Complete Casting Set for Korean Martial Arts Comedy 'Jump'

The complete cast has been announced for Jump, the high flying, internationally acclaimed new martial arts theater event, which will have its New York premiere this fall, it was announced by the show's producers, CAMI Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of Columbia Artists Management, Inc (CAMI).  This first U.S. production of the nonverbal Korean extravaganza of martial arts, acrobatics and slapstick will begin previews at the Union Square Theatre (100 East 17th Street) on Tuesday, September 25, with an official opening night set for Sunday, October 7, 2007 at 7 p.m.

Because of the incredible physicality required in Jump, multiple actors are available to bring each member of this eccentric family to life.  These virtuosic performers are: Sang-Cheul Lee and Chang-Young Kim (Grandfather), Cheol-Ho Lim and Joo-Sun Kim (Father), Hyun-Ju Kim and Kyung-Hyun Kim (Mother), Han-Chang Lim and Young-Jo Choi (Uncle), Hee-Jeong Hwang and Kyung-Ae Hong (Daughter), Byung-Eun Yoo and Dong-Kyun Kim (Son-in-law), Yun-Gab Hong (Burglar 1), Seung-Youl Lee and Tae-Sung Kim (Burglar 2) and Woon-Yong Lee (Old Man).

Jump "brings the combination of slapstick comedy, acrobatics and martial arts to the stage, for the first time ever in live performance, in this highly unique theater spectacle that has been described as 'Jackie Chan meets Charlie Chaplin.' Set in the interior of a traditional Korean home, the show tells the story of an anything-but-typical family.  Each member of the household, from the strict Grandfather to the pretty young daughter, enjoys nothing more than challenging the rest of the family to martial arts showdowns. When two burglars break into the house occupied by three generations of highly trained martial artists, the family turns their expertise on the unexpected guests. The hyperactive sitcom that ensues is the ideal forum for this troupe to show off their extensive training in martial arts, acrobatics, gymnastics and comic acting," state press notes.

Created by Korea's renowned YEGAM Theatre Company (Producer, Kyung-Hun Kim/Artistic Director, Chul-Ki Choi), JUMP premiered at the Woolim Theater of Seoul in 2003, and has since become a megahit.  The show comes to New York following wildly successful engagements in Israel, Hong Kong, Macao, Malaysia, Madrid, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2005 and 2006), Tokyo, Osaka and London (with a repeat engagement at the prestigious Peacock Theatre and a special appearance on Queen Elizabeth's Royal Variety Show). The production is currently enjoying an open run of sold-out shows in Seoul, Korea.  Engagements are also set to commence in Russia, China, Malaysia and Australia.

The design team for the New York production includes Chul-Ki Choi (director), Tae-Young Kim (scenic design), DOLSILNAI, INC. (costumes), Sung-Bin Lim (lighting), Dong-June Lee (music), Gye-Hwan Park (martial arts choreography) and Pan Company (make-up design). 

Jump will play the following performance schedule: Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets ($20 to $65) are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (212) 307-4100.   Group sales (10 or more) can be arranged by contacting Theatre Direct at 1-800-BROADWAY. The show is suitable for all ages.

Visit www.jumpnewyorkcity.com for more information.