In 2012, Takei starred in the musical "Allegiance", which Takei described as his legacy project. The show is based on Takei's own experiences and research into the Japanese American internment of World War II and premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. "Allegiance" debuted on Broadway on November 8, 2015, to mixed reviews. "The Guardian" said it was "unexceptional though often affecting"; "Deadline" called it "a triumph of a rare sort, shedding light in a dark corner of our history with uncommon generosity of spirit." "The New York Times" praised the "well-intentioned and polished" play for tackling a difficult subject while trying at the same time to entertain its audience, but said "Allegiance" "struggles to balance both ambitions, and doesn't always find an equilibrium". The Associated Press said "Allegiance" tries to tackle internment camps, discrimination and war, "but does so unsuccessfully in a bombastic and generic Broadway musical". "Variety" wrote, "In their sincere efforts to 'humanize' their complex historical material, the creatives have oversimplified and reduced it to generic themes." "The Hollywood Reporter" said "the powerful sentiments involved are too often flattened by the pedestrian lyrics and unmemorable melodies of Jay Kuo's score". "USA Today" called "Allegiance" "as corny as Kansas in August and as obvious as Lady Gaga on a red carpet. But darned if it won't get a grip on your heartstrings."