what the critics are saying . . . .
"A winning performance. Hilarious, touching, funny."
-- F. Kathleen Foley, Los Angeles Times
"Ragingly funny, riveting. Hilarious and irreverent,
yet deeply touching."
-- Julio Martinez, Variety
"Byron Yee has honed his Paper Son into one of the best commentaries on North American "ethnic identity" I've ever experienced. Drawing on his background as a stand-up comic, he transforms serious and personal issues of cultural alienation and ethnic stereotyping into universal touchstones. A self-proclaimed "white guy in ethnic drag," Yee explores his father's history as a Chinese immigrant not as means to define the experience of American-born Chinese, but to further understand himself. Not only does he succeed in the task, but he also eloquently taps into everyone's search for the same thing. ***** (FIVE STARS)." -- Jay Smith, Vue Weekly
One of two shows awarded five stars by Vue at the 2003 Edmonton Fringe |
*winner - best of the san francisco fringe
*bay area theatre critics nomination - best original script
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"The show is an emotional experience that gently blossoms and transcends one family and one ethnicity to become a stirring universal tale." -- Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times |
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"Byron Yee calls himself a stand-up comic, but that description doesn't do the San Franciscan justice. Only a consummate story teller could have put together Paper Son to make a unique and moving tale out of an experience common to millions of first generation North Americans." -- Susan Walker, Toronto Star |
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"It can be an electrifying combination, polish and an open heart on the stage. This absolutely riveting one-man show by San Francisco's Byron Yee boasts plenty of both and the result is a wonderfully moving experience leavened by laughter. ***** (Five Stars)" -- Richard Helm, Edmonton Journal |
| "Paper Son is one man's personal odyssey in search of his heritage. And yet it is the story of us all and in telling it Yee touches something universal. ***** (Five Stars)" -- Colin Maclean, Edmonton Sun |
| "Both artfully constructed and as poignant as it is funny." -- Robert Hurwitt, San Francisco Examiner |
| "A lovely, thought provoking, and at times very funny show." -- John Coulbourn, Toronto Sun |
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"Deftly told and smartly tailored for the stage." -- Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle |
"Intelligent and brimming with humanity. One of the best plays of the Victoria Fringe Festival." -- Adrian Chamberlain, Victoria Times-Colonist |
"Witty and urbane, this has moments that are amusing, sad, and provocative." -- Dan Rider, The Scotsman |