Jul 17 – Aug 23 | Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
Book by Sam Chanse
Music and Lyrics by MILCK (aka Connie K. Lim) and AG (aka Adrianne Gonzalez)
Conceived by MILCK and Jess McLeod
Story by Sam Chanse, MILCK and Jess McLeod
Directed by Jess McLeod
ABOUT THE FAMILY ALBUM
Singer-songwriter Mia Bing has been hustling for years and is on the cusp of breaking through in the music industry. Just as she receives the call that could change her career, she’s pulled back to her childhood home, where she’s once again the “disappointing” daughter of her Asian immigrant parents, still haunted by an unresolved secret. Mia must learn to use her voice to confront and heal from the past.
In 2017, MILCK and AG’s “Quiet” became a viral sensation around the world as an anthem of the Women’s March. That same spirit inspired them and acclaimed playwright Sam Chanse to draw on each of their personal stories to create The Family Album, a humorous and poignant original musical about finding and reclaiming your voice and using it for change.
Commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse, The Family Album features a soulful power-pop score by MILCK and two-time Tony Award nominee AG (The Lost Boys). Director Jess McLeod is known for work that blends emotional intimacy with expansive visual storytelling. This powerful, uplifting new musical is a journey through the healing power of connection. It will hit you right in the heart.
Book by Sam Chanse
Music and Lyrics by MILCK (aka Connie K. Lim) and AG (aka Adrianne Gonzalez)
Conceived by MILCK and Jess McLeod
Story by Sam Chanse, MILCK and Jess McLeod
Directed by Jess McLeod
ABOUT THE FAMILY ALBUM
Singer-songwriter Mia Bing has been hustling for years and is on the cusp of breaking through in the music industry. Just as she receives the call that could change her career, she’s pulled back to her childhood home, where she’s once again the “disappointing” daughter of her Asian immigrant parents, still haunted by an unresolved secret. Mia must learn to use her voice to confront and heal from the past.
In 2017, MILCK and AG’s “Quiet” became a viral sensation around the world as an anthem of the Women’s March. That same spirit inspired them and acclaimed playwright Sam Chanse to draw on each of their personal stories to create The Family Album, a humorous and poignant original musical about finding and reclaiming your voice and using it for change.
Commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse, The Family Album features a soulful power-pop score by MILCK and two-time Tony Award nominee AG (The Lost Boys). Director Jess McLeod is known for work that blends emotional intimacy with expansive visual storytelling. This powerful, uplifting new musical is a journey through the healing power of connection. It will hit you right in the heart.
Check out MILCK;s
"DOPAMINE LOTTERY" from THE FAMILY ALBUM | The Family Album (2026) | La Jolla Playhouse
Here’s My Experience Seeing the World Premiere of The Family Album
I had a chance to catch the 1 PM Sunday matinee during the final block of performances for The Family Album at the La Jolla Playhouse was an unforgettable privilege. Sitting in that audience, I watched a story unfold that felt like it was written directly from the pages of my own life, completely breaking me open in the best way possible. Knowing that the book is deeply rooted in the real-life healing journey of the artist MILCK gives the entire show an aching, beautiful authenticity. It handles generational fractures, cultural expectations, and the painful process of finding your own voice with an honesty that hits incredibly close to home.
The 90-minute show with no intermission flew by because it was so completely captivating, entertaining, and artistically off the charts. The music is the absolute heartbeat of this production. The moving and deeply engaging repertoire of songs—co-written by MILCK and AG—reaches right inside you. Behind the actors, the band included wonderful talent that seamlessly supported the storyline from beginning to end, creating an immersive wall of sound that amplified every emotional beat.
As for the stage, I already loved Aury Krebs in Brilliant Minds, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer magnitude of her talent live. Her performance as Mia is breathtakingly vulnerable, carrying the heavy burden of family duty alongside the fierce fire of an artist fighting to be heard.
She is lifted by an absolutely phenomenal supporting cast, with each member bringing a stellar professional background and profound nuance to their roles:
- Jodi Long as Sylvia: A legendary, veteran New York stage and screen actress (and Emmy winner), she gives a heartbreakingly real, beautifully layered performance as Mia's fiercely protective yet demanding mother.
- Paul Nakauchi as Henry: Renowned for his distinguished work on Broadway (such as The King and I) and extensive voice acting, he anchors the family as Mia's loving, supportive father, perfectly balancing the silent generational divide.
- Courtney Reed as Charlotte: Best known to audiences worldwide for originating the role of Princess Jasmine in Broadway's Aladdin, she is absolutely brilliant here, adding incredible vocal power and emotional depth to the family dynamic as Mia's sister.
- Marc delaCruz as Daniel: A historic Broadway talent (notably making history as the first Asian-American to play Alexander Hamilton on Broadway), he shines as the "golden boy" brother, grounding his scenes with genuine warmth and magnetic stage presence.
- Claire Kwon as Young Mia: A rising, incredibly talented young stage actress, she is spectacular in mirroring the lead’s emotional depth flawlessly, capturing the younger spirit of a future artist.
Together, they create a family dynamic so raw and believable that you forget you are watching a performance.
By the time the final notes of our matinee faded, the theater was filled with sniffles and tears, huge smiles and thunderous applause. Looking around the theater, I could only imagine the individual, unspoken stories sitting in those seats. I know I had a few of my own; it was rough not bursting into tears at a few moments! This production is a profoundly cathartic experience for anyone who has struggled to address past wounds and trauma; it is a show that stays with you long after it is over.
For me personally, the show reinforces a powerful truth: holding onto trauma and a painful past is not truly living. It offers a beautiful ray of hope, proving that when we stop pushing things down and finally confront them, we can step into our authentic selves.
To top off an already magical afternoon, we had the chance to meet the cast in the lobby afterwards. They were incredibly warm, engaging, and wonderfully approachable, taking the time to connect with us after pouring so much of their hearts into the performance. That beautiful interaction was the perfect exclamation point on an unforgettable day. I could easily see this production selling out packed houses in New York City and other major cities across the country.
This show confirms what I've always known: art is healing and art is life. We need shows like this more than ever, and my hope is that many more people get the chance to experience this powerful work. Bravo to years of hardwork and dedication to bring this beautiful and powerfully moving production to life! - Janeane
