Around town 1

The National Dance Company of Korea will present a dance performance, “Shigane Nai,” from April 27 to 29. / Courtesy of the National Theater of Korea

Classical Concerts

‘G.F Handel's Oratorio Samson'

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

April 20 and 21

Handel's oratorio "Samson" will be performed for the first time in Korea, by the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on April 20 and 21.

"Samson" was written in 1741, based on John Milton's closet drama, "Samson Agonistes." It features the story of Samson, one of the leaders of the ancient Israelites who is mentioned in the Bible. Just like many other oratorios of Handel that feature Biblical stories, this piece vividly expresses religious values, the heroism of the characters and historical significance through music. Chief and conductor of the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus Kim Myeong-yeop will be leading the concert.

Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1000.

‘Korean Symphony Orchestra 201st Regular Concert _ 17 and Dream’

Seoul Arts Center

April 27

The Korean Symphony Orchestra will have its 201st regular concert on April 27 at the Seoul Arts Center.

Since its foundation in 1985, the orchestra has been contributing to the development of classical music in Korea, performing more than 90 times annually. In this concert, it will perform Langgaard’s Symphony No. 1 “Rock Pastorals” for the first time in Asia.

Tickets cost 10,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 523-6258

Big Tickets

‘Coldplay _ A Head Full of Dreams Tour'

Jamsil Sports Complex

April 15 and 16

For the first time in Korea, British rock band Coldplay will have concerts at Jamsil Sports Complex on April 15 and 16.

Coldplay was formed in 1998 with four members, vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion. Since then, the band has created a large number of hit songs such as "Yellow," "Viva la Vida" and "Paradise," and sold over 80 million albums worldwide. These concerts are part of their "A Head Full of Dreams Tour," which celebrates the release of their seventh studio album of the same name.

Tickets cost 44,000 to 154,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 332-3277.

Pop & Jazz

‘Dominic Miller Live in Seoul'

Mapo Art Center

April 26

Argentinean guitarist Dominic Miller will have a concert in Korea as part of his world tour at Mapo Art Center on April 26.

Dominic Miller is known for his collaboration with Sting. He participated on Sting's 1991 album "The Soul Cages," and since then has been involved with Sting's projects for almost 30 years. Miller and Sting co-wrote "The Shape of My Heart," which was used for the soundtrack of the movie "Leon" and received great acclaim from worldwide audiences. Through this world tour, he celebrates the release of his 10th studio album, "Silent Light."

Tickets cost 66,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 522-1886.

Plays & Musicals

‘The Pretenders'

Until April 23

For the first time in Korea, Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's play, "The Pretenders (Kongs-Emnerne)" will be staged at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.

"The Pretenders" was written in 1863 by Henrik Ibsen, who is also known as the father of modern drama. Although this play is set in 13th century Norway, it gives insights into intricate human psychology, relationships and conflicts that are still valid today.

Actor Kim Joo-hyeon plays the main character, King Hakon.

Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1794.

‘Our Bad Magnet'

Daehak-ro Art One Theater

Until May 2

A play written by Scottish author Douglas Maxwell, "Our Bad Magnet," will be staged at Daehak-ro Art One Theater from March 5 to May 28

In a small Scottish town, four boys at the age of 9 become friends with each other. One of them, Gordon, is always quiet and depressed. When the boys turn 19, Gordon kills himself after having conflict with the other three. Ten years later, the three boys reunite and trace back their childhood memories and secrets.

Actor Moon Tae-yu, Song Kwang-il, and Oh Seung-hun play Gordon.

Tickets cost 40,000 to 55,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 764-8760.

‘Oh! Carol'

D-Cube Arts Center

Until May 7

The musical "Oh! Carol" will be staged at the D-Cube Arts Center from Feb 28 to May 7.

"Oh! Carol" tells a story of six people who meet at a resort in Florida. Marge is a smart but unlucky girl, who gets abandoned by her fiance on her wedding day. She visits the resort with her best friend, Lois, who tries to help her find a new love. Del is an attractive singer who aspires to become a star, and Gabe is a worker at the resort who has amazing artistic talent but lacks confidence. The four begin to form a heartwarming love story.

Actors Jeong Dan-young and Lindsey play the main character Marge.

Tickets cost from 50,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-3363.

‘Jekyll and Hyde'

Blue Square

Until May 21

The Broadway cast of the musical "Jekyll and Hyde" will visit Korea as part of their world tour and perform at Blue Square from March 8 to May 21.

A talented doctor and scientist, Henry Jekyll works on separating the human soul from the body. For his experiments, he uses himself as a human guinea pig. As a result, he creates his other self, Hyde, who is full of evil. Hyde gradually takes control of Jekyll, and starts killing people who stood in his way.

Actors Kyle Dean Massey and Bradley Dean play Jekyll.

Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-5212.

‘Dreamgirls'

Charlotte Theater

Until June 25

The musical "Dreamgirls" will be performed by its original Broadway cast at the Charlotte Theater from April 4 to June 25.

Aspiring to stardom, three African-American girls _ Deena, Lorrell, and Effie _ form a girl group, the Dreamettes. With help of their ambitious manager, Curtis, the Dreamettes become backup singers of James Thunder Early, a famous R&B singer. While the Dreamettes gradually gain public attention, Curtis comes up with another plan that could bring huge trouble to the group.

Actors Bre Jackson and Brit West play Effie, Candice Marie Woods plays Deena, and Michelle Moris plays Lorrell.

Tickets cost 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-5212.

Dance

‘Don Quixote'

National Theater of Korea

Until April 9

The Universal Ballet Company will present the comic ballet "Don Quixote" at the National Theater of Korea from April 5 to 9.

The classic comic ballet is based on a novel of the same name written by Spanish writer Cervantes. It was originally created in 1869 by choreographer Marius Petipa and composer Ludwig Minkus. The piece portrays the joyful love story of Basilio the barber, and Kitri, the beautiful daughter of an innkeeper. It also features representative Spanish dances such as flamenco, fandango, and the dance of the matadors, showing the audience the exotic and passionate world of 17th century Spain.

Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (070) 7124-1737.

‘Shigane Nai’

April 27 to 29

The National Dance Company of Korea will present a dance performance, “Shigane Nai,” at the National Theater of Korea from April 27 to 29.

“Shigane Nai” was choreographed by French dancer and choreographer Jose Montalvo. Inspired by traditional Korean dance, in which the dancers move while playing percussion instruments, he created dance moves that reflect the rhythmical and exciting sound of percussion. This piece was premiered in 2016 at the National Theater of Korea. In the same year, it was also staged at the Chaillot National Theater of France, receiving wide acclaim from audiences in both Seoul and Paris.

Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2280-4116

Clubs

Club Octagon

Nonhyeon

Near the New Hilltop Hotel in Nonhyeon, this club is notable for its stylish interior and elite clientele. The club offers a stage, lounge bar and dining area to satisfy any night out after work or on the weekend. It is near exit 4 of Hakdong Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 516-8847.

Club Globe Lounge

Itaewon

Club Globe Lounge is famous among women looking for a place to throw birthday parties or enjoy a light dinner. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., it serves as a bar, changing into a club after 10 p.m. Every Thursday, Club Globe Lounge has a Happy Hour buffet for guests. Club Globe Lounge is located near the Hamilton Hotel by exit 2 of Itaewon Station, subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 792-1127.

Club Evans

Hongik University

Club Evans is a live jazz club that has served as a platform for emerging jazz artists for a decade. It operates jazz recording studios and a jazz academy as well, producing albums for many local jazz artists. Club Evans provides jazz concerts and leads music sessions every Monday and Tuesday. Club Evans is located near exit 1 of Sangsu Station, subway line 6. It opens at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit clubevans.com or call (02) 337-8361.

Once in a Blue Moon

Apgujeong

Once in a Blue Moon is one of the best-known and well-established jazz clubs in the city. It features live jazz sets from two different bands every night, usually starting at 7:30 p.m. It is located between the Hakdong Intersection and Galleria Department Store in the posh district of Apgujeong. For more information, visit onceinabluemoon.co.kr or call (02) 549-5490.

Club Answer

Cheongdam

Club Answer, chosen as one of the five hottest clubs in Seoul by CNN, provides a spacious interior and brilliant lighting system with entertaining DJs on stage nightly. Club Answer is in the classy area of Cheongdam, a district known to lead the party culture of Seoul. It is located near exit 13 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 514-4311.

Club Double Eight

Sinsa

Opened in 2010, Club Double Eight takes clubbing to its heights. Located in Gangnam, it provides diverse hotel promotions and features weekend lineups with exuberant DJs. It is located near exit 1 of Sinsa Station on Line 3. For more information, call (02) 543-8803.