REVIEW Musical 'Winter Wanderer' offers heartwarming yet tragic love story for all
A scene from the musical "Winter Wanderer" / Courtesy of ACOM
Can tragedies be beautiful? According to the musical "Winter Wanderer," the answer is a resounding yes.
"Winter Wanderer," which has been taking center stage at the KEPCO Art Center concert hall in southern Seoul since Dec. 15, marks a return after 18 years since its premiere in 1997.
Set in the 1970s, the two-act musical revolves around Han Min-woo, a medical student, and his love-at-first-sight encounter with his classmate Jung Da-hye. Their romance takes an unexpected turn when Han discovers his mother's past as a military camp-town prostitute.
In a quest for answers, Han visits his aunt, the proprietor of the fictional Niagara club near Camp Casey, only to find himself entangled in a world of drugs. Despite his intention to start anew with his love interest, Jenny, Han's life meets a tragic end during a misguided drug transaction.
A scene from the musical "Winter Wanderer" / Courtesy of ACOM
Based on a 1983 novel by the late contemporary writer Choi In-ho (1945-2013), the narrative made its way to the big screen in 1986 under the same title and was later adapted into a drama in 1990.
The beauty of the plot, even with its tragic conclusion, is heightened by the skilled performances of the musical's cast.
Last Sunday's performance, attended by this reporter, featured ASTRO members MJ as Han and JinJin as Park Hyun-tae, a friend of Han who has feelings for Jung. Despite being relatively new faces in the musical theater, both members delivered compelling performances.
MJ, portraying Han's descent into depravity, showcased a rough charm that contradicted his pretty boy facial features and sweet voice. His portrayal of Han, transitioning from an innocent medical student in the first act to a character consumed by darkness, was exceptionally striking.
In particular, MJ's rendition of Han being haunted by memories of his lost lover while under the influence of marijuana, demonstrated the emotional depth of the character.
A scene from the musical "Winter Wanderer" / Courtesy of ACOM
JinJin, too, brought his charm to the performance, infusing laughter into the performance as Park. Singing of his love for Jung with a raw and sincere voice, JinJin evoked a whirlwind of emotions throughout the musical.
Especially moving was JinJin's performance of the final number, "Requiem," a poignant reflection on letting go of the past. His emotional delivery with tears in his eyes, resonated with the audience, creating a powerful connection.
Adding to the show's allure was the appearance of Sunye, a former member of the iconic K-pop girl group Wonder Girls. Playing the role of bar girl Jenny, Sunye showcased her talents on stage, from singing to dancing, satisfying the audience throughout.
The show's composer Kim Hyeong-seok, known for his expertise in R&B ballads and K-pop, created musical numbers that complement the melancholic atmosphere of the show as well as the vocal styles of the K-pop singer-turned-actors.
A scene from the musical "Winter Wanderer" / Courtesy of ACOM
The stage design authentically captured the essence of the '70s, with signboards adorning Dongducheon streets and sets recreating an ivy-covered university campus. This nostalgic backdrop served as a portal to a bygone era for some and a trip down memory lane for others.
Given the vintage setting, skeptics might argue that the plot of "Winter Wanderer" appears outdated and unrealistic, with its depiction of the instant connection between Han and Jung, who fall in love after a single encounter, or Jung's patient wait for Han over many years. Also, the portrayal of passive female characters may not strongly connect with modern audiences.
However, a fiction's charm lies in its ability to transport the audience to a world where such unreal scenarios are beautifully presented on stage and "Winter Wanderer" is no exception.
"Winter Wanderer" runs until Feb. 25.