 A scene from musical “Nine” featuring actor Hwang Jung-min. The musical will be staged at LG Arts Center in southern Seoul Jan. 22 and will run through March 2. / Courtesy of OD Musical Company |
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Actor Hwang Jung-min has become one of the most sought-after actors among Korean film directors since his successful performances in ``You Are My Sunshine,'' (2005) ``Black House,'' (2007) and ``Happiness'' (2007).
But many musical fans might remember his stage performances as much as his on-screen ones. So his return to the musical, ``Nine'' is causing many musical buffs to have high expectations.
His comeback work is based on an Italian play by Mario Fratti inspired by Federico Fellini's autobiographical film ``8 1/2,'' focusing on the film director Guido Contini, which will be played by Hwang.
Hwang said that the musical has a special meaning for him as the piece is about an ``adult coming-of-age'' in which the film director in his 40s wrestles with burnout in creativity and looks back on his career and life.
The musical deals with the famous director approaching his 40th birthday, which thrusts him into an emotional tailspin that threatens to destroy his personal and professional life.
``I can sympathize with the role, which is about growing up as an artist. Through Guido, the musical gives me the opportunity to look back at my acting career and my life,'' Hwang told reporters in the press conference.
Hwang said that he finds something in common between his role and his life in which he sometimes worries about how much he can do in his next work and how at times he is not honest with his feelings when he takes on a new role.
``My fans who liked my earlier performance as a musical actor might have waited for my return for a long time, and also, my movie fans might want to see my musical performance on stage as well. So I feel responsibility in satisfying both audiences with my comeback piece,'' said Hwang.
Hwang returns to the stage four years after his last musical, ``42nd Street.'' The actor debuted in the musical, ``Line 1'' (1995) and then starred in various musicals such as ``Jesus Christ Superstar'' and ``Cats.''
Starring in various musicals and plays in Daehangno, Hwang's debut film was ``The Waikiki Brothers,'' in 2001. Then he appeared in prominent films like ``A Good Lawyer's Wife,'' ``You Are My Sunshine,'' and ``Bloody Tie,'' in which he portrayed many diverse characters.
The role of Guido is the only male cast member among 15 women. Hollywood star Antonio Banderas took the role of Guido in 2003's Broadway revival of ``Nine.'' Much of its reputation attributed to Banderas, whose acting and singing talent along with his good looks made for an ideal Guido.
Shin Chun-soo, producer and president of the OD Musical Company, said that it took three years to cast Hwang as the leading role because he has found the right actor to rival Banderas' performance.
``The musical doesn't have much of a reputation compared to other Broadway musicals. But it scored big success both in commercial and critical aspects. I think Hwang is an actor who can surpass Banderas' reputation,'' said Shin.The Korean production will be directed by veteran director David Swan who worked in several Korean hit productions such as ``Man of La Mancha'' and ``All Shook Up.''
Swan said that the musical focuses on the artistic life of Guido, who started exploring his career and discovers emptiness.
``The musical mixes reality and fantasy memory. But it is both entertaining and moving,'' said Swan.
``Nine'' premiered in 1982 on Broadway and was nominated in 10 categories of Tony Awards and won five of them, including the best revival award.
In the Korean production of the musical, award-winning actress Kim Sun-young will play the part of Luisa, Guido's wife. Kang Pil-suk will alternate playing the role of Guido with Hwang.
The musical will be staged at LG Arts Center in southern Seoul Jan. 22 and will run through March 2.
Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212.
chungay@koreatimes.co.kr
