Playing at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People till May 8th is Hongbu and Nolbu: The Tale of the Magic Pumpkins.

It could've turned out to be a very heavy handed kids play with doses of morals and values, but in the hands of playwright Jean Yoon, what results is a charming and often hilarious retelling of the Korean folktale.

Hongbu and Nolbu are brothers and as in the culture have to share and live together, even as adults. But when Nolbu wants more, he kicks his brother Hongbu and Hongbu's wife out of the house to fend for themselves. With the clever use of puppets and exploding pumpkins what unfolds is a story about sibling rivalry and the morals of sharing.

This is Yoon's first childrens play and initially was a one woman musical act written while shopping her DORA nominated show The Yoko Ono Project in New York.

When I saw it during the previews, it played to a very culturally mixed crowd of children and adults. Heavily imbedded in Korean culture, the play crossed all boundaries engaging and teaching its audience.

Big costumes and big explotions Hongbu & Nolbu is fun for the whole family, no matter what age you are.

Hongbu & Nolbu: The Tale of the Magic Pumpkins
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People - 165 Front St E
Tickets: $29 Orchestra Seating, $21 Balcony; $19 Mezzanine
Saturday, April 30th @ 4pm - Pay What You Can