REVIEW Broadway sensation 'Chicago' returns to Korea with stellar cast
Tiffany Young as Roxie Hart and Choi Jae-rim as Billy Flynn perform a scene in the Korean rendition of the musical "Chicago" at D-Cube Arts Center in southwestern Seoul's Guro District, June 11. Yonhap
Broadway sensation "Chicago" has returned to Seoul once again, promising to live up to its global reputation with an impeccable stage and polished cast more than ever before.
Now in its 17th season since debuting in 2000, the show continues to captivate Korean audiences with its compelling narrative and dynamic performances.
The season's cast includes a handful of musical theater luminaries — Choi Jung-won, Yoon Gong-ju and Jeong Sun-ah as Velma Kelly; Ivy, Tiffany Young and Min Kyoung-ah as Roxie Hart; Park Gun-hyung and Choi Jae-rim as Billy Flynn; and Kim Young-ju and Kim Kyung-sun as Mama Morton.
"Chicago" spins the tale of murderous chorus girls in the 1920s Chicago, which have all landed in jail for voluntary manslaughter. In a relentless pursuit of fame, the girls — all while behind bars — compete to dominate headlines with their sensational stories.
Actors Ivy, left, and Yoon Gong-ju perform a scene in the Korean rendition of the musical "Chicago" at D-Cube Arts Center in southwestern Seoul's Guro District, June 11. Yonhap
On June 12, I went to what could be described as one of the most unforgettable musical experiences in Korea, where acclaimed actors delivered top-notch performances that kept the audience entranced throughout the 145-minute show.
Choi Jung-won, a fixture as Velma since the Korean premiere, graced the center stage that night, igniting excitement throughout the crowd looking forward to witness her record-breaking tenure in the production.
Surpassing those expectations, Choi dazzled the audience right from the first note with her rendition of the famous number "All That Jazz," silencing every attendee in the theater in awe.
Her commanding presence echoed the sentiment expressed by her co-star Ivy during a recent press briefing on June 11, who aptly described her senior as "the epitome of self-management." Dressed in a striking black see-through gown, the 54-year-old actress exhibited a physique and grace in movement that left the audience entirely spellbound.
Actor Park Gun-hyung performs a scene as Billy Flynn in the Korean rendition of the musical "Chicago" at D-Cube Arts Center in southwestern Seoul's Guro District, June 11. Yonhap
Equally compelling was Ivy's portrayal of Roxie, a role she has dominated for years in the Korean production. Ivy's nuanced performance added depth to Roxie's journey from a "dumb mechanic's wife" to a fame-hungry star, leaving the audience with no choice but to fall in love with the controversial character.
Choi Jae-rim, portraying the charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn, also brought a unique flair to the evening's performance. His rendition of "All I Care About," Flynn's signature number, had already garnered attention among Korean internet users after becoming a viral hit on social media, earning him the affectionate nickname "old flamingo" for his flamboyant performance adorned with feathers.
In addition to the performance that lived up to the online hype, a standout moment occurred during "We Both Reached For The Gun" sung by Ivy and Choi Jae-rim. Showcasing Choi Jae-rim's precise delivery and commanding vocals, coupled with his skilled ventriloquism, the number sent the crowd to ecstatic cheers immediately after.
Kim Young-ju, left, and Choi Jung-won perform a scene in the Korean rendition of the musical "Chicago" at D-Cube Arts Center in southwestern Seoul's Guro District, June 11. Yonhap
The production also highlights meticulous character development on stage, giving each and every character a song of their own. This clearly distinguishes the show from Korea's musical scene, where emphasis typically leans towards dramatic storytelling and emotional turbulence.
The production offered more than just stellar performances from its actors; it featured an orchestra with rare instruments such as the tuba and trumpet, enriching the musical's vibrant soundscape. The interaction between the conductor — who is on stage — and the actors, along with lively band interludes, added a dynamic element as well.
"Chicago" continues through Sept. 29 at D-Cube Arts Center in southwestern Seoul's Guro District.