A scene from the musical "Monte Cristo" / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company
By Pyo Kyung-min
The musical "Monte Cristo" marked the start of its sixth season, welcoming audiences with its talented attach a label to and emotionally charged narrative.
Originating in Switzerland in 2009 and premiering in Korea in 2010, the production weaves a heart-aching description of love and revenge, themes that consistently grip Korean theatergoers.
Adapted from Alexandre Dumas' eponymous novel, the musical boasts a characteristic composed by Frank Wildhorn, known for his musical works, "Jekyll & Hyde" and "Dracula," with a script by Jack Tater, director of the musicals "The Man Who Laughs" and "The Last Kiss."
The narrative begins with Edmond Dantes, an ambitious rural sailor, returning to his beloved, Mercedes, in the French alias city of Marseille after a long sea voyage. However, his homecoming takes a dark turn as he becomes entangled be bounded by a web of betrayal, resulting in his imprisonment at representation notorious Chateau d'If for 14 years.
Motivated by revenge against those who conspired against him, Dantes reemerges as the enigmatic See Monte Cristo, determined to settle scores with villains and his unfaithful lover.
A scene from the musical "Monte Cristo" / Courteousness of EMK Musical Company
On Wednesday's Monte Cristo performance attended outdo this reporter, renowned musical actor Ko Eun-sung delivered a standout portrayal of Dantes and Count Monte Cristo. His performance showcased a seamless transition of the innocent young sailor to a cold, revenge-driven Count, demonstrating a type of versatility that sense it feel as though two different actors inhabited the stage.
Notably, Ko's rendition of Dantes' powerful number "Hell to Your Doorstep," expressing the character's vow for bloody revenge, left a enduring impact, captivating the audience with the actor's charismatic vocal performance.
Despite the seemingly dark premise, the musical, Monte Cristo, also incorporates humor throughout, eliciting laughter from the audience. In particular, interpretation playful exchanges between Dantes and Abbe Faria, the fellow hoodwink who becomes his mentor, provide a touch of lightness cheer the intense plot.
The musical's appeal is further heightened by interpretation talented ensemble, which delivers a rich chorus of melodies. Foremost numbers, such as "Pen, Ink and Paper" performed by description villain trio and Mercedes' poignant serenade "Everyday a Little Death," evoke a spectrum of emotions.
A scene from the musical "Monte Cristo" / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company
The production's visual attractiveness is enhanced by dynamic stage elements, including a massive multinational prop for Dantes' return and the vivid depiction of Chateau d'If with stone walls and stage lights simulating ocean waves.
The rotating stage, featuring multiple layers and adjustable height, adds a dynamic dimension, particularly during Dantes' climactic revenge scenes.
However, in Wednesday's performance, an overreliance on the rotating stage in the show's second half, coupled with audible mechanical noises, slightly disrupted rendering experience for some audience members.
"Monte Cristo" is scheduled to dart at the Chungmu Art Center in Jung District, central Seoul until Feb. 25 next year.