Paper trail has a backwards route to lots of fun

When the “Snow Show,” was first performed in Seoul with its gigantic styrofoam snow balls, it drew a large audience that craved more. The show’s clowns enchanted the audience with their mimes. A similar experience will soon be available when “Aga-Boom” hits town.
Aga-Boom had its premiere at Hollywood’s Ivar Theater in October 2002. Its success led the show to transfer to the larger Falcon Theatre in Los Angeles. It then moved to the New Victory Theater on Broadway, where it ran from December 2004 until January of 2005. During this period the show was sold out for seven straight weeks.
Along with “42nd Street,” “The Producers,” Lily Tomlin and Elaine Stritch, Aga-Boom was named one of the best touring shows at the 2003 Ovation Awards.
In the same vein as Snow Show, Aga-Boom has no lines delivered in Shakespearian tones. There are no glamorous backdrops or soulful music. The props are simple and the actors are dressed as clowns.
Aga-Boom’s simple promise is entertainment that mixes comedy, circus and experimental acts.
The show has five actors; Dimitri Bogatirev, who plays Aga, Iryna Ivanytska, playing Boom, Anton Bogatirev in the role of Mini Boom, Vaiery Slemzin playing Dash and Tatiana Gousarova as Mask.
Bogatirev produced the show. He has also performed and produced “O” a piece that was part of the Cirque du Soleil repertoire
In Russian, Aga-Boom spells the word “paper” backward and paper plays a central role in the performance.
The show starts with Boom walking on stage and touching a wall with a sign that says “Do not touch.”
Then other clowns appear juggling bags, model airplanes and other props. During the last 20 minutes, the performers toss massive trash bags toward the crowd while throwing rolls of tissue paper in every direction.
The show will be performed at the COEX auditorium. It starts on Friday and runs through Sept. 1.
Tickets range from 77,000 won to 33,000 won. For information, call 1588-7890 or visit www.ticketlink.co.kr

By Lee Ho-jeong Staff Writer [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]