmates (l to r: Phil Wong, Francesca Fernandez, James Aaron Oh, and Edric Young) in San Francisco Playhouse's "Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play," currently performing through March 8. (Photo Credit: Jessica Palopoli)