‘Line 1’ still running smooth at 3,000 shows

The long-running musical “Line 1” celebrated its 3,000 show on March 28, with guest performances by the actors Cho Sung-woo, 25, and Hwang Jung-min, 35, at the Hakchon Theater in Daehangro, northern Seoul. ?The rock musical, adapted from “Linie 1 ― Musikalische Revue” by the author Volker Ludwig and directed by Kim Min-gi, had its first show on May 14, 1994.
The landmark performance was an event unto itself: All 3,000 seats in the theater were full, and 65 viewers were chosen in a raffle to watch the show from seats on the stage. The seats were so close to the action the audience members could have literally reached out and touched the actors.
Adding to the vibe were 20 actors making guest appearances. Cho appeared in the middle of the first act wearing a black raincoat and homburg. He took a pair of rubber gloves out of a briefcase and then lifted off his hat ― he had shaved his head ― and launched into a hammed-up dance. Though lacking his usual charm, his fans were impressed by the display and hooted in approval. Cho played the role of Swallow in the musical in 2001.
Hwang later strode on stage, wearing a shirt about five sizes too small. Audience members who recognized him were thrilled ― Hwang first appeared in the original run in 1995.
Early in the second act, another guest, Jang Hyun-seong, starting singing, which was the cue for Cho and Hwang to start dancing in the background.
Cho just returned from Tokyo, having performed "Jekyll and Hyde" there. He looked tired and apparently suffered from a sore throat.

by Choi Min-woo