The musical 'Dracula' has successfully concluded its opening week amidst enthusiastic cheers and standing ovations from the audience.
Considered one of the most anticipated productions of the second half of the year, the musical 'Dracula' is based on Bram Stoker's novel of the same name. It depicts the noble and sorrowful love of Count Dracula, who has loved only one woman for over 400 years.
The fascinating relationships between the characters, centered around Dracula, and the choices they face in the face of destiny are organically intertwined, creating intense suspense. This is further enhanced by composer Frank Wildhorn's powerful musical numbers, which heighten the audience's immersion in the story.
This season, the overwhelming stage production that has become synonymous with 'Dracula' once again draws attention. A quadruple turntable and 20 massive pillars rotate and rearrange incessantly, expanding scene transitions into an integral part of the narrative.
The costumes, which complete the sensual and alluring atmosphere characteristic of Gothic romance, are also a major point of interest. In particular, Count Dracula's diverse wardrobe visually illustrates the character's transformation and emotional arc, completing the production's unique stage aesthetics.
Above all, this season features Shin Sung-rok, Kim Jun-su, Jeon Dong-suk, and Ko Eun-sung, each presenting a different charm as Dracula.
Shin Sung-rok dominates the stage with a cool, untouchable charisma. He reveals a powerful presence by densely building up the loneliness and longing of a Dracula who has endured 400 years for the sake of one woman.
Kim Jun-su, who had maintained his signature red hair for 10 years since the premiere, has transformed into black hair this season to present a new Dracula. By meticulously designing every breath, gaze, and moment of silence, he has added a fresh change to the character that has represented him for so long.
Jeon Dong-suk, known as a 'Dracula master' and 'romance master,' fills the stage with an explosive vocal range and a tone that balances sweetness and intensity. He adds dense emotional acting to maximize the sorrowful romance of Dracula.
Ko Eun-sung, who has newly joined the cast as Dracula, also radiates intense energy from his first appearance. He interprets the narrative of Dracula—filled with love, longing, and loneliness—with his own sensibilities, showcasing a new charm.
Cho Jung-eun, Park Ji-yeon, and Kim Hwan-hee take on the role of 'Mina,' who falls into a fateful love with Dracula.
Cho Jung-eun, who has long been loved as the 'angelic Mina,' leads the center of this tragic love with deepened emotions. Park Ji-yeon portrays the character's multi-layered emotions with delicate yet solid acting, while newcomer Kim Hwan-hee completes her own version of a 'modern-day Mina' with solid vocals and sincere acting.
The passionate performances of the supporting cast also enhance the production's quality. Kang Tae-eul and Lim Jeong-mo appear as 'Van Helsing,' who pursues Dracula, while Jin Tae-hwa and Lim Hyun-jun play Mina's fiancé, 'Jonathan.'
Lee Ye-eun and Lee Ah-reum-sol take on the role of 'Lucy,' who descends from a pure soul into a tragedy of madness, while Ji Won-seon and Jo Seong-rin appear as 'Renfield,' who offers blind obedience to Dracula, adding tension to the play.
This production marks the sixth season since its Korean premiere in 2004. Since the opening, audiences have continued to praise the show, with comments such as, "It is the perfect entry point for musicals and a must-see every season," "I have been watching it repeatedly since the premiere, and it offers new thrills every time," and "It was worth waiting 400 years for."
The musical 'Dracula' is currently being performed at the LG SIGNATURE Hall at LG Arts Center Seoul.
Reported by Kang Kyeong-yun | SBS Entertainment News
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