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.
Musical 'Wicked' returns with old and new cast
A scene from the 2021 Korean production of the musical "Wicked" / Courtesy of S&CO
By Kwon Mee-yoo
By Kwon Mee-yoo
The musical “Wicked” returned to Korean stages after five years in spite of the coronavirus pandemic, enticing fans who have grown thirsty for spectacular musicals. Since opening on Feb. 16 at Blue Square in Seoul, the musical has enjoyed sold-out shows.
The musical, which reimagines the story of "The Wizard of Oz," is a blockbuster hit not only on New York's Broadway and London's West End, but worldwide. It revolves around the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the wicked witch with green skin, and Glinda the good witch, beginning in their Shiz University days.
In the third Korean production, Oak Joo-hyun and Son Seung-yeon alternate the role of Elphaba. Oak, who was acclaimed for her portrayal of Elphaba in the Korean-language premiere back in 2013, returns to fly on the broom once again.
"When I first played Elphaba, I was overjoyed and excited as I got to play the role that impressed me when I saw the show overseas. As years have passed and I gained more life experience under my belt, I discovered that I can deliver deeper messages within this visual extravaganza," Oak said during a press conference in February.
Fiyero, left, played by Jin Tae-hwa, and Elphaba, played by Son Seung-yeon, in a scene from the 2021 Korean production of musical "Wicked" / Courtesy of S&CO
Son, also known as Sonnet Son, takes another step as an actress after her stint as Rachel Marron in the musical version of "The Bodyguard." The winner of the "Voice of Korea" talent show in 2012, Son is famous for her powerful singing and was considered for years a strong candidate to play Elphaba.
"I try to convey the message of the show ― how we should live through hardships that force us to compromise," Son said.
Son interprets her character as a righteous person.
"That is why she is always infuriated. She does not put up with injustice. When I was a teenager, I was tough and boyish and in love with hip-hop music, like Elphaba," Son said. "Elphaba is also teased for her green skin. I also faced many walls because of my appearance while pursuing my dream. I can understand how Elphaba continues to run after her dream despite obstacles."
Son had covered songs by Broadway's original Elphaba, Idina Menzel, such as "Let It Go" and "Into the Unknown" and is glad to play a role Menzel originated on stage. "People told me I resemble Idina, especially when I'm in Elphaba's green makeup," Son said.
The cast of the musical "Wicked,” from left Nam Kyung-joo, Jin Tae-hwa, Son Seung-yeon, Oak Joo-hyun, Jeong Sun-ah, Na Ha-na and Seo Kyung-su, pose for a photo at Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Seoul, Feb. 23. / Courtesy of S&CO
This production is Jeong Sun-ah's third time playing the bubbly good witch Glinda.
"I am grateful for being able to take part in Wicked three times. When I auditioned last year, I thought by February, we would be all over with the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are still in the midst of the pandemic. We are suggesting new ways to enjoy performing arts during the pandemic," Jeong said.
The show is being performed while abiding by COVID-19 safety measures, including temperature checks, mandatory face masks and socially distanced seating plans.
"During the first performance, I wondered whether any audience members were in the hall or not, because no one laughed at my comedic lines. However, as the show went on, I was able to see the audience wearing face masks and applauding harder than ever since they cannot give a shout even during the curtain call," Jeong said.
While Jeong is known for her impeccable portrayal of sweet yet delicate Glinda, another Glinda, Na Ha-na, is a 28-year-old who is joining the show for the first time.
"I was excited just to audition for the role since I was able to perform a scene. When I was cast for the role, I could hardly believe my ears. As a huge musical fan, I still can't believe that I am part of this beautiful show that I really enjoyed as an audience member years ago," Na said with bursting excitement.
Seo Kyung-su and and Jin Tae-hwa alternate the role of the Winkie prince Fiyero, who goes to school with Elphaba and Glinda. Veteran actors Nam Kyung-joo and Lee Sang-jun play the Wizard and Lee So-yu and Kim Ji-sun are Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University.
“Wicked” runs through May 1 in Seoul and travels to the southern port city of Busan afterwards.