'The Bible of Show Musicals' Dominates Summer Stage with Tap Dance Ensemble

As it approaches its 30th anniversary premiere in Korea, 'Broadway 42nd Street' can be an excellent choice for musical newcomers. True to its reputation as 'The Bible of Show Musicals,' it is also perfect as a filial performance.

"Tadak ta, tadak takta" This work, which opens with an exciting and lively tap dance ensemble, instantly sweeps away the midsummer heat. The ensemble using arms and legs shown through the ceiling mirror fully stimulates retro sensibilities, and the captivating numbers and dazzling performances stimulate the eyes and ears, making time fly by.

'Broadway 42nd Street,' which opened on the 10th, has already reached its 19th run. One of the highlights of this season is the appearance of Park Kalin, who joined in the role of 'Julian Marsh.'

Park Kalin, who has been active as a music director and director, said at the press call held on the 24th at the Charlotte Theater in Songpa-gu, Seoul, "It's been a long time since I've done a classic Broadway show musical, and it feels liberating," adding, "The script is neat without any unnecessary elements."

This stage was a new challenge for him. There are more lines than songs, and he took on the role of 'Marsh,' which male actors have traditionally played.

He explained the reason for accepting the role, saying, "Musicals are an art form where your true self is fully revealed, so if the character doesn't fit, you can't do it."

With his hair slicked back and dressed in a suit, Park Kalin drew attention with his presence and charisma, rivaling that of Park Gun-hyung, who shared the stage with him that day.

He said, "Looking at the script, it's not a gender issue but a role approached from the director's perspective. I kept wondering why this character stands in a different tone within a work full of dance and song. Each time, I returned to the script to find the answer."

Park Kalin pointed out tap dance as the charm of this work, saying, "On the first day of rehearsal, the ensemble actors already showed a completed tap dance. I was amazed at how advanced tap dance is in Korea," praising the efforts of the choreographer and actors.

This season, the stage set, lighting, and costumes have been upgraded overall. In particular, the ensemble has been expanded to present a richer and more dynamic tap dance ensemble. A 'participatory curtain call' has also been introduced. The actors come down to the audience to enhance the excitement and lingering impression of the performance.

Park Gun-hyung said, "Although it's a work that has been loved for a long time, there are certainly people who haven't seen it yet," adding, "Now is the opportunity. You'll be very happy when you leave the theater."

Choi Yoo-jung, formerly of the group I.O.I, has taken on the role of the heroine 'Peggy Sawyer' following the musical 'Hero.'

He said, "Learning tap dance was really not easy," adding, "Many in the ensemble were also new to tap dance, but the camaraderie that developed as everyone did their best in their respective positions seems to have been the driving force that allowed us to stay together until now." He continued, "As an actor, not only when I'm on stage but also when I look from the audience, the energy of tap dance makes my heart race. This work makes me feel alive," he boasted.

Ki Se-jung, who plays the role of 'Billy Lawler,' responded to the comment about having many competing works by saying, "We sweated the most." He said, "Once rehearsals started, we cleaned the rehearsal room floor several times a day. It was that tough, but we never stopped once," adding, "I feel throughout the performance that the audience in the seats is enjoying it to the fullest."


Shin Jin-a Reporter