LOS ANGELES, CA. NOVEMBER 4, 2009. Left to right. Esther Scott and Dennis Dun, were performing during a photo call of the stage play PO BOY TANGO, at the Union Center for the Arts on November 4, 2009. PO BOY TANGO is a heart-warming play where the issues of racism and death are addressed through the power of food. (Glenn Koenig/Los Angeles Times)
BITTER
Toward the end, a fierce argument concerning race finally erupts after an angry Gloria accuses Richie of disrespecting her, but the conflict seems forced. Likewise, although Mama’s narrative includes a single compelling incident, it’s mostly quotidian detail from which a clear portrait of the past fails to emerge.
Deborah Klugman – LA Weekly
SWEET
In Taiwanese, the common form of greeting is not, “How are you?,” but rather, “Have you eaten?” It is a question that acknowledges the appetite, in every sense, that drives all of us. “Po Boy Tango” pays sweet comic homage to both stomachs and hearts.
Charlotte Stoudt – LA Times
BITTERSWEET
Ultimately, I couldn’t help feeling that Po Boy Tango would make for a sensational ninety-minute one-act play, as painful it might be for the playwright to discard a big chunk of the first act. As is, I urge theatergoers not to give up on Richie and Gloria but to stick around for the emotional power that ignites when the lights go back up after intermission. These two flawed but deeply human individuals are well worth your patience.
Steven Stanley – StageSceneLA
BITTER
I love cooking and tango, but I didn’t love this show.
Jana J. Monji – LA Examiner
