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| Seohyun speaks during a press conference of "Mamma Mia!" at the Charlotte Theater in southern Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Seensee Company |
Seohyun of Girls' Generation revealed her bubbly side on a Greek island with ABBA's music in the musical "Mamma Mia!"
Seohyun showcased a scene from the jukebox musical at a press event Tuesday, singing the Swedish pop group's "Thank You for the Music." Seohyun portrayed Sophie, the bright-eyed ingénue who loves singing and dancing.
This is her third role in musical theater, following Yeon-woo in the Korean musical "Moon Embracing the Sun" in 2014 and Scarlett O'Hara in the French musical "Gone with the Wind" in 2015.
"Mamma Mia!" is a jukebox musical featuring some 22 songs of ABBA, revolving around Donna and her daughter Sophie living on a Greek island.
Seohyun said she did not take extra private acting lessons, but tried to harmonize with the team. "I received notes from our director Paul (Garrington) and listened to advice from cast members," she said.
Seohyun alternates the role with two other actresses, Park Ji-yeon and Kim Geum-na. "I looked into myself to find out what part of me I can relate to Sophie. All three of us are different so our portrayals of Sophie will be slightly different," Seohyun said.
Actor Sung Ki-yoon, who plays Sam, one of the candidates for Sophie's father, said Seohyun is taking a great first step as a theater actress. "This style of acting is totally new to Seohyun, but she is getting better day after day. I am excited to see how she will portray Sophie at the end of the run," Sung said.
Another cast member, Lee Kyung-mi, who plays Rosie, said Seohyun is physically different from other actresses who previously played the role as they were mostly short and petite.
"However Seohyun is tall and slender, bringing freshness to the show and the cast. I saw in her eyes her passion for becoming a proper actress," Lee said.
Seohyun admits she is still a newbie as an actress, despite her nine-year career as a member of Korea's top girl band.
"Sophie is totally different from the characters I played before. At first I thought I could relax and enjoy being a part of ‘Mamma Mia!', but during the rehearsal I learned that there is much more for Sophie to do in the show such as being in the chorus for the mother's trio and becoming a part of the ensemble," she said. "I feel I am not good enough compared to when I first started musicals. Now I know I have big shoes to fill and become more responsible for what I do."
Choi Jung-won and Shin Young-sook star as Donna, Jeon Soo-kyung and Kim Young-joo as Tanya and Lee Kyung-mi and Hong Ji-min as Rosie.
The musical runs until June 4 at the Charlotte Theater in southern Seoul. For more information, visit www.iseensee.com or call 02-577-1987.
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