Musical ‘Aladdin’ Korean premiere review
[서울=뉴시스] Reporter Lee Ye-seul = “Where did I come from? I came from Jamsil Station Exit 3!” (Genie’s line from the musical ‘Aladdin’)
The mysterious kingdom of Agrabah has been recreated in Jamsilbeol, Seoul. On the 22nd, when the musical ‘Aladdin’ opened, the area around the Jamsil Charlotte Theater was buzzing with audiences who gathered to watch the Korean premiere of ‘Aladdin’.
‘Aladdin’ has been loved by all ages, including children and adults around the world since the original Disney animation (1992), and has been transformed into various genres for over 30 years, from children to adults. As a musical, it was the 12th musical to arrive in Korea after mobilizing approximately 2,000 audiences from all over the world since it began on Broadway in the United States in 2014.
The Korean version of the musical ‘Aladdin’ was a variety show that added the realism of the performance and localized taste to the content that everyone knew.
When the patchwork carpet curtain opens, the famous number ‘Arabian Nights’, also included in the animation, begins and the audience is teleported to the kingdom of Agrabah.
The stage is as spectacular as expected. The market with its colorful colors, the golden cave where Aladdin went to find the lamp, and Princess Jasmine’s bedroom all show off their own charm. Added to this are the characters’ colorful costumes and props. The actors on stage dance and sing constantly, keeping the audience’s eyes and ears busy. In Act 1, Kim Junsu, who played the role of Aladdin wearing only a vest over his bare skin, did not waver in his vocals even while sweat was visible to the naked eye as he sang, danced, and performed stunts.
The main viewing point of the musical is how the Genie appears from a small lamp the size of the palm of your hand. Jeong Seong-hwa, who played the Genie, played a role that surpassed that of the main character and made people wait for ‘when will the Genie appear again?’ Genie’s number ‘Friend Like Me’, which lasts about 10 minutes, is the highlight of the performance. The cave surrounded by gold presents the most spectacular and thrilling attraction with ensembles dressed in gold.
Since Genie is in charge of the ‘laughter bell’ in the play, the laughter usually comes from Genie’s lines. The gag codes that have been modified to suit the tastes of Korean audiences are especially noteworthy. You can give ‘Lotte Signiel’ as a wish, and the meme “I’ll bake it evenly”, which was created through the Netflix show ‘Black and White Chef’, also appears, and Rose x Bruno Mars’ ‘Apartment’ is also sung.
Lee Sung-kyung, who plays Princess Jasmine, who is making her first attempt at a musical, made Jasmine feel like she came out of an animation. In ‘A Whole New World’, a scene where Jasmine and Aladdin fly through the sky on a carpet, the carpet actually flies on stage. This is why you should see the musical in person. It’s also fun to listen to new numbers.
Jasmine’s ‘These Palace Walls’, Aladdin and Jasmine’s ‘A Million Miles Away’, ‘Diamond in the Rough’, ‘You.’ Because I have a friend (Somebody’s)
Got Your Back) 4 songs are newly added numbers for the musical. Four unused songs from the original animation, including ‘Proud of Your Boy’ and ‘Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim’, were also added.
Genie’s words at the end of the performance are meaningful. “The taste tastes better, so come again.” Kim Jun-su, Seo Kyung-soo, and Park Kang-hyun appear as Aladdin, Jung Sung-hwa, Jeong Won-young, and Kang Hong-seok appear as Genie, and Lee Sung-kyung, Min Kyung-ah, and Choi Ji-hye appear as Jasmine.
It will be performed at the Charlotte Theater until June 22nd next year and then continue at the Busan Dream Theater.
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How did the Korean adaptation of “Aladdin” navigate the delicate balance between honoring the original story’s universal themes while incorporating unique Korean cultural nuances?
This article provides a review of the musical “Aladdin” as it premiered in Korea. Here are some open-ended, discussion-provoking questions divided into thematic sections:
**I. Adaptation and Localization**
* How effectively did the Korean production of “Aladdin” balance faithfulness to the original Disney story with incorporating Korean cultural elements and humor?
* What are the challenges and rewards of adapting a beloved, globally recognized story for a specific cultural context like Korea?
* How does the addition of new songs enhance or detract from the original narrative and musical tapestry of “Aladdin”?
**II. Performance aspects**
* The review highlights Kim Junsu’s athletic performance and Jeong Seong-hwa’s comedic portrayal of the Genie. What other performance elements stood out to you, and why?
* How did the stage design and special effects contribute to immersing the audience in the world of Agrabah? Did any particular scenes or moments leave a lasting impression?
* What are the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating elements like live flying carpets and large-scale set pieces in a musical production?
**III. Audience Reception and Impact**
* The article mentions that the musical is expected to appeal to audiences of all ages. How might “Aladdin” resonate differently with children compared to adults?
* What role do musicals like “Aladdin” play in promoting cultural exchange and appreciation?
**IV. Broader Context**
* This production follows the success of other Broadway musicals in Korea. What factors contribute to the increasing popularity of musical theater in South Korea?
* How does Korean theater, in general, approach adapting and reinterpreting international works?
These questions aim to spark thoughtful conversation and exploration of the multifaceted themes presented in the article.
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