Fun Freetime - Cookin' (Children's Theatre Company MN)

Cookin’ (also known as Nanta 난타), the international smash-hit sensation from South Korea, will be playing at CTC in the fall of 2023. The Minneapolis premiere engagement of Cookin’ at CTC is the production’s only Midwest stop in 2023-2024 touring season.

With a crazy deadline looming near, four frenzied chefs turn their kitchen into a dynamic, veggies-flying-everywhere performance as Korean samulnori drumming and martial arts take center stage. During this wildly energetic cooking competition, the chefs put on a masterful display of percussive food chopping, knife throwing, pot banging, and fire-blowing wizardry that will make you laugh, scream in delight, and even beg for a chance to sample their food. Get ready to stomp your feet and clap your hands for a show that’s truly Cookin’! 
 

Cookin' is the longest-running show in South Korea’s history (over 1.48 million people have attended performances), and has performed in more than 60 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
 

I had a chance to learn more in these interviews.

Seung-Whan Song, Producer & Artistic Director

Can you share a little bit about your role with this production of Cookin'?

As an artistic director and producer of Cookin', my initial work started with gathering the creative team for the production. These days, since Cookin' has now been running for 26 years, my work is more focused on auditioning the new actors and leading the rehearsals for new overseas productions.

What are the challenges of adapting the show for different performance venues?

It is always challenging to have the show ready in such a limited time in a new space with new staff, but I believe we've been doing well in every circumstance and will always be at our best wherever we go.

I know it's probably impossible to pick a favorite, but what is one element of this production that you particularly enjoy?

There is a scene we call the 'Chopping Board' Scene. It is my favorite part of the show because the sound of the chopping board reminds me of a childhood memory followed by delicious food.

 

What is something that the audience should definitely be looking for during the performance?

You'll see and hear all kinds of rhythms and beats, but don't miss out on the comical acting of the actors.

 

 

Young Eun Park, Production Supervisor

 

Can you share a little bit about your role with this production of Cookin'?

As a production supervisor, my work range is vast, from negotiating the presentation agreement terms to making itineraries for the company. And for the particular productions that require English, like the production with CTC, my work would include translating and interpreting all communication between Korean and American staff.

 

What are the challenges of adapting the show for different performance venues?

All venues have different policies for running a show and different technical aspects. Adapting the show following various rules can be challenging, but each challenge accumulates and becomes a significant asset to the production.

I know it's probably impossible to pick a favorite, but what is one element of this production that you particularly enjoy?

I enjoy seeing the audience laughing and clapping with the show, regardless of age or nationality. The most significant difference Cookin' has from other shows is that everyone can enjoy it together.

What is something that the audience should definitely be looking for during the performance?

They should look for the magic tricks behind the chopping sequence, especially for the head chef's onion.

 

Cookin’ will play from September 12-October 22, 2023 at CTC’s UnitedHealth Group Stage (2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55404). Opening Night is Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 7:00pm. Tickets may be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/cookin or by calling the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15.  

 

Cookin’ is proudly sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

Ticket Information

 

Tickets to Cookin’ may be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/cookin or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15.  

 

School groups interested in attending Cookin’ can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.

 

Cookin’ has a run time of 90 minutes with no intermission.

 

This production is best enjoyed by all ages. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger.