Coronation exudes essence of French musical

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The musical "Coronation Ball" presents an array of fascinating yet profound songs taken from the French musical "Starmania," sung by top musical actors and singers.

The first production of "Coronation Ball" in Korea was staged in 2007 as a gala show consisting of songs from "Starmania" and "Notre-Dame de Paris."

However, this year's "Coronation Ball" is more a shortened version of "Starmania."

With music by Michel Berger and lyrics by Luc Plamondon, "Starmania" is considered the pioneer of French musicals, which later bloomed with "Notre-Dame de Paris."

First staged in 1979, the musical portrays tragic lovers amid an underground power struggle set in the near future ― in the 2000s when it premiered.

The original "Starmania" musical features some 50 numbers, but the Korean production chose 18 songs from the list.

Chung Hong-guk, producer of the show, said he would introduce more French musicals under the “Coronation Ball” brand, highlighting the gist of each work.

Director Yoo Hee-sung of "Mozart!" and "Pimatgol Sonata" have again joined hands with music director Jang So-young of "Legally Blonde" and "Pimatgol Sonata” for this performance.

This version of "Coronation Ball" relies heavily on the ability of the actors. The set is minimal with a bar and the backdrop showing a futuristic city, but the actors fill the holes of the reduced plot with outstanding vocal skills and singing. A seven-member band plays the music live on stage wearing the costumes of underground rebel forces.

Musical actress Shin Young-sook plays twin roles ― Sadia, the wirepuller of the Black Stars, and Stella Spotlight, an actress past her best. She goes back and forth from charismatic mastermind of an underground gang to a washed-up actress seeking immortality. Actress Lee Young-mi alternates the role with Shin.

Johnny Rockfort is played by Hong Kyung-soo and Son Jun-ho. Hong played Munkustrap in the Korean rendition of musical "Cats" and Son starred as Raoul in "The Phantom of the Opera." Despite Sadia's love, Rockfort falls for Cristal, host of the television show titled "Starmania." Singer Beige and actress Um Tae-ri from “Don Juan” play the attractive anchorwoman.

At the underground cafe, waitress Marie-Jeanne, played by singer Jinju and actress Moon Hye-young, craves for the love of Ziggy, an androgynous DJ acted by Chung Won-young and Yoon Sung-mo of K-pop group Supernova.

Another love story revolves around Zero Janvier, a billionaire running for the presidency, and the actress Spotlight.

Yoon Young-suk and Kim Sung-min from "Notre-Dame de Paris" share the role of the candidate for the presidency.

The 90-minute show runs at the Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul through Jan. 17.