Performance Review: Jump Comic Martial Arts Performance

Date: 15 November 11 
Time: 7:30pm
Location: IBK Seoul Jump Theatre
Kaki: JoC, SY
Rating: 3.5 stars
Language: Korean


Synopsis:
This musical tells about an eccentric family who brags about their amazing martial art skills. The story begins with a man who’s in love with the daughter of this family and visits their home in which the lady’s grandfather, father, mother and uncle, all live together and are all masters of martial arts. Since her grandfather loves to practice martial arts with all the family members every day, the man has no choice but to join them. 

However, contrary to his weak appearance, he discovers that he is actually good at martial arts and the daughter begins to fall in love with him. One day, two thieves break into their house, but there is nothing for them to steal. All they could do is just run away before they get caught.


Review: 
So... the show is good as generally, I love comedy and for them to mix kungfu (aka, taekwondo, gymnastics, acrobatics, wushu, etc) into the whole performance just meant to me, somebody took time out to think it through, wrote a great screenplay, and which resulted in a performance that is hugely entertaining. 

It gets 3.5 stars for being entertaining, 2-stars for props (although I know, one doesn't watch such shows for props, haha, but you know, I was a backstage helper before and I did spend an entire vacation building up props... there were times when I worried for their safety as the props looked unstable, or weak in structure. Especially while they were doing their stunts on some unstable looking sofa/table... 

However, ultimately, gave it 3.5-stars just cuz the entertainment value is really high, and they must have thought about tourists dollars, or maybe they figured the kungfu sort of performer would not do soliloquy very well, and it's best to let the "body" do the talking... :) Which is the smartest move. Of course, it's not like you will feel very inspired or think deeply after the show. It's a light-hearted, feel good type of performance where you are impressed with all acrobatic these performers are. It's not Shakespeare, and it's not meant to be. :) 

Well worth the ticket price, and it's a fun way to end the evening in Seoul if you are visiting.. remember to book your tickets in advance to get good seats (there's an english website and they accept international credit cards) as I think it's pretty popular with the tour groups...