The popular Ju Percussion Group from Taiwan will stage a children's musical, "The Candy Secret," at Shanghai Oriental Art Center.

The cast of the new Ju Percussion Group show "The Candy Secret" gets into gear for the new production. [Shanghai Daily]

Following the success of last summer's interactive percussion show "Bean Pod Babies' Saucy Suitcase," the popular Ju Percussion Group from Taiwan will stage another children's musical, "The Candy Secret," at Shanghai Oriental Art Center.

From August 21-23 for five performances, kids can enter the magical world of the candy house, and go on a spectacular adventure with the protagonists Baby Pod and her good friend Ching Ching.

The subject matter for the children's musical theater comes from Grimm's fairytale of "Hansel and Gretel." The "Candy House" is actually a trap made by the Black and White Witch to trick little children! Will the children think of a plan to escape or become dinner for the witches?

The show will combine its storytelling and strong musical theme with a high level of performance interaction, allowing the audience to be a part of the story's magical realm.

In addition, there will be a special performing stage that extends into the audience seating area. When Ching Ching and her friends are lost in the forest, the audience will actually be able to play the part of the dark forest. And when they scatter candy to mark the path, they will actually scatter candy into the "dark forest" of the audience.

The whole performance is accompanied by music, allowing the audience to experience a spectacular percussion adventure.

The musical accompaniment has a rapid beat, including moments of hilarity and excitement, as well as warm and touching segments, guiding the audience as they set out on the unforgettable journey to the candy house.

The play also encourages children to be brave little heroes. It will guide children as they ponder how to protect themselves and solve difficult problems when they run into danger. Aside from emphasizing the musical design, the show allows children to gain new knowledge from both the realms of reality and fantasy.

The Ju Percussion Group was founded in 1986 by Ju Tzong-ching, and combines theater, education and research to plant the seeds of percussion music deep into the heart of audiences.

According to Lin Peilan, the group's foundation director, it has started percussion classes in Shanghai combining instrument training, singing, dancing and acting.

"Kids usually have a keen sense of hearing," Lin says. "The interactive percussion experience will be a good way to give vent to their originality and energy, and become an important childhood memory for them."

Date: August 21-23, 7:15pm; August 22-23, 2pm
Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Rd
Tickets: 80-320 yuan
Tel: 021-6854-1234

(CRI July 24, 2009)