'JUMP' Makes American TV Debut on CBS Early Show Oct.25

The high flying, internationally acclaimed cast of New York's newest stage hit, JUMP, will make their U.S. television debut on CBS' "The Early Show" this Thursday morning, October 25.  The cast will perform a routine from the acclaimed show live on the plaza during the 8AM hour. "The Early Show" airs nationally 7 - 9AM.

This first North American production of JUMP, the nonverbal Korean extravaganza of martial arts, acrobatics and slapstick, opened Off Broadway to rave reviews at the Union Square Theatre (100 East 17th Street) on Sunday, October 7, 2007. 

Created by Korea's renowned Yegam Inc. (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.

"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," describes press notes.

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).

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

JUMP is suitable for all ages. JUMP plays 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 available 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. www.jumpnewyorkcity.com