Tag Archives: Theater

Nanta Theater – Cooking on stage a la Korean style

Posted on by

Located between two world superpowers China and Japan, the country known to some as the land of the morning calm, Korea is an exceptional Asian destination. A nation which spans historical eons of over 5000 years, offers travellers delightful cultural, historical and natural sights.


As the capital of Korea, the city of Seoul is a bustling commercial and financial hub of the country. While the north of the city pays homage to its historical and cultural importance, the south portrays the heart of the economy. Palaces such as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung, parks, villages, streets and landmarks architectural buildings are among key attractions dotting this vibrant city.


Colourful festivals and performances among which depict traditional Korean arts and theatre make for interesting viewing. Similarly the City’s exciting nightlife, high-end fashion arcades and shopping malls together with exquisite Seoul cuisine served at gourmet restaurants all create the perfect ambience for a fascinating destination.


Nanta or known in English as Cooking is the country’s top rated performance integrating Korea’s unique beat. This musical extravaganza stems from a storyline of a few chefs and their chaotic culinary preparations. Using body language and percussion instruments, these recitals combine comedy with events in the kitchen.


The Nanta Theater began its acts in 1997 and since then continues to draw record audiences. In the country alone over 300,000 visitors yearly have the opportunity to enjoy Nanta. Not limited to the Korean peninsula, these shows are now performed to audiences worldwide. Major arts centers such as Edinburgh and even New York have been privy to these enactments.


Most audiences will opine that unusual instruments are used for this feast, such as pots, pans and knives interspersed with the nation’s dance together with Buddhist prayers and a few Kung Fu moves for good measure. Another major ingredient is the using of the audience to create a greater interest in the performance. Joining in the show creates the perfect atmosphere for enjoyment.


Located centrally in the city, the Somerset Palace affords an ideal accommodation option for those seeking to stay in Seoul serviced apartments. This Seoul Apartment complex provides an inclusive range of services and comforts proving the perfect substitute for not only a hotel but a home away from home.

Kabukiza Theatre: The home of song and dance

Posted on by

Kabuki is a highly stylized Japanese form of theatre that originates from the red light district of Edo and began in 1603 as performing a new style of dance and drama on the riverbeds of Kyoto.”Kabuki” means “song and dance” and this form of theatre attracted a diverse mix of social classes unlike the older forms of Japanese arts that entertained the high class Japanese society.

Kabuki play usually tackle social and political issues such as moral conflicts, historic events and love relationships where the actors of these plays used an ancient form of Japanese speak in rather dull tones and are spiced up with the use of ancient Japanese music. The speciality of this art is that it is staged on a rotating platform equipped with trapdoors that are used as entry and exit points by the actor and the footbridge that brings the actors almost a few feet away from the audience. Initially actors of both genders were allowed to act in Kabuki plays although this changed as time went on. Women were forbidden from acting in Kabuki plays, and this is in place even today.

The Kabukiza theatre is located in the area of Ginza. Inside the theatre the scene resembles an enormous family get-together. The theatre holds around 2,500 spectators. Given that an entire play continues for several hours visitors often select certain acts they would like to see as it is not considered rude to leave in between acts. This provides quite a bustling business to surrounding tea houses and restaurants. Tickets for the plays can be pre-ordered by phone or be purchased at the theatre.

The Somerset Roppongi is amongst Tokyo’s leading apartment properties and is conveniently located 5 minutes away from the subway station providing instant access to the city. This Tokyo apartment complex consists of 64 residences that include one and two bed roomed apartments that are spacious and elegantly designed to suit the needs of the business and leisure traveler. These serviced apartments Tokyo are provided with other amnesties such as home entertainment systems, broadband Internet access and a kitchen that is fully equipped. Somerset Roppongi is the perfect substitute with a refreshing difference to your everyday hotel.

The Glamorous Hudson Theatre

Posted on by

Home to the Yankees baseball team, New York is a nation of dreams where young talent thrives and legends are born. This truly international metropolis has a quite distinct character to it that is unmistakably evident to all who visit. You will be surrounded by breathtaking skyscrapers and busy city streets that feel the footsteps of thousands of locals everyday as they scurry about motivated by that unshakable American spirit. New York is also home to many tourist attractions such as museums, exhibition centres, art galleries and theatres. New York is also a global giant when it comes to financial muscle and economic influence.

The Hudson Theatre is one of the most recognizable names in the world of theatre. Having played host to a number of legends over the years. This precious artistic nest where such talents as Barbara Streisand, Vincent Price, Bob Hope and even the great rock and roll legend Elvis Presley performed in front of their faithful fans still manages to gain the attention of the entertainment world by showcasing talent from all parts of the country and beyond.

Live television performances such as the Tonight Show and The Price is Right were also staged within these walls and were met with great reactions by local audiences. In recent times reality television shows have been what dominates the stage of the Hudson Theatre. While a number of American Idol auditions have been carried out at this venue, The Last Comic Standing which is produced by NBC is another popular television show that chose the Hudson Theatre as one of its stages to crown America’s top stand up comedian. Product launches of top companies and many other events fill up the calendar of this busy venue which ensures that there is never a dull day at the Hudson Theatre.

Find tasteful accommodation in the heart of this sprawling city at Millennium Broadway Hotel New York where you can find heavenly dining options and well equipped meeting spaces with the least amount of hassle. This centrally located New York hotel also offers guests easy access to many of the city’s most popular shopping and entertainment venues.

Guangzhou by Night

Posted on by

Better known as the South Gate of China, Guangzhou is a lively city with lots to see and do. The famed capital of Guangdong province, Guangzhou also acts as the political, cultural and economic hub. Guangzhou is strategically located in close proximity to Hong Kong, Macau and the South China Sea. It is one of China’s first open cities and is also one of the most economically developed.

Guangzhou is a haven for the leisure hunter since it offers countless tourist attractions. Bright Filial Piety Temple, Yuexiu Park, The Pearl River, White Cloud Mountain, Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family are just to name a few. Shopping and dining are also limitless in this vibrant metropolis. Since Guangzhou is one of the first open Chinese cities it is an initiator for introducing international fashion, lifestyles and trends to the country. Therefore when it comes to entertainment, Guangzhou is a groundbreaking city.

Those health conscious travellers can head to any of the numerous bowling clubs, golf courses or even tennis courts available right throughout the city. The impressive Karaoke parlours as well as pubs are ideal to enjoy a relaxing time out in the night. After the sun goes down travellers visiting Guangzhou can even head to the Pearl River and enjoy a boat ride complete with picturesque night time views. This memorable cruise generally begins at the Xidi Dock and ends near the Guangzhou Bridge.

A favourite thing to do in this extraordinary city is to listen to the famous Yue Ju also known as the Cantonese Opera. For the finest bars and pubs in town visitors will have to head to Huanshi Lu, Bai’e Tan or Binjiang Lu which are the most well known bar streets in the city. Binjiang Lu Bar Street is known to offer the best in scenery since it is positioned by the bank of the Pearl River. Located in the heart of the city is the Huanshi Lu Bar Street and the exotic Bai’e Tan Bar Street can be found near the White Goose Pond.

The French pub Amigo is one of the best pubs to visit other interesting night time venues in Guangzhou include 23 Club, Baby Face, Bridge House, Party World, China Plaza Theatre and Yonghan Cinema.

To explore the many diverse and distinctive tourist attractions in Guangzhou, the best option is to stay at a hotel in Guangzhou such as the well equipped Ascott Guangzhou that enjoys close proximity to many of the nightlife options in the city. The decision will undoubtedly make your nightlife in Guangzhou all the more enjoyable and memorable.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival- the largest cultural event in Australia

Posted on by

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is an event held in Melbourne, Australia. It is considered to be the 3rd biggest comedy festival in the international arena and is the most massive cultural event to be held in Australia. Commercialization of the event is kept to a minimum and the atmosphere at the comedy festival is very relaxed compared to the other big three comedy festivals. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival was started in the year 1987. The festival is held for a period of 3 weeks, starting generally on the first of April (April Fools Day). During the first half of the 1990s the Melbourne International Comedy Festival was held at the Melbourne Town Hall but now the venues for the event are selected rite throughout the city. This year the event will be held from the 1st to the 26th of April 2009.


The Melbourne International Comedy Festival hosts numerous comedy artists both from the international and local scenes. The 2008 Melbourne International Comedy Festival included 298 shows and 1, 765 performers. This includes art exhibitions, musical shows, debates, improvisational theatre, plays, sketch shows but includes a great number of cabaret acts and stand up.


Special events that take place at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival include the Comedy Festival Gala, the Great Debate and Upfront. The Comedy Festival Gala is the opening night show.


A visit to Melbourne would require a stay at one of the hotels in Melbourne. The Langham Hotel, Melbourne would be a good place to stay.

Unending fun at Rainbow’s End

Posted on by

Generations have wondered what lies at the end of a rainbow, but for those who venture out to Auckland’s Rainbow end theme park will find hours of fun and entertainment for the entire family.
The theme park is not only the most popular park but it’s also the largest. Having started in 1982 the park began with simple rides like bumper boats, mini golf, mirage cars and basic video games.
Today, the Rainbow’s End theme park employs over 100 staff members and has increased the number and the range of rides. The favourite ride of the park being the Corkscrew roller coaster ride is perhaps the only one of its kind. Put on the tracks in 1986, the ride was an instant hit and still is today.
The theme park offers rides and thrills for every member of the family. With so many to choose from tourists should not miss an opportunity to get on the following.
Heading the list is the power surge a ride that looks like a wind mill from a far and moves along a vertical axis as well as horizontally. The ride has been rated as being ‘aggressive’ and those who dare to buckle in will attest to the thrill. Riders are strapped into seats that are spread out in formation like a star and then from ground level are thrown 18 metres into the air, while other parts of the component are in motion so are the rider’s seats which rotate as well.
Another interesting experience is the C180. This is where a 12 minute film clip which is screened inside a dome shaped theatre that is joined with another dome to give the effect of an extreme 180 degree picture.
For the younger members of the family, castle land is ideal as it caters to those who are under the age of 12. Castle land offers such rides as the car wash convoy, dragon coaster, plasma cars, carousel and a bouncy castle.
After an exciting day at the theme park, nothing would be better than some pampering at one of the Auckland hotels. Among the Auckland luxury hotels, the Langham Hotel Auckland stands out for its service and classic charm.

Princess Theatre, one of Australia’s most beloved theatre venues

Posted on by

Regarded as one of Australia’s most beloved landmarks, Princess Theatre hosts world class stage dramas and musical productions like Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Mama Mia!, The Sound of Music and The Producers. This theatre is the second building in the same site that was used for entertainment for a period of 135 years. The first building was Astley’s Amphitheatre that was opened in 1954 and the present theatre was opened in 1886 with the name christened as Princess Theatre. The theatre has been refurbished several times after this period and today it boasts as one of the theatres with world’s first sliding roof and ceiling with state of the art electric stage lighting.
It is also said that the theatre is haunted by a friendly ghost named as Federici who died after a performance of the opera, ‘Faust’. As an honour a seat in the third row dress circle is kept empty since it is regarded as a sign of good luck to see him in the theatre. His appearance has been witnessed by many staff in the theatre. This theatre’s grand Victorian style elegant foyer and stairway is compared to that of the Paris Opera. The theatre has a seating capacity of nearly 1500 with other modern facilities for the visitors as well. This placed is also used as the venue for Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Visitors also have the luxury of dinning in the Melba or Marriner rooms before they visit to see a musical production that takes place in the theatre. While Princess Theatre is the ideal place for a perfect evening of entertainment, visitors also have the luxury of entering into a perfect mood of relaxation at a Spa in Melbourne. One of the best spas would be Chuan Spa Melbourne.

Discovering Pasadena

Posted on by

Pasadena is an iconic city with some of the best known educational institutions such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) calling it their home city. The 6th largest city in Los Angeles, Pasadena has an array of activities and attractions lined up for its visitors.
Some of the most popular things to do when visiting Pasadena are to visit the many fun and exciting attractions spread all across the city. This city is a sure treat for both the young and old. Some of the favorite attractions are The Norton Simon Museum, Kid Space Children’s Museum, Ice House Comedy Nightclub, The Gamble House, JPL, Pasadena Playhouse and a visit to the Pacific Asia Museum.
A sure delight for the kids who visit Pasadena is a visit to the Kid Space Children’s Museum, drawing crowds from all around the country this museum is one of the most fun and thrilling places a kid can visit. Located near Rose Bowl this museum is an interactive place with play areas and water parks for children to explore.
Another hot spot in Pasadena is the Norton Simon Museum, featuring some of the most amazing pieces of art which was all accumulated by Mr. Norton Simon the wealthy businessman himself! The collection here spans from art work from Europe to South East Asia. A visit to this museum should not be missed by anyone who would consider themselves an art lover.
Pasadena also houses the ever so famous attraction, The Gamble House, which is a prestigious landmark of the city. These premises were owned by Proctor & Gamble Company founders until it was handed over to the city. With its rich architectural value, this well preserved house should be not be missed by any visitor.
Another attraction that should be visited in Pasadena includes the Rose Bowl Stadium where America’s most famous annual college football game known as the “Rose Bowl” is played. A visit to the famous theatre, Pasadena Playhouse is also a delight as it showcases some of the best theater productions, all around the year.
To explore all the above in Pasadena, the best place to embark from would be your own private luxurious space. And what better international group of hotels can fulfill that than The Langham Brand luxury hotels. Its landmark Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena provides world class services and amenities that make it one of the best places to reside while discovering and enjoying Pasadena.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater – A glimpse of a compelling form of ancient Vietnamese stagecraft

Posted on by


A traveller who shakes his head at the disappearance of local culture in Vietnam should think twice about it once he sets foot in Hanoi. This atmospheric city which will celebrate its 1000th birthday in 2010 has a seal of cultural influence on almost everything it has in offer, even in the enchanting light hearted comedy presented through intricately skilled puppetry. Water puppetry is unique to Northern Vietnam, originated in the rice-farmer folk culture. Puppets that dance in shallow pools of foggy water accompanied by voices and folklore music present skillful and realistic theatrical items. This family friendly treat can be experienced at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi.

The storylines of these theatrical performances will include the tale of the Hoan Kiem Lake Turtle and the establishment of ancient Hanoi. Audiences will continue to laugh with delight throughout the act when they see the truly amazing miniature villagers dancing around and dragons slithering across the surface of the water. Although the characters converse in Vietnamese language, it does not hinder the enjoyment of the viewer as the story is comprehensible through their gestures. In the end the audience will be given a sense that they were watching live characters onstage. Water puppetry art is a compelling form of ancient stagecraft as the characters, presented in the form of puppets are commute with nature. The puppet figures are simple and rough sculpture works of vibrant colour, moving back and forth over the water. The liquid feature and the flickering reflections would enthrall the audience. The music and innovative fireworks will add on to the effective performance.

Targeting Hanoi accommodation with easy access to the theatre (to avoid disappointment in finding that the tickets are sold off, as is often the case), would be wise. Somerset Hoa Binh is one of the most preferred places offering Hanoi serviced apartments for business and leisure travelers. This luxurious hotel is a 20 minute drive from the Noi Bai Airport and also gives guests easy access to key city districts like Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh. Other popular tourist attraction such as the Hanoi Fine Art Museum, Old Quarter, Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake are also close by.