Mariko Kanto is hilariously terrific as Paris Hilton-obsessed and overly Americanized Jessie.

...Jessie (Mariko Kanto), a Chinese Paris Hilton who brings a comical relief whenever the musical starts to feel too heavy (she is particularly helpful in the second act when the plot takes a devastatingly serious turn). Her comic timing and high-pitched squeal literally shifts the mood.

Mariko Kanto is absolutely hysterical as this fully westernized Paris Hilton wannabe.

...about to marry long-time sweetheart Jessie, in which role Mariko Kanto gives a hilarious turn as a giddy pop-culture slave who's lasso'd awkward Vincent into opening a luxe dog boutique.

Vincent's girlfriend Jessie (Mariko Kanto) looks like she might be a shallow opportunist early on, but in the beautifully-written "No You Know Me," - my personal favorite of the evening - her tender side shines through.