Musical 'Sweeney Todd' Third Season in Korea
The story of a barber who dreams of revenge against the world beyond the one who destroyed his family
Jeon Mi-do, Kim Ji-hyun, and LinA return as Mrs. Lovett
Kang Pil-seok, Shin Sung-rok, and Lee Kyu-hyung as Sweeney Todd
Opening at Charlotte Theater until March 5 next year
[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] England during the Victorian era in the 19th century was filled with anxiety and fear. Benjamin Barker, a young and talented barber, lived a happy life with his wife Lucy and their young daughter Joanna until he was falsely accused by Judge Turpin, who had assaulted his wife, and was exiled far away. Fifteen years later, he returns under the new name Sweeney Todd and, with the help of Mrs. Lovett, who runs a pie shop downstairs from his original home, he reopens his barber shop while dreaming of revenge. When his daughter Joanna is taken as Judge Turpin’s adopted daughter, his desire for revenge turns against all humanity, and he begins a dangerous partnership with Mrs. Lovett. Anyone who steps into the barber shop does not leave alive, and Mrs. Lovett’s pies made from “new meat” become wildly popular...
This is a masterpiece left by Broadway musical legend Stephen Sondheim. Starting with the 1954 musical "Saturday Night," he contributed to Broadway for half a century, winning eight Tony Awards, as well as Grammy, Academy, Pulitzer, and Laurence Olivier Awards, setting a record as a great master. He passed away on November 26 last year. His work "Sweeney Todd" is a thriller genre that is not easy to stage, but he directed it with an attractive story, interesting characters, and a combination of black comedy. The performance has returned for its third season following 2016 and 2019.
The performance is characterized by a unique dissonance that creates a sense of fear and a chilling atmosphere. It is said to reflect Sondheim’s earnestness, who, after accidentally encountering the play "Sweeney Todd" in 1873, thought it would be a masterpiece to properly showcase his musical world.
Regarding the dissonance, at the press preview held on the 6th at Charlotte Theater, actor Kang Pil-seok (playing Sweeney Todd) said, “It was a musical where you had to master exact pitches, so I spent a month on it. The unpredictable rhythms and notes that could go anywhere were challenging, but through mastering the exact pitches, I was able to accurately understand the situations the music was conveying.” He added, “The more I practiced, the more I thought Mr. Sondheim was truly amazing. It felt like he gave wings to the play.”
Another feature is that the same melody is used without repeating the lyrics. This reflects Sondheim’s philosophy that song lyrics should function as “dialogue” beyond just lyrics, vividly revealing the social satire and black comedy aspects. It presents ever-changing situations and characters to the audience, who unconsciously remember the previous melody, providing both comfort and tension simultaneously. Especially in the last song of Act 1, “A Little Priest,” the dialogue between Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett sharply exposes social absurdities through wordplay. The fear of human disregard following the Industrial Revolution of 1868 is well reflected in the work.
For the third season, Jeon Mi-do, who participated in the 2016 domestic premiere, and Kim Ji-hyun and LinA, who participated in the second season in 2019, have returned to play Mrs. Lovett. Jeon Mi-do said, “Coming back six years older, it’s definitely more challenging. I will manage my stamina well and do my best.” Kim Ji-hyun said, “Previously, I was obsessed with mistakes, but this time I have the leisure to fully enjoy it.” LinA, who returned after giving birth to her second child, said, “Before, it felt like I was taking a test every day, but now it’s definitely more fun. After having my second child, my stamina dropped and I felt quite depressed, so I’m grateful to return with a good production.”
The performance will continue at Jamsil Charlotte Theater until March 5 next year.
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