Secret Warriors
by R.A. Shiomi
Directed by Lily Tung Crystal
March 29–April 19, 2025
"One of the most powerful productions in the company's 47-year history. Serving as a timely exploration of what defines American-ness, it's a captivating play that's not only enlightening in the tales it unveils, but is richly entertaining as well, thanks to the efforts of director Lily Tung Crystal, an excellent nine-person cast and an imaginative design team." - Pioneer Press
"The drama testifies to a faith in the nation's vibrant mosaic, showing threads that celebrate bravery even as the experiences of these "Warriors" attest to America's poignant, sometimes bittersweet beauty." - Star Tribune
"Dagoberg is electric, from the moment he comes on stage...subtly charismatic and that draws the audience into him even more." - Stages of MN
They are the warriors you don’t know. Inspired by the stories of the Japanese Americans who served as translators and interrogators for the U.S. Armed Forces, Secret Warriors features two men, Koji Kimura and Tamio Takahashi, who took extraordinary risks to save their fellow soldiers in the Pacific Theater during World War II. As the eyes and ears of General MacArthur, they saved countless Allied lives and shortened the war by two years. Discover their compelling personal journeys and heartfelt love stories set against the backdrop of the war and the incarceration of their families.
Photos: Minnesota Historical Society
Reviews are in!
- Secret Warriors...introduces us to a solid work of stagecraft (Talkin' Broadway, 4/9/25)
- Secret Warriors offers good introduction to hidden part of our history (Twin Cities Geek, 4/1/25)
- The cast is universally excellent (MN Theater Love, 4/1/25)
- Casting, staging and design work are all top-notch (Life in Revue, 4/1/25)
- When the history lesson is as well told as Secret Warriors, it's a pleasure to learn (Cherry and Spoon, 4/1/25)
- These heroic secret warriors helped America win a war even as they were treated as enemies (Star Tribune, 3/31/25)
- Secret Warriors a gripping take on a seldom told story (Pioneer Press, 3/30/25)
- Secret Warriors examines sacrifices, heroism of Japanese American in WWII (Stages of MN, 3/30/25)
Learn more about the show
- Secret Warriors sheds light on Japanese American involvement in WWII (MPR News, 4/3/25)
- Brings to light work of Japanese-American soldiers during WWII (MinnPost, 4/1/25)
- Critics' Pick (Star Tribune, 3/25/25)
- Untold stories of Japanese American soldiers (Backstage Pass with Lia Chang, 3/7/25)
- Secret Warriors premieres at History Theatre (BroadwayWorld, 3/12/25)
The Cast
Ticket pricing
For more information, visit Ticket Information.
- Adults/Seniors: $25-64
- Students: $15
- Balcony Seating: There are 15 steps to balcony seating. No elevator is available. If this is a concern for you or your party, please contact the box office at 651-292-4323.
Underwriter
The production is underwritten by Dr. Mary Anne Ebert and Paul Stembler.
Playbill
- Click here to view Secret Warriors playbill.