Yaki Yim Bamboo: The Musical
13th Street Repertory Theatre presents 'Yaki Yim Bamboo,' a fantastical children's musical about growing up that's infused with Caribbean culture.
... Read moreBased on the play 'The Island of Yaki Yim Bamboo,' this tuner takes place on a magical island in the West Indies inhabited only by kids! Adults aren't even allowed to visit and don't know its location. But when one of the isle's residents enters adolescence, he knows his days at home are numbered and he's scared of leaving and never being able to return. A colorful, coming-of-age tale that's best for elementary schoolers.
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- 1 hour
- Already closed
- 13th Street Repertory Theatre (West Village)
Cast & Creatives (13)
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Reviews (19)
4 Critics' Reviews
"Fred Rohan-Varga’s endeavor of love is an enchanting delight and certainly much more entertaining than I thought possible for an old fogey like myself...'Yaki Yim Bamboo' is enchanting, funny and a very charismatic show that proves to strike gold by interacting with the audience...I really enjoyed it and left wondering what Disney would do with a tale like this. Why isn’t Mr. Roha-Vargas and company pitching this to a major studio?" Full Review
"Using song, dance, and story elements, 'Yaki Yim Bamboo' aims to portray daily aspects of Caribbean culture...While the actors all performed ably, it seems a missed opportunity that there were no authentic Caribbean accents among the cast...The caricatured dialects quickly wear out their welcome...Although my four-year-old daughter couldn’t recount the main conflict or other plot elements, this did not impede her enjoyment...The songs in 'Yaki Yim Bamboo' are delightful." Full Review
"This musical gives a glimpse of life in the Caribbean, and it allows the use of imagination where all of our dreams can come to fruition. The audience gets the opportunity to go beyond its boundary, and it creates another world to explore in terms of culture. The writer’s message resonates with the audience in the portrayal of culture, geography, and zoology. In addition, he addresses the emotional side of life where some children refuses to grow up." Full Review
"The creators of the musical can take a bow for staging a production that easily seeps into everyone’s consciousness, no matter what age. The story is strong, and its use of music, puppetry, and movement, merged with a hybrid mash-up of Afro-Caribbean aesthetics make for a beautiful theatrical event...Please take your children to see this, their response and participation were the best part of the entire island, it was indeed made for them." Full Review
15 Members' Reviews
See it if You want a fun show for the whole family. You want very good music w/a Caribbean twist. You enjoy audience participation.
Don't see it if You don't like children's shows. You don't want children in the audience.
See it if you have young children. The intimate theater allows for audience participation & individual interactions. Imaginative fun songs and setting
Don't see it if you are looking for strong plot or complex character.
See it if you have young kids and want to see a charming, family friendly show.
Don't see it if you don't have kids, or you have teenage kids. Not good for date night, either.
See it if You want to bring young kids to a musical specifically for them & if they've never been before. The ensemble was excellent & 1 hour long.
Don't see it if You don't like kids or a kids show. It did have some darker scarier parts but they are related to children's fears like fear of the dark.
See it if You want something for young children. The kids in the audience loved it. They get to go onstage & participate.if they want. Lotsa fun.
Don't see it if You want a play for kids which doubles as one for as one for adults-this is definitely a kiddie oriented show. Its enuf to just enjoy them!
See it if My 9yo and 12yo daughters both loved this. My shy 12yo even jumped up to join the limbo line after the show.
Don't see it if It's one fun and affordable way to spend an hour with kids. There is obstructed view seating so get there early to get a good seat.
See it if you have very young children under 8 yrs old
Don't see it if you expect good scenery; fancy professional acting
See it if you have young kids who are into musicals and interactive theater.
Don't see it if your idea of a children's play is something that also speaks to adults. This interactive musical is truly for children only.
See it if You have young children. Ideal age 4 - 8. Audience interaction and an opportunity to join the actors on stage. If you enjoy folk tales
Don't see it if You don't enjoy quirky, West Indian type songs, audience participation, not really for children over 8 or 9
See it if You have a child under 8 years old and they like musicals or theaters. Kids are invited to sit up front and interact with the cast.
Don't see it if Your child is over 10 years old.
See it if This is a tiny theater, holding maybe 30+ people, this show is for YOUNG children. Young children are engaged and can be part of the show.
Don't see it if If you are older than 8 this may not hold your attention, and you may get the "eye-roll mom" but littles will enjoy, small theater
See it if your kids are young and you are looking got a story with great music, cute characters and audience participation.
Don't see it if Kids older than 8 or 9 might not be as enchanted by the story.
See it if If you want a family, child-friendly theatrical experience.
Don't see it if Don't like kids, color, and aren't willing to participate.
See it if You have kids!
Don't see it if You are an adult all alone
See it if you want to learn more about the Caribbean culture this is the show for you. It helps the audience to look at its emotional journey in life.
Don't see it if you are not into Musicals.