Review: In 'Poor Yella Rednecks,' humor and pathos in the struggles of Vietnamese immigrants

COSTA MESA, Calif. - In "Vietgone," playwright Qui Nguyen tells the story of how his parents met after escaping the Vietnam War and landing in the same resettlement camp in Arkansas. It's a tale of traumatic displacement written and performed with unstoppable comic verve that sneakily brings the reality of the refugee experience vividly to life.

Nguyen picks up the story of his parents in "Poor Yella Rednecks," which is having its world premiere at South Coast Repertory, where "Vietgone" also had its start. Once again the talented May Adrales is directing, and once again dollops of vintage and contemporary pop culture are crucial ingredients in a playwriting brew that has the