The inspiration for the hit Netflix series of the same name, Ins Choi’s award-winning comedy, introduces us to the Kims, a Korean immigrant family whose foibles belie serious tensions between assimilated daughter Janet and her parents. Located in Toronto’s rapidly gentrifying Regent's Park, Appa has been offered a lucrative buy-out for his store. With Janet more invested in her photography career and his son Jung long-estranged, it may be his only option. Choi leavens the clash of old ways and new opportunities with a heavy dose of humor as Appa, Umma, Jung, and Janet attempt to heal old wounds.
“The biggest single laugh I’ve had in a theatre in ages." - National Post of Canada
“Appa’s sacrifices… seem like something quite real, not just a comic premise. The actors were crying. I cried, too.” - The New York Times
By Ins Choi
Directed by Aria Velz
Due to the layout of the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, late seating is at the discretion of the House Manager. Those exiting the theatre during the performance will not be re-admitted while the performance is in progress.
Community Engagement Events
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Panel Discussion - The Legacy of Local Korean American Entrepreneurship in Community and Culture
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre LabJoin us for a special panel discussion exploring the profound impact of Korean American entrepreneurship on the cultural and economic landscape of the United States. This conversation will focus on the essential role of convenience stores and grocery markets as cornerstones of immigrant resilience, innovation, and community-building.
Panelists: Sojin Kim, curator at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage; Tae Strain, former Executive Chef of Momofuku CCDC and founder of ggoma supper club; Grace Dahye Kwon, University of Maryland, Department of American Studies -
Story time at the Olney Public Library
June 22 at 3:30 pm
Free!
Storyteller: Youri Kim, Teaching Artist and Assistant Director for Kim’s Convenience -
On Stage Tours: Kim's Convenience
Tour #1: Sunday, July 6
Tour # 2 Sunday, July 20
Following the 1:30 pm performance
Location: Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab
Cost: $10Join Kirsten Parker, Production Manager, as she guides patrons through the Kim’s Convenience stage, offering an on stage look at the beloved "store." Guests will have the rare opportunity to walk through the set and experience the joy of theatre-making in an intimate, hands-on way. RSVP early; this event tends to sell out fast!
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Book Club: Crying in H Mart
Tuesday, July 8, 2024, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Olney Library
RSVP to attend the discussion."Crying in H Mart" is a memoir by Michelle Zauner that explores her complex relationship with her mother, Chongmi, particularly through the lens of food and her Korean heritage, following Chongmi's death from cancer when Zauner was 25. The memoir delves into Zauner's grief, identity, and the interconnectedness of food, family, and cultural memory. It also examines Zauner's experiences growing up in America as a Korean-American, navigating cultural expectations, and grappling with feelings of belonging.
Where can I find the book?
You can purchase a copy through Friends of the Library. A substantial portion of each sale benefits Friends of the Library Montgomery County in support of Montgomery County Public Libraries.
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Konvenience Festival - Korean Cultural Celebration
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Outside the Mulitz-Gudelsky Lab TheatreIn celebration of the hit play Kim’s Convenience, we invite you to join us for Konvenience Festival—an afternoon honoring Korean culture, community, and creativity!
From 4 to 7 PM, the space outside the Lab Theatre will come alive with Korean American vendors, delicious food, and interactive cultural demonstrations showcasing both traditional and contemporary Korean experiences.
Then, wrap up the day with a high-energy K-Pop dance party, featuring a DJ Oh.Hi, spinning your favorite tracks!
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Post Show Discussion: Mapping Korean American History in DC
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre LabFree with tickets to the show or $10
Join us for a conversation about the recently published First AAPI Historical Context Statement for the city of DC with the team who researched and wrote the Korean American section. The presentation will focus on the impact that Korean Americans have made to the DMV area through foodways, sports and ethnic entrepreneurship.
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