Musical Pioneers Reunite in New Production
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Long before the genre of musicals developed into the massive cash machine it is today, pioneering actors like Nam Kyung-joo and Choi Jung-won paid their dues on the grueling, wooden floors of shabby Daehangno theaters.
Now there are less spotlights on them from their good old days, but they are still on stage with humble and consistent ``loyalty'' to their musical career.
They are back in a new work, ``Soridoduk,'' a Korean homegrown musical written by Cho Gwang-hwa known for his previous work, the musical ``Claws of Angel.'' The reunion comes three years after Nam and Choi worked in ``I Love You.''
They share many things in common ― they began their musical careers with the art troupe in Lotte World, the theme park, in 1988.
Musicals never gained much acceptance, even though there were loyal fans, they still received less attention compared to other genres.
At that time, Nam and Choi were unrivaled musical heartthrobs who become synonymous with being considered musical stars.
Now, two decades later, the 44-year-old Nam and the 39-year-old Choi still present their strong prowess on the musical scene.
Nam, who will take the role of failed but genius composer Yu-jun in the new work, said that the musical is warm-hearted and will touch many in the audience.
``When I first read the script, I was moved and touched by the human story. So I've decided to take part in the musical,'' Nam said in an interview with The Korea Times.
The musical revolves around the story of a little girl, Achim, who was left a deaf mute following shock when her father, a singer, was killed in an accident. But later she gradually recovers her voice after encountering her father's songs. Her mom In-gyeong played by Choi and Yu-jun help her recover her voice.
``This musical is homegrown, which is very inspiring and fresh for musical actors like me. I starred in many blockbuster musicals from Broadway and the West End. But as times goes by, my standards to choose the works have changed from large-scale musicals to homegrown small scale ones with good lyrics,'' he said.
``I am so glad to co-work with my old friend and colleague Choi again. It is very comfortable like family when I work with her,'' said Nam.
Nam and Choi have performed together in 13 musicals since they first performed in ``Guys and Dolls'' in 1990.
``We have different preparing styles. Nam is very enthusiastic during rehearsals. I need my private time and room when I am back home. But I learn many things from him,'' Choi said.
Choi and Nam showed their 20-year-old friendship. Since they worked together 20 years ago, they were regarded as the ``best couple'' on the musical scene.
``I feel more comfortable when I act with Nam. I know what he feels and how he reacts, even when I just look into his eyes. There is nothing better than our harmony,'' Choi said.
Choi, better known as Donna in the musical, ``Mamma Mia!'' recalled the early period in her acting career with mixed emotions.
``It was a very tough time because there was no school or institute to learn acting, singing and dancing. So I studied and practiced all alone,'' she said.
Choi said that although the past days' musicals received little attention from the public, the theater was always full with an enthusiastic audience giving performances standing ovations. ``That was my source of energy so that I could overcome the hard times,'' she said.
``I am sure that the musical stars come from the efforts rather than the born-to-be talent. When I was a beginner, I practiced for about 8 straight hours a day and sometimes all day long,'' said Choi.
Choi, who is now a mother of a 10-year-old daughter, said that her role in ``Soridoduk'' is different from her previous roles. ``I am seeking challenges in my acting career. I choose a new role that can upgrade my acting capacity every time,'' she said.
She has so far starred in 24 musicals over the last 20 years. Choi said that the musical, ``Soridoduk'' will become a strong base for the future homegrown musicals.
``Currently, Korean homegrown musicals were not that successful. But we cannot blame anyone because the local musical industry is quite a latecomer. So these kind of attempts should be made continuously,'' said Choi.
Concerning the homegrown musicals, Nam also shares the views with Choi, saying that the efforts to create local musicals might lead to the development of the musical industry.
``I see hopes in the homegrown musicals through such musicals as `Singing In The Rain,' which is a landmark and household name in the musical scene,'' said Nam.
Nam said that the current musical industry is booming but he pointed out the lack of talented actors who are properly trained as musical actors.
``Musical actors should be versatile and all-rounded in theatrical skills and the arts from tap dancing, ballet to stagecraft. But recently young musical actors aspirants do sing generally well but cannot touch the hearts of the audience with their superficial skills. They just dream of becoming a star without training themselves,'' he said.
Nam said that some of them are chasing money and obsessed with their titles. ``Living as a musical actor requires endless research, study and effort. I hope young musical actors aspirants keep it in mind,'' he said.
``Soridoduk'' will be staged at Hoam Art Hall from April 5 to May 25. Tickets cost from 35,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266 or visit www.soridoduk.com.