Musical Entertains, Educates Children
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
The idea of dental hygiene as a theme for a musical may not sound very appealing to adults, but it makes perfect sense when it is geared for children. Teaching children about the importance of brushing one's teeth ― and the problems that candy, chocolates and other sweet treats can cause ― through a musical filled with fun song-and-dance numbers seems to make sense.
Now showing at Sangmyung Arts Hall in Daehangno through Jan. 27, Theatre Seoul's original musical ``Teeth'' hopes to entertain children and teach them the importance of brushing one's teeth.
``Teeth'' follows the story of Prince David who has to rescue a beautiful princess from a monster in the forest. Unlike fairy tales where the Prince is charming and handsome, Prince David is a somewhat bumbling fellow who loves to eat candy but does not brush his teeth. Canadian actor Bradly Curtin, who appeared in the EBS children's show ``Boom Boom Musicland,'' plays the role of the clueless Prince.
When Prince David finally rescues the Princess (played by Canadian actress Amanda Roveda), she takes one look at his bad teeth and rejects him. She uses magic to go inside his mouth to show Prince David how disgusting his teeth are, but the Princess is kidnapped by the evil Cavities.
Prince David has to learn how to brush his teeth properly, and how to eat the right vegetables to make his teeth stronger. When the cast performed a song called ``How to Brush,'' the children in the audience clapped to the beat and enjoyed watching the funny dance steps by actors Arthur Johansen and Molly Berg.
It isn't easy making dental hygiene a fun topic, but somehow ``Teeth'' works. The actors seemed to connect well with the children in the audience. Judging from the reaction, the show does a good job of entertaining and educating the children. All the songs and dialogue are in English, but it can be enjoyed even by youngsters with only a basic knowledge of English.
Director and playwright Margaret Whittum said it was an enjoyable experience to write a musical for children. She had previously written, directed and produced an original show ``Love the Radio Edit'' for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2006.
``This is my first time writing a children's show. It was fun to incorporate stuff for kids in the show. There's a lot of audience participation, so kids can talk to the actors and interact during the show,'' she told The Korea Times
The actors and actresses go into the audience, give Hi-fives to the children, and talk directly to them. At first some children looked uncomfortable, but as the show continued, the children warmed up and actively participated in an on-stage game.
Whittum, who graduated from Colorado College with a degree in drama, didn't seem to have much trouble writing about the importance of dental hygiene. ``It's a good thing to teach kids about it. It's a good storyline. The actors speak clearly, and the dialogue is very simple so that Korean kids can watch the show, even if their English level is pretty low. They can understand it and what the evil cavities are, and how to brush their teeth,'' she said.
Since the musical is written in English, ``Teeth,'' mainly attracts Korean families with children. Whittum said this is the first Theatre Seoul production that used foreign actors, since the theater group usually uses Korean child actors.
Formed in 1995, Theatre Seoul is Korea's largest English musical theater group, with around 100 members, ranging from kindergarteners to high school students. The group helps children learn English through acting. They have brought their production of ``Choon-hyang True Love,'' to New York, Shanghai, Edinburgh and throughout Korea. The children will stage ``The Little Prince'' from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3 at the Sangmyung Arts Hall.
``Teeth" runs through Jan. 27, but Whittum said there are plans to re-stage it in April or May.
There are two shows on weekdays 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., weekends 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. To get to Sangmyung Art Hall, get off at Hyehwa Station (Line 4, exit 1) and turn right. Walk around 50 meters and you'll find the arts center. Tickets are 30,000 won. Call (02) 747-0035 or visit www.smusical.com or ticket.interpark.com.