‘Cookin’ Nanta’ a different kind of Korean entertainment

FROM LEFT: Chang Kyoung Soo as Sexy Guy, Jeong Bo Ram as Hot Sauce, Ko Chang Hwan as Head Chef and Nam Dong Hoon as Nephew

This is not a Koreanovela.

“Cookin’ Nanta” is a nonverbal musical comedy about three Korean chefs tasked to whip up a wedding banquet with their knives, pans and chopping boards.

The one-and-a-half-hour show opens on Nov. 10 at the Solaire Resort and Casino’s The Theatre and will run until Nov. 15.

“The plot remains the same; we just added some twists and drama to the story so people can relate to it,” Ko Chang Hwan, who plays the timid Head Chef, said at a recent press conference. “It really depends on the demands of the audience where we are performing.”

“Cookin’ Nanta” features three experienced chefs—Head Chef, Sexy Guy and Hot Sauce—who are given less than a day to prepare an elaborate meal for an unplanned wedding. That’s already a major headache. Aside from this they also have to put up with their rowdy manager’s young nephew, who is learning how to cook.

The show uses kitchen objects to create beats and rhythms. The chefs’ traditional rhythmic skills, dumpling challenge (with audience participation), among other acrobatic stunts, will surely entertain the audience.

The show used to be shorter when they started in 1997, with running time of only 20 to 30 minutes. It continues to evolve, with new sounds and patterns added regularly, according to its organizers.

Relentless

“Nanta” (which means “to strike relentlessly” in Korean language) continues to attract and excite audiences around the world. It was staged on Broadway from 2003 to 2005. After gaining recognition for its Broadway performances and winning in a contest in France, the show then toured in more than 250 countries worldwide. It is “Cookin’ Nanta’s” first staging in Manila.

“We would be very happy if people who are going to watch the show would really enjoy it and they would feel happy about their life after watching the show,” said Jeong Bo Ram, who plays Hot Sauce.

Filipino audience will love this musical comedy since they love to sing and dance, according to Hwan. “You’ll surely get your money’s worth,” he added.

The people behind the show aim to “eliminate the language barrier among countries.” They believe that through the concept of a nonverbal musical, they would be able to inform other people about Korean culture and overcome cultural differences.

True enough, its worldwide success is proof that people around the globe appreciate and understand the message they want to convey through this show.

The cast went through difficult stages—from audition to rehearsals, before they were chosen for their roles. “We had to practice over and over again for six months or so,” Hwan said.

“We get almost all kinds of injuries,” he noted. “But that’s fine as long as we get good results after each performance.”

Tickets are priced at P600 to P4,500. “Cookin’ Nanta” is presented by Concertus Manila. For details, call 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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