Lee Hyeong-cheol (이형철)

Half Success, Half Failure in Korean 'My Fair Lady'

Source | 2008/08/29 | Permalink |

By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

It took about 52 years for musical "My Fair Lady", which premiered in Broadway in 1956, to make its way to the overheated local musical scene eager for proven foreign licensed works.

Why did it take so long to put such a reputed classic on stage in local theaters?

It might be because of the language difference. Unlike other musicals, "My Fair Lady" is difficult to capture its original style and intentions if translated into Korean as the story puts much emphasis on the process of speech lessons and the improvement of English pronunciation.

Despite the worries, the Korean version of "My Fair Lady" managed to pass the hardest test in the scenes of Eliza taking speech lessons from Higgins.

The musical used English phrases without Korean translation in the speech tutoring scene endlessly repeating phrases like "In Hertford, Hereford and Hampshire, hurricanes hardly ever happen" to demonstrate that "h"s must be aspirated.

But it translated...| More

Musical 'My Fair Lady' to premiere in Seoul

Source | 2008/08/06 | Permalink |

Many Koreans have seen or are familiar with the 1964 film "My Fair Lady", which stars Audrey Hepburn, an icon of beauty and grace that even the young generation looks up to.

Starting later this month, the local OD Musical Company plans to stage Korea's first musical version of the classic story.

"Because the original Broadway show premiered in 1956, people might think it's a bit late to stage the show here now, but we thought there is definitely a need for classic shows like this", said producer Shin Chun-soo at a July 28 press conference in Seoul.

Shin also said that, while there is a wide selection of musicals, including homemade ones, currently on local stages, finding quality shows is a different matter.

"The show is what everyone grew up with and considered the greatest story in the West, with the well-made set, good music and costumes creating a good harmony", said David Swan, the show's director. "And the romantic and exciting story is more than just a Cinderella sto...| More

Korean 'My Fair Lady' to Hit Stage

Source | 2008/07/29 | Permalink |

By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

Forget Audrey Hepburn and Julie Andrews. Now it's time to indulge in the Korean version of "My Fair Lady" with a new twist.

The much-hyped blockbuster musical "My Fair Lady" has unveiled its cast members including Lim Hye-young, a new face who will act the leading role of Eliza Doolittle. Lim was chosen from nearly 1,200 applicants.

Actress Kim So-hyeon will alternate the role of Eliza with Lim, while actor Lee Hyeong-cheol, who starred in the recent hit TV drama "On Air", will play Henry Higgins, an arrogant professor of phonetics.

Unparalleled Korean musical songstress Yoon Bok-hee will play the role of Mrs. Higgins.

"It is considered one of the all-time classical musicals and has been beloved by fans for nearly half a century. The musical has not only literary artistry but also hilarious elements", Shin Chun-soo, head of OD Musical Company, told reporters at a showcase Monday.

Shin said that to help the audience enjoy in the musica...| More