Not many people know that Hwang Jeong-min, now a famous movie star, was once an under-the-radar actor in a number of musical productions. Debuted in a long-running hit musical "Subway Line 1" (1994), Hwang performed in musicals such as "Broadway 42nd" (2004), "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1997) and "Cats" (1999) before he gained popularity with the film "A Good Lawyer's Wife" (2003). Now regarded as one of Korea's A-list film actors, Hwang has earned many awards for his versatility.
Inviting the audience to appreciate his unknown musical talent, the 37-year-old is making a surprise return to the stage with the Korean rendition of the Broadway musical "Nine".
After a four-year hiatus on the stage, Hwang takes the role of Guido Contini, a film director facing a midlife crisis. Based on an Italian play by Mario Fratti, which was inspired by Federico Fellini's autobiographical film "8 1/2", the musical tells a story of a 40-year-old man entangled in a web of romantic difficulties in early-1960s Venice.
The Broadway production, directed by Tommy Tune and choreographed by Tommie Walsh, opened in May 1982. It eventually won five Tony Awards, including for best musical of the year. In 2003, the remake of the musical, which starred Antonio Banderas as Guido, hit the stage. The performance earned him a Tony Award nomination.
Hwang was confident and attractive enough on the stage when he sang two songs for critics and reporters last week. But he said he still feels pressure. "I am under great pressure because I am playing the only male character which leads the rest of the cast on the stage", said Hwang. "And I also feel pressure because there are a lot of people watching me over the show, who don't initially recognize me as a stage actor but as a movie star".
David Swan, the producer of the musical, encouraged Hwang, saying that he is the right one for the role.
"The role of Guido requires an actor a great range and he's just a perfect actor for the show, like the rest of the cast", said Swan.
Hwang is to lead a cast of 15 women in the Korean production of "Nine". In this story, the women in the Italian director's life include his wife, mistress, leading lady, mother, first sexual encounter and producer. The cast of women characters draws attention as the show features the award-winning musical actress Kim Sun-young who takes the role of Guido's wife Luisa, Yang So-min as protege Claudia and Chung Sun-ah as mistress Carla.
Feeling lucky to play with a group of attractive and talented actresses, Hwang said: "I heard a lot of people saying that I am very fortunate to work with so many beautiful actresses like Jeon Do-yeon and Jeon Ji-hyeon. But I guess this musical is the best".
It seems like the musical is offering a moment of reflection for Hwang who wanted to stimulate his acting career.
"A child grows up but an adult also transforms himself or herself by looking back upon the past. I think the musical is good for me because it allows me to take a backward glance at my life", said he.
The musical "Nine" hits the stage on Jan. 22 for a seven-week run at the LG Arts Center in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul.
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