 A stage design for the musical that will go on stage from Jan. 5 to 31 at Woori Art Hall in Olympic Park, southern Seoul / Courtesy of MBC |
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Queen Seondeok seems to reign not only on the small screen but also on stage. The popular TV series "The Great Queen Seondeok" will be adapted into a stage version next year, featuring veteran musical actors and stage artists.
The musical will team up top musical actress Lee So-jung and rising star Kang Tae-eul with world-renowned designer Lie Sang-bong, who will create the stage costumes. The tale of Korea's first queen will incorporate modern technology and dramatic twists.
Born as one of the twin princesses of the Silla Kingdom (668-935), Queen Seondeok was its first female ruler. Seondeok grows up as a bright young woman. But her life takes a turn as Mishil, her archrival, wants to seize power.
Seondeok was not only well known as the first queen to rule, but also for her leadership and use of power. She also contributed to the forming of the rich culture of Silla and laid the foundation for the unification of the Three Kingdoms.
Lee, who was the first Korean actress to make her debut on Broadway, will play Queen Seondeok. She also contributed to the series' soundtrack. Born and raised in Korea, Lee moved to the United States to study and became prominent on Broadway after being selected by British musical producer Sir. Cameron Mackintosh as the star of the mega hit "Miss Saigon."
Cha Ji-yeon has been cast as the role of Mishil for her charismatic image and talented vocals. She has previously starred in "Lion King," Dreamgirls," "Maria, Maria" and "See What I Wanna See."
For the role of Seondeok's loyal lover and Mishil's secret son Bidam, musical heartthrob Kang will perform. The rising star is one of the most sought-after actors among musical producers. Kang has performed in "Hedwig, the Angry Inch," "Don Juan," "Cats," "The Lion King" and "Jesus Christ Super Star."
The musical version of "Queen Seondeok" will feature creative costume designs by Lie, which will be marked by a neo-classic style based on traditional Silla clothes. He will also add futurist elements into the costume designs.
Historical relics such as "cheomseongdae," or an astronomy observatory, will be reborn in its modern-day manifestation. The observatory will be comprised of a tower made up of LED screens.
"It's the first time to use this kind of the state-of-the-art technology on stage. The musical is not just an epic show but a modern rendition," said Lee Soo-hyun, a staff member of an MBC musical task force team.
She also said that not only the stage sets but also the musical numbers had modern elements, ranging from rock to ballads. The musical features 28 songs, including four from the drama's soundtrack numbers, and its ensemble is expected to provide perfect accompaniment.
The musical will be on stage from Jan. 5 to 31 at Woori Art Hall in Olympic Park, southern Seoul. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 130,000 won.
chungay@koreatimes.co.kr
