HIGH SEAS ADVENTURE: The new musical for children called 'Cuộc Phiêu Lưu Của Thuyền Truỏng Sinbad - Đại Chiến Nàng Tiên Cá' (The Adventures of Sinbad - The Battle of Mermaids) is staged by talented actors of IDECAF (Institute of Cultural Exchange with France), one of HCM City’s leading private theatres. — Photo courtesy of the theatre

HCM CITY — A musical about the adventures of Sindbad for children by the talented artists of the IDECAF (Institute of Cultural Exchange with France) has attracted children and their parents in HCM City.

The musical, Cuộc Phiêu Lưu Của Thuyền Trưởng Sinbad - Đại Chiến Nàng Tiên Cá (The Adventures of Sinbad -- The Battle of Mermaids), is a re-telling of the adventures of Sinbad from The Arabian Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales.

More than 5,000 tickets for the show, scheduled to be staged on September 9, 10 and 11, were sold last weekend.

The musical’s premiere on July 1 attracted 13,000 children and their parents. Since then, 20 shows have been performed.

“Our artists are working hard to offer three shows per day in August and September to meet the demand of young audiences,” said Huỳnh Anh Tuấn, owner and manager of the IDECAF.

The musical, Cuộc Phiêu Lưu Của Thuyền Trưởng Sinbad -- Đại Chiến Nàng Tiên Cá, features the challenges that Sinbad and his crew on a ship face during their voyage, including witches, wizards, mermaids, strange tribes and fantastic creatures.

Friendship, bravery, honesty and friendship are also highlighted.

Celebrated artists Thành Lộc, Hữu Châu and Mỹ Duyên perform the lead characters.

Traditional theatre actor Bạch Long, a cải lương (reformed opera) star, plays a part in the musical.

POPULAR PERFORMANCE: Celebrated artist Mỹ Duyên (left) performs as lead character in the new musical 'Cuộc Phiêu Lưu Của Thuyền Trưởng Sinbad - Đại Chiến Nàng Tiên Cá' (The Adventures of Sinbad - The Battle of Mermaids). More than 5,000 tickets have been sold for the show in September. Photo courtesy of the theatre

The play’s director Đình Toàn worked with costume designers and theatre specialists to add realistic elements to the many beautiful outfits, accessories and stage designs of the play.

“IDECAF is considered a pioneer in producing musical dramas in the city. We have enough resources for staging musicals featuring Vietnamese music and songs,” said Toàn, who has 20 years of experience in the industry.

Toàn’s play is part of a long-term theatre programme called Ngày Xửa Ngày Xưa (Once Upon a Time) launched by the IDECAF in 2000.

It provides young audiences with new concepts and techniques in drama. Its artists have worked hard to foster a love of theatre among the youth.

“Our programme has produced 33 plays with more than 500 free performances and shows for more than 30,000 children and teenagers, including disadvantaged children who live in open houses and shelters around the city,” said Toàn.

The musical, Cuộc Phiêu Lưu Của Thuyền Trưởng Sinbad - Đại Chiến Nàng Tiên Cá, is staged every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at the theatre, 28 Lê Thánh Tôn Street, District 1. — VNS