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.
CJENM participates in Broadway conference
Charlotte St. Martin, right, president of the Broadway League, and Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical Group, speak during the Broadway League's Biennial Conference in Orlando, Fla. on Feb. 1. Courtesy of Broadway League
By Kwon Mee-yoo
By Kwon Mee-yoo
CJ ENM took part in the Broadway League's Biennial Conference 2019 as the first-ever Korean corporate full member of the Broadway theater industry association from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.
The Korean media and entertainment giant was approved as an associate member of the Broadway League in 2014, the first Korean and third Asian company. CJ ENM has produced the Broadway shows "Kinky Boots" and the upcoming "Moulin Rouge."
CJ ENM invested $1 million in the latest movie-turned-musical, putting its name on the list of producers in the early stages of production. The musical, which will feature well-known songs from the original 2001 film soundtrack as well as famous pop numbers from Madonna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Adele and Rihanna, will open at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre on June 28.
The theater production branch of Korea's conglomerate has been putting much effort into producing musicals overseas. It participated in the production of “Kinky Boots” and “The Bodyguard” and brought the shows to Korea for their Asian premieres.
In addition to the co-produced "Moulin Rouge," CJ ENM is working on a musical version of "August Rush" targeting Broadway and "Back to the Future" in London's West End.
Broadway producers take part in the Broadway League's Biennial Conference 2019 in Orlando, Fla. on Jan. 30. Courtesy of Broadway League
"The Broadway League Biennial Conference is one of the major events of the league where key players of the theater community share trends and create networks. This big conference promotes synergy among members including theater owners, producers and presenters to boost the industry. CJ ENM has been challenging international theatrical markets since 2004 and the efforts paid off as the company has participated in the conference as a regular member," CJ ENM said in a statement.
Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin, the league's chairman of the board, as well as other theater-related officials such as Disney Theatrical Productions President Thomas Schumacher and Warner Bros. Senior Vice President Mark Kaufman joined the conference, along with those who collaborated with CJ ENM such as “Kinky Boots” producer Hal Luftig and Aaron Lustbader of Foresight Theatrical, which provides general management services for CJ ENM shows including "Moulin Rouge."