Reviewed by: The University of Adelaide Website
Review by Scott Bradbrook | 07 March 2022

Phenomenal harmonies. Gripping story. Brilliant acting. You’ll find all these and more in Kira Yang’s “Not Your Average Asian Girl”. A former student of Adelaide University herself, Kira has scripted, produced, and directed a phenomenal show that is sure to wow audiences.

Beginning with act 1, Kira paints a vivid picture of what it was like growing up in an Asian household. The rules. The ideals. The music lessons! But more than that, audiences get a solid insight into the expectations placed upon children from a young age, and soon see how it works to shape the adults they become. Following this is act 2, where, as the title of the show suggests, viewers see just how much Kira is “Not Your Average Asian Girl”. It’s here that audiences begin to understand what it’s like coming out of your shell and auditioning for Music Theatre at Adelaide Uni. Breaking free from expectations certainly isn’t easy, and this comes through in the outstanding story.

Throughout the act, Kira and her cast, Sasha Simić, Sean Jackson, Darcy Mae & Jemmah Rattley, give audiences a tasteful comedy cabaret. Each cast member sings, acts, and dances their way into the hearts of audiences with precision and poise. Their harmonies are so on point that I could feel my body grooving along, sending goosebumps rippling up my arms. The show incorporates some very well-known musical numbers in it as well, showcasing the cast's outstanding abilities as entertainers and performers. Whether you’re a seasoned musical theatre fanatic or you’ve only heard someone mention “the sound of music” in passing, this show is sure to be a hit!

As a story of transformation and personal development, the core moral really shines through. It’s about finding your own voice and being yourself, regardless of what other people (including your family) have to say about it. The cabaret is sure to inspire all audiences, and you don’t need to be Asian to appreciate the show! Although it hits all the Asian stereotypes that many continue to endure, Kira’s brilliant storytelling skills allow people of all genders and ethnicities to enjoy the performance. Go and get your tickets now before the show is sold out because you will be kicking yourself if you miss their outstanding performance!