2016.6.1 THEATER Ticket
The well-known tale of Simcheong, who sacrificed herself to let her father gain his eyesight, can be enjoyed with traditional Korean dance and the sounds of pansori, or narrative singing. The unique show expresses Simcheong’s joy and sorrow with impressive choreography. See THEATER, below. [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]
Haeorum Theater, National Theater of Korea
To Saturday: The Korean tale of Simcheong, which is a story about a dutiful daughter, has many variations, having been transformed into a ballet piece, opera and films. Now, it is returning in an impressive performance of traditional Korean dance.
The show was choreographed by Kim Mae-ja, a legendary figure who greatly influenced the genre of traditional Korean dance by adopting new styles.
After its world premiere in 2001, the show has been updated to be made even more appealing to contemporary audiences. This year, German director Lukas Hemleb has joined the production team, giving the show a refreshing makeover.
The performance starts at 8 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. on weekends.
Tickets cost 20,000 won to 70,000 won.
Dongguk University Station, line No. 2, exit 6.
MATA HARI
Blue Square Samsung Card Hall
To June 12: This musical is about the life of a dancer, Mata Hari, at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. It is based on the story of a real person who was killed by the French government during World War I for being a German spy. The musical tells the story of Mata Hari’s devoted yet tragic love for a German colonel. Ock Joo-hyun, a musical actress who was once a member of the K-pop girl group Fin.K.L, and Kim So-hyang are playing the lead role.
The show starts at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays; and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends. There are no shows on Mondays.
Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won.
Hangangjin Station, line No. 6, exit 2.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
D Cube Art Center
To June 26: With a star-studded cast, this production of the classic musical features K-pop idols Park Hyung-sik, Sandeul and Shinwoo, as well as crossover artist Kai sharing the lead role of d’Artagnan.
Based on the 1844 Alexandre Dumas novel, the musical tells of the adventures of a young man and his three friends Athos, Porthos and Aramis.
As the musical was also a hit in Japan, the show is returning to Korea for what is set to be another strong run.
The performance starts at 8 p.m. on weekdays; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays; and 3 p.m. on Sundays. There are no shows on Mondays.
Tickets range from 60,000 won to 110,000 won.
Sindorim Station, lines No. 1 and No. 2, exit 1 and 5.
EDGAR ALLAN POE
BBCH Hall, Kwanglim Arts Center
To July 24: The musical features the life of American poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe. “The Black Cat,” “The Fall of the House of Usher” and “The Raven” are among his representative works.
Poe had a gloomy and lonely childhood, as his parents died when he was 3. His literary talent lets him make a name for himself, and he marries Virginia, but soon, she dies. Meanwhile, his rival Griswold tries to ruin his reputation out of jealousy.
The musical has a fantastic cast, with actor Michael Lee, K-pop star Kim Dong-wan and Choi Jae-lim playing the lead role. Michael Lee has also performed on Broadway and starred in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
The show starts at 8 p.m. on weekdays; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
Tickets range from 60,000 won to 110,000 won.
Apgujeong Station, line No. 3, exit 4.
SWEENEY TODD
Charlotte Theater
June 21 to Oct. 3: People in Korea often go see horror movies to escape the hot weather, but how about trying musical theater this summer? This show tells the story of barber Sweeney Todd, who is out to get revenge on Judge Turpin after being put in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. He comes back with a new identity and starts to carry out his plot, along with the help of Mrs. Lovett.
The musical gained popularity on Broadway after its world premiere in 1979 and has been remade over the years, winning multiple Tony Awards.
The star cast of the Korean production includes Jo Seung-woo and Yang Jun-mo as Todd, and Ock Joo-hyun and Jeon Mi-do as Mrs. Lovett.
The show starts at 8 p.m. on weekdays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. There are no shows on Mondays.
Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won.
Jamsil Station, lines No. 2 and No. 8, exit 3.
LG Arts Center
June 22 to July 3: Choreographer Matthew Bourne is back with his ground-breaking dance musical “Sleeping Beauty.” Composed by Tchaikovsky, it is originally a classical ballet piece that is one of his most famous works, along with “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake.”
Bourne reinterprets classic ballet pieces - for example, he surprised the audience with muscular male dancers as swans, which contradicts the image of classical ballet. For this piece, he mixes in a vampire story and makes Princess Aurora proactive and vigorous, unlike in the original story.
The show starts at 8 p.m. on weekdays and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on weekends. There are no shows on Mondays.
Tickets range from 40,000 won to 130,000 won.
Yeoksam Station, line No. 2, exit 7.
WICKED
Opera House, Seoul Arts Center
July 12 to Aug. 28: The blockbuster Broadway musical “Wicked” is coming to Korea with an exciting cast for ardent theatergoers. Cha Ji-yeon and Park Hye-na will play Elphaba, and Jung Sun-ah and Ivy will play Glinda. The four divas will make the show extra special.
The musical gained a strong following after its premiere in Korea in 2012, and the show ran for 11 months in 2013. This year, the musical is also going to Daegu for five weeks.
The performance starts at 8 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays. There are no shows on Mondays.
Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5.
JACK THE RIPPER
D-Cube Arts Center
July 15 to Oct. 9: This musical is based on the notorious killer who committed crimes in the Whitechapel area of London in the late 19th century. Originally a Czech musical, it has been adapted especially for Korean audiences with new details, choreography and general synopsis changed, creating a new version of the hit musical.
The musical had its premiere in Korea in 2009 and made a splash in Japan in 2012 and 2013.
The upcoming show will star Ryu Jung-han, Um Ki-joon and musical actor Kai as Daniel, one of the lead roles.
The show starts at 8 p.m. on weekdays; and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Tickets range from 60,000 won to 130,000 won.
Sindorim Station, lines No. 1 and 2, exit 5.
*Event information collected from the Korea Tourism Organization. Tickets are available at ticket.interpark.com/global or by calling 1544-1555.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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