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| A scene from the musical "Rebecca" / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company |
By Pyo Kyung-min
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| Poster for the musical "Rebecca" / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company |
Originating from Daphne du Maurier's classic novel and reinvented by Alfred Hitchcock's film, the musical has been a staple in Korea's theater scene since its premiere in 2013. After attracting more than 950,000 viewers across its first six seasons, the production crossed the 1 million audience mark in its 10th year.
Set in the grand Manderley mansion, the musical revolves around Maxim de Winter, an English gentleman haunted by the memory of his late wife Rebecca, and "I," an unnamed narrator who falls in love with Maxim.
After a fateful encounter at a resort, their love story takes a dark turn upon their return to Manderley, where they are greeted by the disturbing presence of Mrs. Danvers, the mansion's long-serving butler.
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| A scene from the musical "Rebecca" featuring Shin Young-sook, who plays Mrs. Danvers / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company |
During Wednesday's performance, singer and musical actress Lisa's portrayal of Mrs. Danvers and Kim Bo-Kyung's reprisal of her role as "I" particularly captivated the audience.
The musical keeps its audience enthralled with a perfect mix of engaging plots that blend romance and thriller elements, complemented by beautiful songs that enrich the experience.
Especially noteworthy is Mrs. Danvers' show-stopping performance of "Rebecca II," which serves as the show's climactic moment. The lingering impact of her rich mid-to-low notes blending into the electrifying high ones continues to strike a chord with the audience long even after the final curtain falls.
Lisa showed her charismatic stage presence. Her bone-chilling vocal performance, driven by her character's intense disdain for "I," left the audience with no option but to burst into applause.
Kim boasted her impeccable vocal and acting skills, warming the hearts of many. The theater came alive with the exquisite melodies of "Time in a Bottle," sung by Kim in the throes of love for Maxim.
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| A scene from the musical "Rebecca" featuring Kim Bo-Kyung, who plays "I" / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company |
The song "Never Was a Smile That Cold," a haunting reflection by Maxim on Rebecca's mysterious death, also pleased the audiences' ears. Maxim was played by Tei this day.
Tei's portrayal of Maxim was a perfect embodiment of the genteel Englishman, dispelling any doubts about his background as a singer. He seamlessly conveyed the anguish of the mansion's heir, complementing his performance with clear and emotionally resonant vocals. He also displayed his stage etiquette during the curtain call, acknowledging each audience member and expressing his heartfelt gratitude.
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| A scene from the musical "Rebecca" / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company |
This season, marking its 10th anniversary, introduces new talent to the ensemble. Singer Tei, actor Lee Ji-soo and Red Velvet member Wendy join the stage alongside veteran actors Ryu Jung-han, Shin Young-sook and Ok Joo-hyun.
The performance's standout feature also includes impressive stagecraft. The highlights are the rotating stage, smoothly transitioning between the mansion's interior and exterior and the remarkably realistic portrayal of the mansion's fiery demise.
"Rebecca" is staged at Blue Square theater in central Seoul, through Nov. 19.
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