Around Town 1
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‘Do You Like Brahms?’
Olympus Hall*
Until April 21
Following the success of Olympus Lecture Concert Season 1, a second season is being performed with the music of Brahms. The Musikamia ensemble will lead all performances until April, featuring its vocalists and piano section. The ensemble aims to express a sense of purity in their performance, which Brahms always pursued within his music. Brahms composed a number of pieces for piano, chamber ensembles, symphony orchestras and vocals and choruses ― many of his works have become staples of modern repertoires. Though his music is firmly rooted in the structures of the Baroque and classical masters, Brahms created a new approach to harmony.
The “Do You Like Brahms” concert will alternate themes each week, presenting a wide variety of his works.
Admission is 33,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6255-3270.
‘Rebecca’
Seongnam Art Center
April 9-10
“Rebecca” is a musical based on the classic Daphne du Maurier novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s Oscar-winning film of love and obsession.
In this romantic thriller, the story revolves around “I.” Maxim de Winter brings his new wife “I” home in Manderley and introduces her to the manipulative housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers. Thinking that the new woman is an unworthy replacement for Maxim’s first wife Rebecca, she constantly harasses “I.” It soon becomes apparent that Manderley is a house of devastating secrets, and the mystery of Rebecca may be the greatest of them all. Some of the cast from previous productions, Um Ki-joon, Shin Young-sook and Kim Bo-kyung, perform in the 2016 “Rebecca,” along with new faces, Song Chang-eui, Song Sang-eun and Cha Ji-yeon.
Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-6478 or visit musicalrebecca.co.kr.
‘MATA HARI’
Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall
Until June 12
The musical “Mata Hari at the Moulin Rouge” will play at Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall until June 12.
This 25 billion won production includes some of the biggest names in the musical business, including composer Frank Wildhorn and Broadway director and choreographer Jeff Calhoun. Ok Joo-hyun and Kim So-hyang will perform the title role of Mata Hari and Um Ki-joon, Song Chang-eui and Leo from VIXX will play Armand, the only man Mata Hari loved. The musical will give Korean audiences the first chance to explore the life of Mata Hari _ a femme fatale of the early 20th century, an exotic and tragic beauty, a romantic heroine and a mysterious spy.
Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-6478 or visit www.musicalmatahari.com.
2016 Seoul Jazz Festival
Olympic Park*
May 28-29
The 10th Seoul Jazz Festival will be held at Olympic Park on May 28 and 29. It is one of Korea’s biggest music festivals, providing an extraordinary opportunity to hear internationally acclaimed acts playing jazz, blues, bossa nova, soul and funk.
This year’s festival will feature Pat Metheny, Nat King Cole Tribute, Mark Ronson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jason Derulo, Flying Lotus, Redfoo and a number of Korean artists including Beenzino and Jung Joon Young Band.
Tickets cost 125,000 to 297,000 won. For more information, call (02) 563-0595 or visit www.ticket.interpark.com.
Tom Jones Concert
Olympic Park
April 9
World famous Welsh singer Tom Jones is visiting Korea to hold a concert at Olympic Park’s Olympic Hall on April 9.
Following his emergence as one of the world’s most popular vocalists during the 1960s, Jones has sung many forms of popular music _ pop, rock, country, dance and R&B. His concert in Korea will feature a wide range of songs covering his 50-year career, with a big band accompanying him on stage. A number of his greatest hits, including “Delilah,” “Green Green Grass of Home,” and “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” will be performed.
Tickets cost 99,000 to 143,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6925-1818 or visit www.ticket.interpark.com.
‘Only Ballad’
Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall
April 15-24
Lee Seung-hwan will perform his popular songs on stage in the “Only Ballad” concert series at Ewha Womans University’s Samsung Hall. He will feature ballads, including some from his latest album, “three plus three.” Since his 1989 debut with “B.C. 603,” Lee has continuously generated hit songs, including “For 1,000 Days” and “Live a Long, Long Time.”
Admission is 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 479-2455 or visit www.ticket.interpark.com.
GOT7 Concert
Olympic Park SK Handball Stadium
April 29-30
GOT7 will hold concerts at the Olympic Park SK Handball Stadium on April 29 and 30. / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
GOT7 will hold concerts at the Olympic Park SK Handball Stadium on April 29 and 30. GOT7 is a multinational boy band consisting of seven members that has been gaining great popularity in Southeast Asia. They recently had a U.S. tour titled “Fly in USA,” and are now preparing for their upcoming concerts in Korea with the subtitle “Fly in Seoul.”
Admission is 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 446-2690 or visit www.ticket.interpark.com.
Mamma Mia
Charlotte Theater
Until June 4
“Mamma Mia” is the eighth-longest-running show in Broadway history. Since its Korean premiere in 2004, it has been one of the most successful musicals here.
Shin Young-sook and Choi Jung-won will play Donna, and Kim Geum-nah, Park Ji-yeon and Seohyun will play Sophie. Jeon Su-kyung, Hong Ji-min and Nam Kyung-ju also star.
Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call (02)577-1977 or visit www.ticket.interpark.com.
‘Hedwig’
Hongik Daehangno Art Center
Until May 29
The musical “Hegwig and the Angry Inch: New Makeup” will be staged at Hongik Daehangno Art Center for three months starting on March 1. “Hedwig” is about a rock band led by a transgender singer named Hedwig. The 2016 version of the musical is presented with the subtitle “New Makeup,” starring Jo Seung-woo, Jo Jung-suk, Byun Yo-han and legendary rocker Yoon Do-hyun.
Tickets cost 55,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 749-9039 or visitwww.ticket.interpark.co.kr.
‘Death of a Salesman’
Seoul Arts Center
April 14 _ May 8
Seoul Arts Center presents ‘Death of a Salesman’ at SAC CJ Towol Theater from Apr. 14 to May 8. / Courtesy of Seoul Arts Center
“Death of a Salesman” will be staged at the Seoul Arts Center CJ Towol Theater from April 14 to May 8. “Death of a Salesman” is a 1949 play written by American playwright Arthur Miller. Since its Broadway premiere in 1949, it has gained acclaim and been considered one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. Son Jin-whan will play the main character Willy Loman, and Ye Su-jung, Lee Seung-ju and Park Yong-woo will each play Linda, Biff and Happy Loman. Tickets cost 30,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visitwww.sac.or.kr.
‘The Train Came from the Past’
Until April 17
‘The Train Came from the Past’ directed by Jang Woo-jae will be staged at SAC Jayu Theater. / Courtesy of Seoul Arts Center
“The Train Came from the Past” directed by Jang Woo-jae will be staged at Seoul Arts Center Jayu Theater from March 22 to April 14. The play lays out a time-slip story of a woman, the only passenger of a train that came straight from 1953 to the present. Professional actors Kim Jung-min, Yoon sang-hwa, Lee Ju-won and Kim Yong-jun will play the main roles.
Tickets cost 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visitwww.sac.or.kr.
‘Henry IV: Prince and Falstaff’
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Until April 14
Honoring the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, the Seoul Metropolitan Theater’s production of ‘Henry IV’ will be staged at the Sejong M Theater from March 29 to April 14.
This play is based on the reign of Henry IV, the British king who seized the throne by killing Richard II. Prince Hal, the son of Henry IV, exhibits odd behavior to hide his ambition for power, and enjoys spending time with Falstaff, a heavy drinker and a libertine. However, when Prince Hal ascends to the throne, Falstaff is left behind. The Korean-language rendition of the play includes Kang Shin-gu as King Henry IV, Park Jung-bok as Prince Hal and Lee Chang-gik as Sir John Falstaff. Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1794 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.
‘
Don Quixote
’
LG Arts Center
May 5-7
The Korean National Ballet will present “Ballet with Commentary: Don Quixote” at LG Arts Center from May 5 to 7.
The KNB has been providing a number of performances that include explanations in order to enhance understanding for people who are not familiar with ballet. “Don Quixote” will be staged with this feature. The original ballet premiered more than 260 years ago and has since become one of the most beloved comical productions. Its 2016 version in Korea will have Kang Su-jin as the artistic director and Ludwig Minkus directing the music.
Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 587-6181 or visit www.kballet.org.
Club Octagon
Nonhyeon
Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon, this club is notable for its stylish interior and elite clientele. The club offers a stage, lounge bar and dining area to satisfy any night out after work or on the weekend. It is near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on Seoul Metro Line 7. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.
Club Globe Lounge
Itaewon
Club Globe Lounge is famous among women looking for a place to throw birthday parties or enjoy a light dinner. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., it serves as a bar, changing into a club after 10 p.m. Every Thursday, Club Globe Lounge has a Happy Hour buffet for guests. Club Globe Lounge is located near the Hamilton Hotel by exit 2 of Itaewon Station, Seoul Metro Line 6. For more information, call (02) 792-1127 or visit globeloungekr.com.
Club Evans
Hongik University
Club Evans is a live jazz club that has served as a platform for emerging jazz artists for a decade. It operates jazz recording studios and a jazz academy as well, producing albums for many local jazz artists. Club Evans provides jazz concerts and leads music sessions every Monday and Tuesday. Club Evans is located near exit 1 of Sangsu Station, Seoul Metro Line 6. It opens at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (02) 337-8361 or visit www.clubevans.com.
Once in a Blue Moon
Apgujeong
Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best-known jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located between the Hakdong Intersection and Galleria Department Store in the posh district of Apgujeong. For more information, call (02) 549-5490 or visitwww.onceinabluemoon.co.kr.
Club Answer
Cheongdam
Club Answer, chosen as one of the five hottest clubs in Seoul by CNN, provides a spacious interior and brilliant lighting system with entertaining DJs on stage nightly. Club Answer is in the classy area of Cheongdam, a district known to lead the party culture of Seoul. It is located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on Seoul Metro Line 7. For more information, call (02) 514-4311 or visit www.clubanswer.co.kr.
Club Double Eight
Sinsa
Opened in 2010, Club Double Eight takes clubbing to its heights. Located in Gangnam, it provides diverse hotel promotions and features weekend lineups with exuberant DJs. It is located near exit 1 of Sinsa Station on Seoul Metro Line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803 or visit cafe.naver.com/doubleeight.