The press conference for the musical 'Mrs. Doubtfire' was held on the afternoon of the 2nd at the ECC campus of Ewha Womans University in Seoul. Attendees included actors Hwang Jung-min, Jung Sung-hwa, Jung Sang-hoon, Lina, Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Da-hyun, and child actors Kim Tae-hee and Seol Ga-eun, who shared various insights about the production.
'Mrs. Doubtfire' is a musical adaptation of the film starring Robin Williams. It tells the story of Daniel, who disguises himself as a nanny, Mrs. Doubtfire, to care for his children at his ex-wife's house after their divorce. The musical is a comedy filled with the warmth of family love.
This marks the third performance of 'Mrs. Doubtfire' in Korea. Jung Sung-hwa, who plays the role of Daniel, is the only actor among the three Daniels with previous experience in the role. He noted, "While the original storyline remains intact, the fact that all three actors playing Daniel are fathers themselves adds depth to our connection with the child actors, making our performances more genuine and relatable for the audience."
Jung Sung-hwa is joined this season by veteran actor Hwang Jung-min, known for drawing millions to theaters, and Jung Sang-hoon, who has made a name for himself on 'SNL Korea.' Jung Sung-hwa remarked, "With the new members, I've learned a lot from both of them. Especially Hwang Jung-min, who brings a natural gravitas to his role, pushing me to approach my performance with even more sincerity than in previous seasons."
When asked about advice he gave to the newcomers, Jung Sung-hwa said, "If they were new to acting, I would have shared more, but Hwang Jung-min is a top actor, and Jung Sang-hoon excels in comedic roles. I only offered a few tips. Each of us brings a unique comedic style, offering audiences a diverse experience."
Hwang Jung-min returns to the musical stage after a decade, taking on the role of a nanny in disguise. Known for his blockbuster films, he approaches this transformation with a strong sense of duty. He shared, "Opportunities for musicals haven't come often, and past productions didn't fare well, so I was cautious. However, I believe stage performances are similar, and while challenging, I aim to deliver a great performance."
He added, "I hope to create a sense of fulfillment between the audience and myself when they applaud. I also feel a responsibility to set a good example for my juniors."
Hwang Jung-min admitted, "I haven't done much comedy in musicals, so I've lost some of that touch. But thanks to Sang-hoon and Sung-hwa, I'm improving, and I'm realizing I'm not just an actor known for intense roles."
Child actors Kim Tae-hee and Seol Ga-eun, who play Lydia, revealed the different personalities of their three on-stage fathers. Kim Tae-hee said of Hwang Jung-min, "He seemed intimidating at first, but he later brought us snacks, showing a warm fatherly side like Daniel in the play." Seol Ga-eun noted, "Jung Sang-hoon is genuinely funny, but his emotional scenes with the children are deeply moving."
The young actors emphasized that 'Mrs. Doubtfire' is a must-see for those in emotionally unstable situations or teenagers who might be at odds with their parents, as it highlights parental love.
'Mrs. Doubtfire' will be staged at the Charlotte Theater in Jamsil, Seoul, starting on the 27th.