Published : Nov. 3, 2013 - 18:54
Actors and an actress pose for a photo in costumes created for the upcoming run of “Wicked.” (Seol & Company)
This year the global hit “Wicked” celebrates its 10th anniversary, a milestone achieved by only 10 other Broadway musicals in history.
In Seoul, the milestone is being celebrated by the premiere of its Korean production, performed in Korean by an all-Korean cast. The upcoming run, opening at the Charlotte Theater in Seoul on Nov. 22, is the fifth foreign-language production of the Broadway show.
“I think people respond to Wicked globally because they all have a bit of Elphaba and a bit of Glinda inside them,” said the upcoming run’s director Lisa Leguillou, who has directed the show in other countries including Mexico, Germany and Australia. “It all relates to everyone’s childhood.”
The show is known as a ravishing spectacle and fantasy, mixed with the touching account of one’s experience of difficult youth, life-changing friendship and growing up.
Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” a parallel novel of the classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” it tells the story of two very different witches ― green-skinned, struggling and often-alienated Elphaba and beautiful and popular blonde Glinda.
Popular musical actress Oak Ju-hyun (“Elisabeth,” “Rebecca”) is sharing the role of Elphaba with actress Park Hye-na (“Mozart,” “Late Night Restaurant”), while musical actress Jeong Sun-ah (“Aida,” “Evita”) is sharing the role of Glinda with Kim Bo-kyung (“Rebecca,” “Cats”) for the upcoming run.
“Julia (Oak Ju-hyun) is very deep and provocative,” Leguillou, who has over 10 years of experience directing “Wicked,” said. “And Hye-na is more reserved, but she is reserved in a very strong way. She’s also very inviting. How they approach the audience is also very different. Julia makes you come towards her, whereas Hye-na is actually coming towards you.”
The musical’s popular duet number “For Good” ― which the two witches sing together before parting ways forever ― has been Leguillou’s favorite, even before the show’s New York premiere in 2003. The song’s famous line goes: “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
“Before we started doing this show (on) Broadway, we were in the workshop and I was getting married,” Leguillou, who “never foresaw the global success of the show 10 years ago,” said. “And a couple of my friends sang that song at my wedding. Everyone was so blown away by the song and they were moved. Everyone asked, ‘What is this song?’ and I told them, ‘You will soon find out.’”
The director said having a double cast of the show’s main roles was difficult, but had its plus side.
“It is interesting to see how alive the actors and actresses are and how much they react with each other,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful thing that they get to see each other (perform). They are learning from each other, understanding my notes better.”
Leguillou, who said she asks her actors to always be “generous and listen” to each other, stressed the importance of “honest performances” and seemed to be confident about the upcoming run.
“It’s going to be a very heartfelt and passionate show,” she said. “I hope the audience will come and see the both cast members. You will not be disappointed.”
Meanwhile, associate costume designer Billy Roache helped put together 350 costumes and 80 wigs for the upcoming Korean production. The $3 million wardrobe was created by famed costume designer Susan Hilferty. She won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for her “Wicked” costumes.
“Wicked” costume designer Billy Roache (left) and director Lisa Leguillou. (Seol & Company)
Roache’s primary concern? Whether or not the actors are comfortable in the clothes.
“I want the actors to be comfortable in the costume and feel a part of it,” he said. “I tell them, ‘You are all on the same level whether you are a principal or an ensemble member. You are all the same.’ I tell them: ‘If you don’t like something (about the costume), tell me. I will help you.’”
“Wicked” opens at Charlotte Theater in Jamsil, Seoul, on Nov. 22. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.
By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)