By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
A Korean rendition of “The Wedding Singer,” the Broadway musical based on the 1998 film of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, will premiere in Seoul, starring Hwang Jung-min and Park Gun-hyung.
Better known as stars on the big screen, Hwang and Park will return to the stage to alternate playing the lead character, Robbie Hart, a wedding singer who dreams of becoming a successful composer.
Hwang is a household name after successful performances in the films ``You Are My Sunshine'' (2005) and ``Happiness'' (2007). But the award-winning actor first began his acting career in musical ``Line 1'' (1995) and went on to star in various musicals such as ``Jesus Christ Superstar,'' ``Cats,” “42nd Street” and “Nine.”
“I starred in 'Nine' because I wanted to break the bias against the musical genre, which is regarded as being lighthearted and entertaining, and to introduce its diverse spectrum to the audience. But when I was doing ‘Nine,’ I felt difficulty in communicating with the audience and began thinking about what the audience really wants to see. So I have decided to do ‘The Wedding Singer’ and this work will give me the opportunity to narrow the gap between the audience and actors. I will become Robbie Hart on stage to enjoy the experience with the audience,’’ Hwang said in a press release.
Park will also make his return to the stage as the wedding singer. Park previously performed in ``Saturday Night Fever,'' which catapulted him to musical stardom.
He has starred in films such as “Dancing Princess” and “Riverbank Legends” and in the recent musicals “Beautiful Game,” “Hamlet” and “The Three Musketeers.”
“I have a special feeling toward this work because it is adapted from my favorite movie. Also, the cast members are the ones with whom I am collaborating for the first time,’’ said Park.
For the role of Julia Sullivan, a waitress, Bang Jin-ui, renowned for “Hairspray” and “My Scary Girl” has been selected. Kim So-hyang, known for her work in “Aida” and “Dreamgirls,” and Yoon Gong-ju of “Man of La Mancha” and “200-Pounds Beauty” take the role of Holly, a friend of Julia.
The musical was first staged on Broadway in 2006. A Swedish production and a Spanish version premiered in 2007, with the Japanese version opening in Tokyo in 2008.
Other foreign productions are scheduled for Finland, Germany and Australia.
The musical will feature disco music, heart-pumping group dances and brilliant stage costumes in the story of finding a true love between youngsters who are wandering between a romantic dream and reality.
The show will be staged from Nov. 24 to Jan. 31 at the Chungmu Art Hall.