Cookin’ is a delightful journey that combines elements of Korean culture, cuisine, and entertainment to create an engaging experience for audiences of all ages. As South Korea’s longest-running show in history, Cookin’ has been attended by over 1.48 million people in over 60 countries worldwide. From its own theater in Thailand to a year-long run in New York City, Cookin’ is now making Minnesota it’s only Midwest stop this year!
Featuring Ho Yeoul Sul, Changhwan Ko, Min Goo Jung, Hyejin Song, and Jung Hwan Hyun, Cookin’ tells the story of 4 chefs as they whip up a variety of dishes for an upcoming wedding while racing the clock to beat their 6 pm deadline. Ho Yeoul Sul is the restaurant manager and embodies everything you dislike about your boss while simultaneously being hilarious. The antics really take off after the manager brings his nephew into the kitchen and promotes him to chef while demoting one of the true chefs to bus boy!
Although almost entirely without dialogue, Cookin’ never fails to keep the audience engaged. The entire cast’s energy and charm shine through as they turn every pot, pan, and utensil into an instrument throughout the 90-minute performance. There are magic tricks and dance routines, juggling, and fancy knifework that sends cabbage soaring. Balls and garbage bags fly into the crowd throughout the show, and at one point, a chef even gets stuck in a trash can!
Our favorite part of the night was when audience members were pulled up on stage to help prepare the dishes. Divided into two teams, they raced to make the food and stack ten dishes without them toppling over. The audience was simultaneously in stitches and cheering along as they watched their former seatmates struggle to keep up.
Cookin’ is hilarious, funny, entertaining, and delightful. The entire audience was on their feet at the end of the show, hoping for an encore to be cooked up. Cookin’s unique blend of cooking, comedy, and performance makes it a must-see show this fall!
Cookin’ runs from September 12-October 22, 2023. For more information visit: childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/cookin
Nicole is the mom to two young children. Together they are embarking on adventures and discovering the wonders of Minnesota. You can follow along on Instagram @mnbucketlistmom
