By Chung Ah-young
Staff reporter
The award-winning film ``The Mission'' will be turned into a musical for the first time in collaboration with Italian composer Ennio Morricone and a Korean musical company.
The Sang Sang Musical Company will co-produce the show with its Italian counterpart Efeso Produzioni.
``The musical is expected to draw much attention as its world tour will debut in Korea, and was initiated and invested in by a Korean company, with a top cast and creative staff,'' the musical company said in a press release.
Film composer virtuoso Morricone will present six new numbers for the musical in addition to his original soundtrack that was composed for the film, which is regarded as the best of his film scores.
The master has composed more than 100 classical pieces since 1946 and 400 cinematic numbers. He has won two Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes and received an Honorary Academy Award in 2007 for his many magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music.
Notably, his son Andrea Morricone, one of the most prominent Italian composers along with his father, will also participate in the production as a musical producer. He began his musical studies under the guidance of his father and has gained a global presence in film and concert music with his trademark beautiful melodies. He composed the love theme to Giuseppe Tornatore's Academy Award-winning film ``Cinema Paradiso.''
For this upcoming musical, apart from the impressive score, producer Fabrizio Celestini, scriptwriter and lyricist Jaja Fiastri, director Stefano Genovese and choreographer Gino Landi will all be involved.
The musical is based on the 1986 British film about the experiences of a priest in 18th century South America who builds a mission with the hopes of converting the indigenous native community.
Italian actress Clara Galante will play the role of Carlotta (Cherie Lunghi in the film) and Daniele Gatti will perform Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) and David Galarello will take on the role of Rodrigo (Robert De Niro).
The world premiere will be on June 13 and will continue to run through July 6 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 200,000 won. For more information, visit www.musicalmission.co.kr or call 1688-9721.