White Rooster

White Rooster is a world-premiere dark comedy written and directed by Matthew C. Yee, now playing at the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago. The theater has undergone a stunning transformation, revitalizing its interior and creating a more modern, inviting atmosphere for guests. As you step inside, you'll be pleasantly surprised by a fresh, contemporary design that enhances the overall look and feel, making it truly memorable.

Yee's dark-comedy production, White Rooster, is a unique theatrical experience that brings together elements of Chinese mythology, humor, and gothic folk-rock. The show embraces a whimsical and absurd tone, prioritizing laugh-out-loud moments and clever comedic situations over a deeply developed storyline. Yee's story centers on a young girl named Min, whose life takes a mysterious turn when she encounters a figure hidden in the attic of her family home. Min engages the figure in a memory game, where they tap sounds back and forth. In an unsuccessful attempt to coax its name, Mi begins to leave. Just as she decides to depart, a voice shouts out, "It's June!" The figure then hands Min a gift box to give to a boy named Pong. Min's mother is furious with her daughter for unleashing the spirit of June, a long-buried part of their family's past, and bans her from returning home. Min finds solace with Pong, who welcomes her into his own home and into his bed. However, before they could unite in marriage, Pong lost his life in an old Chinese gold mine. Pong was the provider of the home; therefore, upon his death, his family compelled Min to enter a traditional ghost marriage to allow Pong's soul to rest in peace and honor their love by marrying a white rooster, believed to be the vessel for Pong's spirit. Min is trapped in a relentless cycle of the undead, whose spirits need nourishment, a home, and a family; she must now become their main provider.

Yee drew inspiration from a startling family discovery—his great-grandfather was an orphan adopted as the "son" of two deceased children who were joined in a "ghost marriage." Matthew Yee's White Rooster is rooted in Chinese Mínghūn (冥婚) -GHOST MARRIAGE traditions, which have been chosen due to its association with Yang energy, protection, and because the bird is white (the color of mourning in Chinese culture) and "pure," it is believed to be a spiritual bridge between worlds. In traditional Chinese belief, death is not an end but a transition to a new existence, akin to moving to a different address. When one passes, their spirit becomes a ghost that enters the Underworld, a realm reflecting the living world. Here, spirits still require shelter, sustenance, and familial ties. This idea is summed up in the phrase, "Serve the dead as you would serve the living," suggesting that caring for the departed is crucial. However, neglecting these duties can be dangerous; an unmarried spirit may become spiritually unsettled, and in some traditions, such souls can transform into vengeful ghosts.

In the context of a premiere performance, the playwright faces a formidable challenge, particularly when the audience has no prior knowledge or context to rely on. The playwright must guide viewers through the play's events and central themes without confusing or losing them. Yee's ghost marriage storyline is incredibly captivating and thought-provoking, and possesses a unique ability to engage audiences independently without relying on outlandish comedic elements. Exploring this narrative, providing an in-depth historical tradition of the Chinese beliefs of restless spirits and ancient curses, would be more compelling and interesting than a hilarious ghosts and strange family members.

The production masterfully intertwines Lookingglass's distinctive puppetry, enriching the narrative with a captivating layer of historical intrigue. The cast includes Karen Aldridge, Sunnie Eraso, Elliot Esquivel, Mark L. Montgomery, Reilly Oh, Daniel Lee Smith, Louise Lamson, and Noelle Oh. The performances were captivating, with an exceptional performance by Elliot Esquivel as Fung/Wu, which held the audience's attention from start to finish. However, the storyline feels underdeveloped, leaving certain plot points and character arcs unclear. Boosting these elements and focusing more on the ghost marriage tradition can profoundly amplify the production's overall impact.

Matthew C. Yee's new musical, Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon, also premiered at Lookingglass Theatre Company. I love and admire his creativity and his exploration of providing insight into the Asian American experience, rejecting stereotypes, while educating audiences about his world through folklore with a modern musical twist. I appreciate the rawness of his creativity in his cinematic plays. Still, at times it feels a bit overwhelming, making it challenging to grasp the intended meaning and message. A more balanced approach could enhance the overall impact of his work.

⭐⭐1/2 STARS

Lookingglass Theatre

The World premiere of White Rooster by Popular demand

Written and directed by Ensemble member Matthew C. Yee

Playing now until April 26, 2026

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