2020.4.15 Ticket
Rock musical “Lizzie” is based on the true story of Lizzie Borden, the main suspect in a 1982 Massachusetts murder case. Telling the story of a brutal murder case, the musical spotlights on four female characters. [SHOWNOTE]
As the government recommends practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus outbreak, many concerts and cultural performances are being canceled or postponed.
“Red Cliff,” a traditional performance combining pansori (traditional narrative singing) and modern dance, recently canceled its show. The show was supposed to run until April 19 at Jeongdong Theater, central Seoul.
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s collaboration with pianist Kim Sun-wook was canceled. The concert titled “Sunwook Kim Plays Beethoven” was slated for April 24 at Lotte Concert Hall, southern Seoul.
The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul canceled all-time favorite musical “Sound of Music,” which was scheduled to run from April 28 to May 17.
Another performance at the Sejong Center was canceled, too. Seoul Metropolitan Opera’s “The Barber of Seville” will not be staged. The opera was scheduled between May 12 and 17.
Popular musical “The Phantom of the Opera” was suspended until April 22 after two of its actors tested positive for Covid-19.
Another musical “Dracula: The Musical” also decided to suspend its run until April 19 in accordance with the government’s high-intensity social distancing campaign.
American singer-songwriter Halsey’s Seoul concert on May 9 has also been canceled.
Livestream shows available online
April 18: The Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre’s original dance drama “N.O.T.” will be streamed on Naver TV, a local streaming service provided by Naver, the country’s largest web portal.
The dance drama was originally produced to be performed at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in March, but the production was canceled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
With the virus shows no sign of letting up, the Sejong Center decided to stream a series of cultural performances online until May for free. The online concert series is titled “Cheer Up Concert,” and one of the shows will be “N.O.T.” The title is an abbreviation of the phrase “no one there.”
The dance drama revolves around an 80-year-old woman with dementia.
One day, she finds that she has become a 10-year-old and goes on a journey to find her father with whom she lost contact during the Korean War (1950-1954).
Through the eyes of a little girl, the dance drama spotlights impending social issues of modern Korea from smartphone addiction to miscommunication between the older and younger generations.
The modern dance show is a fusion inspired by traditional Korean dance moves.
The performance starts streaming at 5 p.m.
For a full list of performances available as part of Sejong Center’s “Cheer Up Concert” through Naver TV, visit https://www.sejongpac.or.kr/portal/main/main.do (Korean only).
Regular shows
CHUNHYANG
National Theater of Korea, Daloreum Theater
May 14-24: Marking the 70th anniversary of the National Changgeuk Company of Korea this year, the all-time classic “Chunhyang” is returning to the stage with some new touches.
The changgeuk or traditional Korean opera, is based on “Chunhyangjeon” or “The Tale of Chunhyang.”
Set in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), this changgeuk tells the story of the noble and pure love that Chunhyang has for Mongryong. Although the two belong to different classes, Mongryong and Chunhyang know that they are meant to be for each other at first sight. As Mongryong goes to Seoul to pursue his studies, however, the young lovers are separated by distance.
Meanwhile, a corrupt magistrate comes into the office and forces Chunhyang to become his concubine.
The show starts at 8 p.m. during weekdays and 3 p.m. on weekends. There are no shows on Mondays.
Tickets range from 20,000 won ($16) to 50,000 won.
Dongguk University Station, line No. 3, exit 6.
RICHARD YONGJAE O’NEILL
Seoul Arts Center, Concert Hall
May 22: Violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill will hold a recital titled “French Music Night” in collaboration with flute and harp performers.
Along with O’Neill, flutist Philipp Jundt and harpist Emmanuel Ceysson will take part in the concert. The repertoire includes Debussy’s “Syrinx” and Schubert’s “Arpeggione Sonata in A minor.”
Apart from pursuing his solo career, O’Neill is actively involved in performing as a member of the Korean classical group named Ensemble Ditto. He formed the group, which consists of young performers who play viola, violin, cello, clarinet and piano, in 2007.
The ensemble enjoys as much popularity as some K-pop boy bands.
The concert starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets are priced from 30,000 won to 100,000 won.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5.
LIZZIE
Dream Art Center, Theater 1
Through June 21: Based on the true story of Lizzie Borden, the main suspect in a 1982 Massachusetts murder case, this musical takes audiences into the courtroom as the story unfolds.
On one summer day, Lizzie’s father and stepmother were found axed to death. The brutal murder case, of which Lizzie is the main suspect, attracted media interest from all across the country.
Although Borden was later acquitted, the case inspired many films, stage productions and books.
This musical version of the story premiered in New York City in 2009.
“Lizzie” focuses on four female characters including Lizzie, Lizze’s older sister Emma, their neighbor Alice and maid Bridget.
Musical actors Yuria and Na Ha-na are both playing the role of Lizzie.
A six-member band will perform during the musical, which features many rock music pieces. Only those over the age of 16 years old will be allowed into the theater to see the production.
The musical 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 national holidays. There are no shows on Mondays.
Tickets are priced from 55,000 won to 66,000 won.
Hyehwa Station, line No. 4, exit 1.
Seoul Arts Center, Concert Hall
June 9: Marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, famed German orchestra Beethoven Orchester Bonn, formed in 1907, is coming to Seoul. It is its first visit to Seoul.
The orchestra will be conducted by Dirk Kaftan and will play three pieces of the legendary composer including “Egmont Overture,” “Piano Concerto No. 4” and “Symphony No. 7.”
Piano virtuoso Paik Kun-woo will collaborate with the orchestra.
The performance starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets are priced from 50,000 won to 180,000 won.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5.
*Most tickets are available at ticket.interpark.com/global or by calling 1544-1555.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)