Musical 'Monte Cristo' 10th Anniversary Performance Opens November 17

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The musical "Monte Cristo" (produced by EMK), celebrating its 10th anniversary since its domestic premiere, will open its fifth season in a grand fashion at the LG Arts Center on November 17.

"Monte Cristo" attracted attention by achieving a 95% seat occupancy rate during its domestic premiere in 2010. The most recent performance in 2016 also recorded a 94% seat occupancy rate, and to date, it has drawn 450,000 spectators across 15 cities in South Korea, including Seoul.

"Monte Cristo" has been consistently loved by the Korean public over the past decade with its addictive music composed by musical composer Frank Wildhorn and the spectacularly unfolding script and lyrics by Jack Murphy.

"Monte Cristo" is based on the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" published in 1844 by French author Alexandre Dumas.

The protagonist, Edmond Dantes, a successful young sailor, is wrongfully imprisoned due to a conspiracy. In prison, Dantes meets Father Faria, escapes successfully, changes his identity to the Count of Monte Cristo, and embarks on a quest for revenge.

The 10th anniversary performance of "Monte Cristo" holds special significance as it is the first Korean performance since EMK acquired the global distribution rights for "Monte Cristo." After its world premiere in 2009 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, "Monte Cristo" was introduced to the Korean market as the second in the world. EMK secured the distribution rights for the performance in 2017, surpassing many competitive and prestigious overseas producers. EMK is the first domestic production company to secure distribution rights for a licensed performance.

EMK CEO Eom Hong-hyun said, "Following 'Mozart!', it is deeply moving that 'Monte Cristo' is celebrating its 10th anniversary. This season, with a stage that feels classically grand yet stylishly transformed with a fresh rhythm fitting modern sensibilities, we will revive the legend of 'Monte Cristo'." He added, "Although the performing arts industry faced a shadowed year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the thorough viewing culture and love for performances from the audience allowed the industry to endure. To repay that love, we will strive to present an even better production for the 'Monte Cristo' 10th anniversary performance."

On the 22nd, EMK released a teaser video depicting the protagonist Edmond Dantes escaping from the notorious prison on the island of Chateau d'If and dreaming of revenge.