Review: FRANKENSTEIN at Blue Square Interpark Hall, The Revenge Awaits

Winner of Best Musical and Best Self- Created Musical in the 8th Annual The Musical Awards, 98% of attendance records in 2016, and 3-week extension of performances due to a high request from audiences. These are all what one musical, FRANKENSTEIN accomplished throughout the past two productions. Not only that, in 2016, the show made a profit of 10 billion won just in 10 weeks after its first show and in 2017 when the show opened in Japan, it was an all sold- out performance for the whole 23 days of its performance period. With accomplishments like this, FRANKENSTEIN received the nickname as the "revolutionary musical" of this era. In high demand, FRANKENSTEIN has returned for its third performance.

FRANKENSTEIN is based on the original novel by Mary Shelley. The setting is in the 19th century Europe during the Napoleon war. A lone scientist named Victor Frankenstein who was conducting an experiment on how to develop immortal soldiers befriends a genius in bodily bypass, Henry Dupre. Henry, captivated by Victor's research decides to follow him to Geneva once the war ends. They continue on the experiment of creating a creature that is beyond human in Frankenstein castle. Due to some unexpected accident, the creature escapes the castle just to return 3 years later on Victor's wedding day.

FRANKENSTIEN's plot, sets, music, and use of video are amazing in that it consists of an elite team. The writer and director, Wang Yongbum is a well- known creator in the Korean musical industry, famous for his amazing works such as BENHUR, JACK THE RIPPER, CHESS, BONNIE AND CLYDE, etc. He has great talent in casting the perfect actors for each role and combining technology and art. Yet again, in FRANKENSTEIN, he shows his strength by using the right amount of high-quality videos that grasp the audience's attention and provide a more vivid picture. Not only that, the music director as well as the composer, Lee Seongjun who is also well known for his past works such as BENHUR and VAMPIRE, managed to produce 26 songs that fill up the musical and enhance the richness of the plot and musical itself.

Not only an amazing creative team and crew, but this year's cast is filled with some of the most talented actors in Korea. For the role of Victor Frankenstein, Ryu Jeonghan, Jeon Dongsuk, Min Woohyuck were cast and for the role of Henry Dupre, Park Eontae, Kai, Han Jisang, and Park Minsung were cast. The role of Julia is played by Ahn Siha and Lee Jihye. Ellen, the sister of Victor is played by Seo Jiyoung and Park Hyena. Not only the principal role but all of the child roles and ensemble consist of talented actors. An interesting point to notice is that most of the actors play two characters. Victor's actor also plays the role of Zach, Henry's actor portrays the "creature," Ellen's actor plays the Eva, the owner of a fight club, and Julia's actor also plays the role of Katherine. Because each of the characters that are played by one actor is extremely different, it is interesting to see how an actor can switch from one role to another.

FRANKENSTIEN is a musical that is unique in a sense that it is self-created. Though the story is based on Mary Shelley's novel, it is a one of a kind production. The 26 numbers that fill the musical are composed with such detail that you can understand the character's situation and even the emotions with ease. The amazing set is nothing too extravagant and fit for the stage with elaborate details that are eye-catching. The plot and characters developed are interesting and captivating and with the perfect actors fit for each role, the musical becomes an unforgettable piece of work.

The creature's invitation to listen to his story ends on August 26th. FRANKENSTEIN plays in Interpark Hall in Bluesquare Theater. Tickets start at 60,000 and can be purchased at the ticket box and online at www.interparkglobal.com. Be sure to check the cast prior to buying the tickets.

For more information, please visit www.interparkglobal.com.

Photo Credit: NCC Official Instagram

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