Around Town 1
.jpg?w=728)
‘SAC 11am Concert’
Seoul Arts Center*
Through Dec. 8
On every second Thursday of each month, an “11am Concert” will be staged at the Seoul Arts Center. Chong Park will host performances with commentary, and coffee will be provided for free. With distinct soloists for each concert, the Korean Symphony Orchestra will perform at all of the concerts.
Tickets cost 20,000 to 25,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr.
‘Wicked’
Seoul Arts Center
July 12 ― August 28
“Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz” returns to the stage with a new cast in July, following its 2013 Korean premiere.
Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” it tells the story of two witches_ Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba is a green-skinned witch who is often alienated and Glinda is a popular blonde witch. Veteran actress Cha Ji-yeon is sharing the role of Elphaba with actress Park Hye-na, while Jeong Sun-ah will share the role of Glinda with Ivy. With its spectacular fantasy storyline, “Wicked” shows life-changing friendships while growing up.
Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.wickedthemusical.co.kr
‘MATA HARI’
Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall
Through 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.
Beautiful Mint Life Festival
Olympic Park
May 14-15
Beautiful Mint Life is a music festival created by the company Mint Paper that has been held each spring since 2010. The festival not only provides live music but also features a wide range of cultural and sporting events, providing the chance to enjoy beautiful springtime scenes. Artists performing at the festival include Roy Kim, J Rabbit, Broccoli You Too, Kim Sawol, Lalasweet, No Reply, OKDAL, Peppertones, Suran, Hoso, 10cm, Daybreak, Sam Kim, Seha Xin and Papercut Project.
Tickets cost 77,000 to 123,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.mintpaper.co.kr.
Lee Sora
May 18 ― June 12
Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall
Singer Lee Sora will hold concerts from May 18 to June 18 titled “The Sixth Spring” at Ewha Womans University. The concerts will also feature famous musicians, including Lee Seung-hwan on piano, Hong Jun-ho on guitar, Lee Sang-min on drums and Choi In-sung on bass. For her sixth concert series following the “The Fifth Spring” in 2012, Lee Sora worked with the concert director, contributing to many aspects of the concert production.
Ticket costs 99,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.ticket.interpark.com.
Brad Fraser’s “Kill Me Now” will be performed at Chungmu Art Hall until July 3. / Courtesy of The Best Play Inc.
‘Kill Me Now’
Chungmu Art Hall
Through July 3
Brad Fraser’s “Kill Me Now” will have its Korean premiere on May 1 at Chungmu Art Hall.
“Kill Me Now” is a black comedy about widower Jake Sturdy who has sacrificed his career as a writer to care for his teenage son Joey. The story begins as Jake encounters an uncomfortable scene while bathing his disabled son. By confronting questions of sexuality, privacy and emotional autonomy, Fraser lays out the bittersweet drama of an unconventional family.
The cast includes Lee Suk-joon, Bae Soo-bin, Yoon Namu, Oh Jong-hyuk and Moon Sung-il. Lee and Bae alternate in the role of Jake, and Yoon and Oh for Joey.
Tickets cost 40,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 766-6007 or visit
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’
April 14 ― May 8
“Death of a Salesman,” is performed at the Seoul Arts Center through 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.
Cougar the Musical
Youtheater
May 18-August 21
“Cougar the Musical” will be performed at Youtheater in Cheongdam-dong. / Courtesy of Marketing Company Achime
“Cougar the Musical” is about three women of a certain age learning what true happiness means. Mary-Marie is the owner of the local “cougar” bar. Clarity is a woman working as a program director at a popular TV channel, and Lily is a recent divorcee starting over again. The three come together to form a unique community of cougars who take charge of their lives, happiness and sexuality.
The main cast includes Kim Sun-kyeong, Choi Hyeok-ju, Kim Hee-won, Lee Yoon-pyo, Moon Ji-won, Oh Ki-peum and Shin Hyun-mook.
Tickets cost 66,000 won. For more information, call (02) 556-5910 or visit www.ticket.interpark.com.
‘Edgar Allan Poe’
Kwanglim Arts Center
May 26-July 24
A musical inspired by the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe will premiere on May 26 at Kwanglim Arts Center’s BBCH Hall.
Written by songwriter Eric Woolfson, “Edgar Allan Poe” had its world premiere in Germany in 2009. The musical exposes the lesser-known details of Poe’s remarkable life, from his tough childhood to the gloomy days of his life as a poet and a novelist. For the Korean rendition, Michael Lee, Choi Jae-lim and Kim Dong-wan of Shinhwa will alternate for the main role of Poe. Choi Soo-young, Jung Sang-yoon, Yoon Hyung-ryul and Jang Eun-ah also star.
Tickets cost 60,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.ticket.interpark.com
.
‘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 subway 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, subway 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, subway 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 and well-established 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 subway 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 subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803 or visit cafe.naver.com/doubleeight.