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Theater Review

A Female Warrior’s Exploits, Blow by Blow

Du Qianqian (in red) and members of the Red Poppy Ladies, in "Mulan the Musical."Credit...Julieta Cervantes for The New York Times
Red Poppy Ladies: Mulan the Musical

Everything on the stage rumbles during “Mulan the Musical.” And quite a bit off the stage too. 

Based on a Chinese folk tale, “Mulan” follows the free-spirited young woman of the title as she breezes through school and leads a carefree life. When a war erupts, each household in her village is required to send a man to fight.

Having no sons, Mulan’s sickly father is obligated to enlist. Mulan, however, disguises herself as a young man and takes his place. Soon her bravery in battle is legendary, and after disclosing her secret, she becomes a national hero. (Other than being inspired by the same tale, this production and the Disney movie are unrelated.)

As presented by the Red Poppy Ladies, an all-female troupe from Beijing, the story is told in 13 scenes, using pantomime, dance and a few supertitles, but chiefly through percussion. The ensemble thumps on drums, tables and the floor with bare hands and sticks. The combat scenes are particularly exciting, with the beat imitating everything from quiet interludes to violent clashes.

Comparisons with shows like “Stomp” are inevitable (as are contrasts with the Swiss mime troupe Mummenschanz, which recently began a run in New York). Over all the company proves itself skilled, with sharp timing and a graceful stage presence. Du Qianqian, as Mulan, is a pleasure to watch.

But while the Red Poppy Ladies are talented, the show’s production values are inconsistent. In the most vexing case, a large projection screen that supplies plot summaries also features images that are repetitive and often distracting.

The acoustics at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater are also problematic. Though the small space adds to the thrill (the farthest row is a mere 30 feet or so from the performers), the drumming and recorded music are sometimes distorted by the panels that line the side walls; that metalwork vibrated and clattered noisily during the loudest scenes.

Such matters didn’t seem to bother theatergoers at a recent performance, especially those in the 8-to-10-year-old range. They were visibly impressed and attentive throughout the 70-minute show, oblivious to the technical lapses. At times like these, maybe it’s better just to be a joyful audience member than a picky old critic.

“Mulan the Musical” continues through Jan. 13 at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 West 42nd Street, Clinton; (212) 279-4200, mulanthemusical.com.

A version of this article appears in print on  , Section C, Page 7 of the New York edition with the headline: A Female Warrior’s Exploits, Blow by Blow and Beat by Beat. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe

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