17년 만에 돌아온 뮤지컬 '로미오와 줄리엣'
더보이즈 뉴, 크래비티 우빈 등 아이돌 출신 6명 캐스팅
실력 우려 동시에 각기 다른 개성 기대감 공존
더보이즈 뉴, 크래비티 우빈 등 아이돌 출신 6명 캐스팅
실력 우려 동시에 각기 다른 개성 기대감 공존
The production will open on the 24th at the KEPCO Art Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Based on William Shakespeare's classic novel, the story follows Romeo and Juliet, who fall in love at first sight despite being from feuding families. The musical first premiered in South Korea in 2009, drawing in 100,000 viewers by blending the classic tale with pop and rock music.
This third run is generating buzz due to its revamped cast. Unlike the original and encore performances, which featured musical actors and opera singers like Lim Tae-kyung, Shin Sung-rok, Kim Soo-yong, and Jeon Dong-seok, the new lineup includes singers Kim Hee-jae, N.Flying's Yoo Hoe-seung, The Boyz's New, and Cravity's Woobin.
Supporting roles have also seen significant changes, with many idol stars joining the cast. Click-B's main vocalist Oh Jong-hyuk will play Benvolio, while FT Island's sub-vocalist Lee Jae-jin and E'LAST's main vocalist Won Hyuk will take on the role of Mercutio. Baby V.O.X's main dancer Shim Eun-jin has been cast as Lady Capulet.
The drastic change in casting has led to both anticipation and skepticism. With idol stars like Yoo Hoe-seung, New, Woobin, Oh Jong-hyuk, Lee Jae-jin, Won Hyuk, and Shim Eun-jin participating, some audience members are excited about the star-studded lineup, while others question the range of talent.
'Romeo and Juliet' is known for its demanding roles and challenging musical numbers. For New and Woobin, this marks their musical debut, while Yoo Hoe-seung, who has been active in musicals since 2019, joins them as Romeo. The diverse talents of these main vocalists are a point of interest, though there are concerns about their performance alongside professional opera singers like Song Eun-hye and Jang Hye-rin, who play Juliet.
Similar concerns apply to other roles. Oh Jong-hyuk, who has focused on musicals since 2008, is recognized for his talent, but his co-star Kim Hyun-soo is a professional opera singer and winner of 'Phantom Singer,' raising questions about performance disparities. However, some are eager to see how actors with different backgrounds will interpret their roles.
Will the 'Ticket Power' Strategy Pay Off?
Some cast members are expected to be re-evaluated for their skills. Lee Jae-jin, who has been involved in musicals since 2009, is taking on a major role for the first time with 'Romeo and Juliet.' Meanwhile, Shim Eun-jin returns to the stage after 12 years, following her last appearance in 'All About My Wife' in 2014.
The casting of young and popular singers appears to be a strategic move to boost 'ticket power.' However, only Kim Hee-jae's performances, known for his fame from 'Mr. Trot,' have sold out so far. Observers suggest that the success of this casting strategy will become clearer after the show opens.
As 'Romeo and Juliet' returns with a completely revamped structure after 17 years, all eyes are on how the casting debate will play out in the actual performances.
Reporter: Jung Da-yeon, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr