Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Alice Reborn as Ballet

By Kwon Mee-yoo Staff Reporter Seoul Ballet Theater (SBT) will stage ``Alice in Wonderland'' at Seoul Open Theater Changdong, Jan. 11-13. ``Alice in Wonderland'' is an SBT original repertoire based on Lewis Carroll's classic novel ``Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'' (1865). James Jeon, Seoul Ballet Theater's resident choreographer, choreographed the performance, which premiered in 2000. Choreographer-director Jeon focused on entertaining the younger audience when he created this ballet. ``I tried to turn this Alice story into a performance that children can easily understand and enjoy,'' Jeon said in a press release. The music of Stravinsky and Handel, modern classical music of Bernstein, colorful costumes and splendid stage settings will grab the attention of not only children but people of all ages. This ballet is faithful to the original while making a fanciful journey through reality and fantasy. Instead of falling down a rabbit hole, Alice walks into a television set, as she follows a waistcoat-clad White Rabbit carrying a watch. There, she meets computer

Jan 2, 2008

`Les Dix Captivates Seoul Again

By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter When the French musical spectacle, ``Les Dix Commandements'' was first staged by its original cast in 2006, it sent the Korean audience into a culture shock. This was not only because of the musical's large-scale extravagant show and rare biblical storyline, but also because it deeply touched the hearts of the audience with a universal theme rather than a religious message. From its heartwarming musical scores, artistic and grandiose yet modern stage sets to its flamboyant choreography that mixes various dance genres; all these elements were enough to captivate the Korean audience, which were accustomed to the Broadway and West End musical styles. Now it is back and ready to put on an encore performance with more elaborate stage sets compared to the previous show, which was staged in 2006. The encore show by the original cast raised its curtain Dec. 24. The musical is based on the biblical story of Moses ― played by Sergio Moschetto, including his friendship with Ramses ― played by Ahmed Mouici ― and their love triangle with Nef

Jan 2, 2008

Hwang Grows Into Mature Role in Musical

By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter Actor Hwang Jung-min has become one of the most sought-after actors among Korean film directors since his successful performances in ``You Are My Sunshine,'' (2005) ``Black House,'' (2007) and ``Happiness'' (2007). But many musical fans might remember his stage performances as much as his on-screen ones. So his return to the musical, ``Nine'' is causing many musical buffs to have high expectations. His comeback work is based on an Italian play by Mario Fratti inspired by Federico Fellini's autobiographical film ``8 1/2,'' focusing on the film director Guido Contini, which will be played by Hwang. Hwang said that the musical has a special meaning for him as the piece is about an ``adult coming-of-age'' in which the film director in his 40s wrestles with burnout in creativity and looks back on his career and life. The musical deals with the famous director approaching his 40th birthday, which thrusts him into an emotional tailspin that threatens to destroy his personal and professional life. ``I can sympathize with the role, which

Jan 1, 2008

French Musical Stars to Meet Local Fans

By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter Two heartthrobs of the French musical ``Romeo et Juliette''― Damien Sargue and Cyril Niccolai ― will meet Korean fans here on Jan. 4. The fan meeting will be held at Athens Hall of Olympic Parktel in southern Seoul before giving a musical gala concert, Jan. 11-13. During the fan meeting, they will introduce the upcoming concert and answer questions from their fans. After the fan meeting, the French musical stars will continue final concert rehearsals starting from Jan. 7. They will appear on major TV music shows to promote their concert. The two actors will sing not only musical favorites but also songs from their solo albums. Joy Esther who took the role of Juliette will grace the stage as a guest actress. Sargue played Romeo in the musical, which was staged in Seoul early this year, while Niccolai took the role of Benvolio, cousin and friend of Romeo. Sargue, who plays Romeo, is the only member who has remained with the troupe since its first incarnation in 2001. Sargue has become a big star in Korea as well as in France. Afte

Dec 28, 2007

Clubs, Art Exhibitions & For Kids

Clubs Club Garden Apgujeong-dong The Garden is an electronica hotspot, with the big draw being its line-up of guest DJs such as Laurent Garnier, Mondo Grosso, Afrika Bambatta and Goldie. Near Galleria Department Store on the so-called Rodeo Street in southern Seoul. Call (02) 518-5115 or clubgarden.co.kr. Club Evans Hongdae or Hongik University Area This place, located near Hongik University, is great for intimate live performances. The line-up of performers is generally top-notch and the acoustics are good. Located near exit 1 on Sangsu Station on subway line 6 or exit 6 on Hongdae Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 337-8361 or www.clubevans.com. Club Caliente Itaewon The patrons are so diverse, DJ Josh sometimes has a hard job appealing to everyone. But he keeps the dance floor going, playing a variety of standbys and new Latin music. The song selection is what keeps people coming back. Located near exit 4 of Itaewon Station subway line 6. Call (011) 9094-8484 Club M2 Hongdae M2 features top DJs from home and abroad. The dance floor an

Dec 27, 2007

Concerts, Museums & Performances

Classical Concerts Kim Dong-gyu Concert Seoul Arts Center Feb.1 Join Korea's favorite baritone Kim Dong-gyu at his concert, ``For the Beautiful You.'' He will perform with the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Park Sang-hyun. Kim will sing his personal favorite arias, classics and also pop songs. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 399-1111. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3. Aram Nuri New Year's Concert with Sejong Soloists Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex Jan. 22 Korean classical music lovers will get a glimpse of Richard Yongjae O'Neill and the Sejong Soloists. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 27,000 won. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3. Gum Nanse and the Euro-Asian Philharmonic Orchestra's New Year Concert Seoul Arts Center Jan. 23 Renowned conductor Gum Nanse will start the New Year with a classic performance at the Seoul Arts Center. It will be a great opportunity to enjoy and welcome th

Dec 27, 2007

`42nd Street to Hit Stage in Korea

By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter Broadway musical comedy and multi-Tony Award winner ``42nd Street'' will tour Korea from Jan. 5 to Feb. 28. It is the first time the Broadway tour team will perform in Korea. Korean actors and actresses performed the show in the Korean production in 1996 and 2004, drawing 70,000 viewers and 200,000 viewers respectively. The show is renowned for its flamboyant tap dancing, exuberant costumes, speedy stage changes and its memorable musical scores. The muscial is based on a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin, and music by Harry Warren. The story revolves around a young chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, who works her way up to become a Broadway star in the 1930s. The story also focuses on the efforts of famed dictatorial Great White Way director Julian Marsh to mount a successful stage production of a musical extravaganza at the height of the Great Depression. The story is a typical Cinderella type story depicting how an unknown actress later becomes a famous musical star. But it gives the audience a hopeful message

Dec 26, 2007

Folk Museum Explores Past, Present Lifestyles

By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter The National Folk Museum of Korea has reopened its exhibition hall providing a window into the history of the lives of Korean people, showing representative materials from everyday life and customs from early history right up until the modern era. The museum temporarily closed the hall last year but reopened it Dec. 21 after renovations were completed. Koo Moon-hoi, curator of the museum, said that the hall exhibits some 510 historical relics through adding themes of the modern era such as the lifestyles of the 1920s-30s and 1970s-80s. The previous hall only went as far as the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) with just 250 pieces on display. ``The exhibit also features dynamic shows of historical relics through motion pictures and genuine historical artifacts instead of miniatures to help visitors better understand the contents of the exhibit,'' said Koo. The hall consists of five themes: From Nature to Human Being; Territorial Expansion; Enjoyment of Culture; Emergence and Growth of Popular Class. The first part of From Nature to Human

Dec 24, 2007

SACs Full Renovation Cancels Shows in 2008

By Kwon Mee-yoo Staff Reporter The Seoul Arts Center (SAC) has finally decided to go through with a 10-month full renovation of its Opera Theater, which was damaged due to a fire earlier this month. The center will start constructions in January and reopen the theater in November. The fire broke out on Dec. 12 on stage during a performance of the opera ``La Boheme.'' The fire damaged the steel-frame structures and lighting and stage equipment on the catwalk area. Machinery, which was kept under the stage, was flooded in the process of extinguishing the fire. The cause of fire is still under investigation. The center had been considering a partial restoration, which was expected to take up to three months and cost 5 billion won. But having come to the conclusion that partial renovation was insufficient, the SAC instead chose to go with a complete renovation. ``We considered the extent of the damage, safety of the theater and public opinion and came to a decision to completely refurbish the theater,'' president of SAC Shin Hyun-taek, said at a press conference. ``Th

Dec 23, 2007

Religious Leaders Wish for Peaceful Christmas

By Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Religious leaders of Korea shared their thoughts and wishes for Christmas and the New Year, agreeing on the need for a ``peaceful and unified world.'' Ven. Ji gwan, head of the largest Buddhist Jogye Order, hoped for Christmas to be `` a day of hope for our people and a guide toward unification in this country.'' Cardinal Chung Jin-seok of the Archdiocese of Seoul also expressed his holiday spirit, ``I hope that there will be love, peace, mercy and forgiveness in all the homes of our people. The only way for the church to become the guiding light to our people is when we follow the footsteps of Christ and his dedication toward love.'' ``I hope the church will be able to realize the true meaning of love and life,'' said Rev. Lee Yong-gyu, the head of The Christian Council of Korea. Pastor Kwon Oh-sung of the National Council of Churches stressed that ``we must pursue world peace and share what we have with those who are less fortunate than we are. We must create a world worth living for.'' Meanwhile, employees from the General Ass