Children's theater in season

Theaters in Ho Chi Minh City have developed scripts and organized the production of new theatrical works to meet the artistic needs of millions of young viewers during the summer of 2026.

The highlight of Once Upon a Time

To this day, the "Once Upon a Time" program of the Idecaf Theatre (28 Le Thanh Ton Street, Saigon Ward) remains a children's theatre brand that retains its appeal.

What's remarkable is that, over its more than 25 years of production, the "Once Upon a Time" program has created generations of viewers; many parents today who bring their children and grandchildren to watch the program are the same children who were viewers more than 20 years ago.

The show "Once Upon a Time 37: Magic Academy - The Final Boss Arrives and Things Get Out of Hand!" is elaborately and spectacularly produced.

The appeal of Once Upon a Time lies in its dramatic plot, vibrant music , dazzling costumes, grand settings, and modern sound and lighting techniques, while also addressing many pressing social issues, closely reflecting real life, and catering to the psychology and needs of young audiences, teenagers, and children.

For example, in the summer 2026 program titled "Once Upon a Time 37: Magic Academy - The Final Boss Arrives and Things Get Right!", the fantastical story tells the audience about a fairytale universe where the Creator established the Magic Academy and the "Dual Meteorite" to maintain the balance between Good and Evil. One day, an event occurs: during the creation process, a boy doll is born with a deformed appearance, possessing a fierce exterior but a kind and benevolent soul. Throughout his life, studies, training, and growth, the doll must experience many events and incidents... to understand the true value of right and wrong, goodness, a beautiful soul, and the noble meaning of compassion, willingness to help, and willingness to sacrifice... for the greater good.

Vibrant yet full of concerns.

Although not having the same extensive experience in children's theater as IDECAF Theater, many other theaters in Ho Chi Minh City are also actively preparing works to serve young audiences this summer.

The 5B Small Stage Theatre (5B Vo Van Tan Street, Xuan Hoa Ward), in addition to continuing its familiar plays from the past, such as: The Magic Pen, The Chicken and Duck Squad, The Secret of the Circus and the Magic Horse, and The Uproar in the Fairy Tale Forest… is also rushing to complete its new play, The Pet Family (by author Vuong Huyen Co), scheduled to premiere in mid-June 2026.

Ban Mai Theatre (36 Vo Thi Sau Street, Xuan Hoa Ward) recently presented the children's musical "Lang So Lay" (author and director: Bao Chu - Ban Mai), scheduled to premiere in early July at the City Children's House.

This summer, Quoc Thao Theatre is also staging a new play, "The Society of Fairies and the Stubborn Princess" (written and directed by Quoc Thao).

The new theater (No. 5 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hanh Thong Ward) has just premiered a family musical titled "Children of the Dragon and the Immortal" (author: Nhu Truc, director: Minh Nhat).

Idecaf Theatre Director Huynh Anh Tuan said: “To maintain the 'Once Upon a Time' brand, the most important thing is to constantly innovate. This year, we are not using the princess-prince motif like in previous years, but instead incorporating modern elements. We hope the program will be well-received by young audiences.”

Specifically, according to information from musician Viet Anh, in mid-July, the musical "The Cricket's Side Story: A Tale Under the Grass" for children will officially premiere. This performance is based on the musical "The Cricket's Adventures" in the Broadway style (a modern theatrical genre combining acting, music, dance, and spectacular stage design) that musician Viet Anh previously created.

Sharing her thoughts on the current challenges in children's theater, People's Artist My Uyen, Director of the 5B Small Stage Theater, said: "The biggest challenge is having a good script, suitable content, and a gentle, educational story that guides children towards truth, goodness, and beauty, fostering love for family and friendship, and encouraging them to work together to protect the environment..."

Meanwhile, Meritorious Artist Ca Lê Hồng emphasized the need for careful selection and consideration of dialogue… to both meet the entertainment needs of children and ensure aesthetic and educational value.

THUY BINH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/san-khau-thieu-nhi-vao-mua-post854921.html