Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
Supernatural romance
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Actors of the musical “Ghost,” from left, Kim Joon-hyun, Ivy, Joo Won, Park Ji-yeon and Kim Woo-hyung pose for a photo at a press conference announcing the Korean production of the show at Plaza Hotel in Seoul, Monday. / Courtesy of Seensee Company
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Joo Won, Ivy to star in musical version of 'Ghost'
By Kwon Mee-yoo
More than 20 years after its release, "Ghost" continues to be one of Korea's favorite films of all time. So it's understandable that the stage musical version of the Hollywood tear-jerker is generating significant interest months ahead of its local arrival.
When Ghost The Musical begins its run at southwestern Seoul’s D-Cube Arts Center on Nov. 24, it will be sexy songstress Ivy and television actor Joo Won clinching behind the pottery wheel, the production team revealed.
"There are revenge, comedy and spirits and it is a very Shakespearean story. Oda Mae Brown is a larger-than-life character and Sam and Molly's love story goes on with Sam's revenge to his friend Carl,’’ said lead producer Colin Ingram, after announcing the cast of the Korean production that will double as the show’s Asian debut.
Ingram was particularly proud about the special effects that convincingly recreate the movie’s famous scenes, including Sam walking through a door. Magician Paul Kieve adds a touch of mystery with his playful illusions like levitating pennies and self-folding letters.
Joo’s Sam and Ivy’s Molly will be complemented by some of the most established actors in the Korean musical scene.
On the nights that Joo takes a break, Kim Joon-hyun, whose past credentials include playing Radames in a Korean staging of "Aida’’ and Jean Valjean in a Japanese production of "Les Miserables,’’ and Kim Woo-hyung, another Les Miserables veteran, will alternate as Sam. Park Ji-yon, who was acclaimed for her role as Eponine in a recent Korean staging of Les Miserables, is the other Molly.
While he is now an in-demand actor on television, Joo cut his acting teeth in theater. He rose as a critic’s darling playing the role of Matthew in the 2007 version of "Altar Boyz’’ and as the angry and anxious teenager Melchoir in the 2009 staging of ``Spring Awakening.’’
His solid reputation in theater opened new opportunities in television. After starring in a series of successful dramas like "Bread, Love and Dreams’’ (2010), "Ojakgyo Family’’ (2011) and "Bridal Mask’’ (2012), Joo is now firmly established as a leading man. Of course his recent drama, "7th Grade Civil Servant,’’ tanked in the ratings competition, as comedy doesn’t seem to be his strength, it nonetheless seems certain that Ghost has landed a star capable of selling tickets.
"I was only three when the movie was first released, so I didn’t see it until I was in high school. I continue to be moved by the love portrayed in the movie and musical alike,’’ Joo said.
Kolleen Park, the musical director of Ghost, raved about Joo’s talent and work ethic.
"He came for the audition early in the morning on a day in January because he was shooting a television drama. I was skeptical at first and wondered whether he felt entitled to the role because he was popular and famous. But when he started to act and sing, I knew right away that he could hit every note precisely and has a quick understanding of the director’s intention,’’ she said.
Ivy, a solo singer, has frequently appeared in musicals. Her more notable roles include Lois Lane in the Cole Porter musical "Kiss Me, Kate’’ and Roxie in "Chicago.’’ Whether in musicals or theater, she has always depended on her sex appeal. So as formulaic as the character might seem, the role as Molly will represent a truer test of her range as an actress.
The musical version of Ghost wasn’t exactly a smash success when it debuted on the West End, where it managed to last for about a year and a half before the curtains closed on it in October last year. The Broadway run lasted only four months.
However, Seensee Company, which manages the local production of the musical, was confident that Korea could prove as the musical’s redemption.
Seensee’s biggest hit so far has been the licensed production of "Mamma Mia!’’ which has been staged over 1,400 times in Korea. It also staged Aida 500 times and Chicago 400 times.
"I remember watching the movie twice when it was first released in 1990. When I saw the musical version of 'Ghost,' I was confident that this show can touch the heart of Korean audiences, especially appealing for the middle-aged, who reminisce about the movie," Park Myung-sung, artistic director of Seensee, said.
He is also determined to re-create the original quality of the West End show by purchasing all sets and costumes.
The Korean rendition of "Ghost" will be staged from Nov. 24 to August 2014. Tickets will go on sale on Aug. 20 and cost from 60,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, visit www.iseensee.com or call (02) 577-1987.