‘Songs of Harmony’: Cross-Cultural Comedy

The songs in “Songs of Harmony” are members of a Chinese-American family divided between Old World parents and three very New World daughters. Karen Huie’s comedy at the East-West Players, the company’s Silver Anniversary production, has an inordinately weak first act but gathers momentum thereafter and ends on a mirthful note.

The production’s singular, unqualified achievement is actress Cici Lau as the old-fashioned Chinese wife Mrs. Song. In Huie’s characterization and Lau’s beguiling, fractured performance style (under Heidi Helen Davis’ direction), the mother is a movable feast. Her lovable character literally redeems and salvages what would otherwise be an ordinary cross-cultural play that East-West has done a hundred times.

The daughters suggest characters in a sitcom, and the father’s role is skimpy. But Francois Chau’s Hong Kong-born, London-educated visitor is a strong character and encapsulates the best of the East and the West.

Rae Creevey’s set and lighting are solid accompaniment.

At 4424 Santa Monica Blvd., Thursdays through Saturdays,8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., through Nov. 25. $12-$25. (213) 660-0366.