The stage at The Huntington’s home in the Calderwood Pavilion has been transformed into a convenience store. Amid packs of gum, bottles of Gatorade and daily essentials, a heartfelt family comedy unfolds in “Kim’s Convenience.”

Mr. Kim (Appa) and his wife Mrs. Kim (Umma) run a corner store in Canada in this 90-minute production written by Ins Choi, who also performs in the show. During his day Mr. Kim restocks the shelves, greets neighbors, apprehends shoplifters and drinks several heavily sugared cups of coffee.

He also attempts to train his daughter, Janet, to take over the shop when he retires. She wants nothing to do with it. Mr. Kim is estranged from his son, Jung, and frets over his legacy if the store is simply sold rather than being passed down.

When the production debuted in 2011, Choi played Jung. Now, in a true example of the evolution of family, he plays Mr. Kim.

“Having originated the role of Jung (the son) almost 15 years ago, I’m grateful to now be playing the role of Appa (the dad) in this play,” said Choi. “My kids have been preparing me for this their whole lives.”

He’s not kidding. Choi has perfected the tired shuffle and grumpy grunts of a dad. He performs alongside Esther Chung as Umma, Ryan Jinn as Jung, Kelly J. Seo as Janet and Brandon McKnight expertly morphing into multiple roles as customers, a realtor and a family friend.

There are several amusing cultural exchanges between McKnight’s characters and Mr. Kim. In one scene McKnight plays a Jamaican customer speaking English with a heavy accent who can’t understand Mr. Kim, also speaking English with a heavy accent. Mr. Kim can’t understand him either and they go around in a “Who’s on First?” style exchange.

Choi’s play was the original “Kim’s Convenience” story. It was adapted into a television show that ran from 2016 to 2021. The television show is now available on Netflix.

Directed by Weyni Mengesha, the North American tour is produced by Adam Blanshay Productions and Soulpepper Theatre Company, Canada’s leading artist-driven theater company, in association with American Conservatory Theater.

“Kim’s Convenience” runs at The Huntington through Nov. 30. In tandem with this production and the upcoming show “Fun Home,” The Huntington is collecting canned and nonperishable goods to donate to Haley House through Dec. 19.

Though the show wraps quite quickly, it’s a hilarious and beautiful rumination on love, family and second chances.

Choi calls the show “my love letter to my Appa and Umma, and to all first-generation immigrants who end up making a foreign land home.”

ON THE WEB

Learn more at huntingtontheatre.org/whats-on/kims-convenience