DAN'S PAPERS, June 20, 2008 Page 98 www.danshamptons.com
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By Susan Galardi
Jump is Great (gulp!) Family Entertainment Family entertainment. Now there’s an oxymoron. Usually when I see a show or film promoted that way, it makes me think that it’s probably too general for our 5-year-old, over his head, or both and that I will hate it. So I won’t describe Jump at the Union Square Theater as family entertainment. But I will say that my son, myself and his two middle-aged godfathers were totally engaged and laughed out loud at least a dozen times during the smart, funny, brilliantly performed 90-minute show. There are many things to applaud about Jump, starting with the actors – or shall I call them gymnasts? Comedians? Mimists? Martial artists? Acrobats? Yes. All of the above. An acting teacher once told me that you must love the character you’re portraying. These actors must have been in one big love-fest. There was no winking at the audience (except when it was a deliberate break of the fourth wall). They took their roles seriously – in a comedic way – and with Olympian gymnastic skill. The show is about a Korean family that experiences two dramatic events: a marriage proposal and attempted robbery. Strangely, both of these incidents are sufficient reason for the family to show off their martial arts skills with obviously fake swords, sticks, chukkas and enormous mallets. But the fun starts before the stage show begins. An “old man” ambled down the aisle and
coerces an able-bodied audience member to carry him on his back. Then he chose a woman to push him the last step onto the stage. The immediate audience participation sets the stage for a show where there is much give and take. Not that Jump needs to reach out and touch its audience. The show itself is (and I hate this word) awesome. The acrobatics are fantastic and, unlike seeing a circus act in an enormous space, the Union Square is a more intimate theatre so the audience is in close proximity to the actors. Very exciting. In addition to the martial arts and acrobatic displays, Jump opens the door to a variety of theatrical traditions. The old man, who returns throughout the show during scene/costume changes, evokes classic European clowns/mimes who communicate through physicality. There are nods to modern dance and even ballet, theatre of the ridiculous and Three-Stooges slapstick. The choreography is Rockette-precise. Jump came to New York from a highly successful run in London. This is a wonderful theatrical event for kids and adults – all right, I’ll say it – for the whole damn family. If you’re in the city on a muggy night or weekend, and you’re looking for an engaging, joyous live theatre experience to share with your children – jump in. Jump is performed at the Union Square Theatre at 100 East 17 Street, Wednesday through Sunday, matinees and evenings. Ticketmaster.com; or 212-307-4100.
y l F e t i K
The 36th Annual August 17th Sagaponack @ Sagg Main Beach Fun for children, adults and families Live entertainment by Jim Turner Clowns, caricatures, magicians and more!
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