What do 'Cyrano,' 'The Man Who Laughs,' 'Jekyll and Hyde' all have in common?

There are some intriguing commonalities about the musical adaptations of “Cyrano,” “The Man Who Laughs” and “Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” each of which is being staged in Seoul now.

They all have roots in legendary literary works, along with music composed by American composer Frank Wildhorn. Despite being produced by different companies, each show has been brought to life by top-tier musical production teams in Korea.

While “Jekyll and Hyde” benefits from a reputation stretching more than 20 years, "The Man Who Laughs" premiered in 2018 and has proved itself as a stable hit. "Cyrano," meanwhile, marks a return after five years in its third production, demonstrating clear growth with the promise of future success.

Cho Hyung-kyun plays the titular role in the musical
Cho Hyung-kyun plays the titular role in the musical "Cyrano." (RG Company, CJ ENM)

'Cyrano'

Cyrano is based on Edmond Rostand's 1897 play "Cyrano de Bergerac,” one of the great classics of French theater.

Set in 17th-century France, the story is a fictionalization of the historical eponymous figure, who was a brilliant poet and swordsman also known for his notoriously large nose.

Cyrano is secretly in love with his beautiful cousin, Roxane, but believes she could never love someone as unattractive as he perceives himself to be. When Roxane confides in him that she has fallen in love with a handsome young soldier named Christian, Cyrano selflessly decides to help her. Knowing Christian lacks the poetic charm Roxane desires, Cyrano writes heartfelt love letters to Roxane on Christian’s behalf, using his words to express the love he feels but that he cannot claim for his own.

"Bring Me Giants" and "Alone" are two standout musical numbers in “Cyrano” that beautifully capture the essence of the story and Cyrano’s character.

In its third run, the musical “Cyrano” features Cho Hyung-kyun, who won for best male actor at the ninth Korea Musical Awards in 2020 for his portrayal of the titular role. He alternates the role of Cyrano with Ko Eun-sung and Choi Jae-rim.

“Cyrano” runs at CJ Towol Theater in the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, until Feb. 23.

“Jekyll and Hyde” (OD Company)
“Jekyll and Hyde” (OD Company)

'Jekyll and Hyde'

Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella, "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," is a cornerstone of Gothic literature.

“Jekyll and Hyde” from OD Company, which is also behind the Broadway musical “The Great Gatsby,” celebrated its 20th anniversary last year in Korea.

The musical has been a steady hit, showing off many of Korea's most talented musical actors in its eight successful reruns.

Currently, the dual roles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are portrayed by Hong Kwang-ho, Kim Sung-chul and Jeon Dong-suk. Their seamless transformation between the gentle, conflicted Dr. Jekyll and the menacing, unrestrained Mr. Hyde leaves the audience in awe.

The musical’s signature number, “This Is the Moment,” remains one of the most beloved songs in Korea. Its popularity is so widespread that it is sometimes banned at auditions due to its overuse by hopeful performers.

“Jekyll and Hyde” runs at Blue Square in Yongsan, Seoul, until May 18.

"The Man Who Laughs" (EMK Company)

'The Man Who Laughs'

Set in 17th-century England, Victor Hugo's "The Man Who Laughs" tells the haunting story of Gwynplaine, a man whose face is permanently disfigured into a grotesque smile, making him a symbol of social hypocrisy and the exploitation of the marginalized. Beyond its sharp critique of social inequality, the story is the beautiful tale of an unconventional family.

Gwynplaine, the son of a nobleman, is kidnapped as a child by a group of criminals who carve a permanent grin into his face to use him as a spectacle. Abandoned and alone, he finds purpose and love when he saves Dea, a blind infant. Ursus, a traveling philosopher and showman, takes in the child and the infant, forming a small, close-knit family. The three travel as performers, with Gwynplaine becoming famous as "The Man Who Laughs."

The musical is renowned for its captivating stage effects and elaborate costumes. One of its most memorable moments is the emotional highlight “Open Your Eyes,” where Gwynplaine confronts the hypocrisy and cruelty of the aristocracy.

“The Man Who Laughs” runs at the Opera Theater of the Seoul Arts Center until March 9.