Veteran stage actor Nam Kyung-ju (left) and TV star Music Il-kook pose for images throughout an interview held Monday in Seoul. (YNK Holdings)
Two actors with fairly totally different observe information are taking the position of a billionaire within the newest musical manufacturing of “Annie.”
Nam Kyung-ju, recognized for his in depth profession on the musical stage spanning over 40 years, and Music Il-kook, a TV star who found the musicals’ attraction in his 40s, share the position of Oliver Warbucks, who is thought for his wealth, energy, and evolving relationship with the titular character, Annie.
In an interview with reporters on Monday, the 2 talked concerning the significance of the musical for them.
Nam Kyung-ju (YNK Holdings)
For Nam, his first participation within the Korean manufacturing of the musical Annie in 1984 holds a particular place in his reminiscence. He performed a supporting position and admired Choi Jong-won, who portrayed Oliver Warbucks along with his shaved head.
He recalled how charming Choi, now 74, was on stage and the way, as a younger actor simply beginning his profession, the 20-something Nam admired him, impressed by the thought that in the future he, too, would take the position.
Though he had largely forgotten concerning the musical after participating in numerous others, the 61-year-old has returned to “Annie,” realizing that his long-forgotten dream has come true.
For Music, recognized for his position in a number of well-liked TV sequence reminiscent of “Jumong” and the favored selection present, “The Return of Superman,” the place he appeared along with his now-teenage triplets, musical theater stays a brand new journey.
Having debuted as a musical stage actor in “Broadway forty second Road” in 2016, he stated he nonetheless appears like a newcomer.
“For one of many youngster actors who take the position of ‘Annie,’ it’s her fifth musical whereas it’s solely my third within the interval of 9 years,” Music stated. “Annie” is his third musical after “Broadway forty second Road” and “Mamma Mia!.”
He famous that he had auditioned for a lot of roles he believed had been out of his league. Whereas he didn’t count on to succeed, he had religion within the course of.
Music Il-kook (YNK Holdings)
“I’ve been exercising for a very long time, so I at all times join competitions and take part in them. The rationale I do that is that it motivates me to work arduous due to the competitors. I didn’t simply take into consideration the tip end result; moderately, I targeted on working arduous all through the method and stored auditioning,” Music stated.
“It appears that evidently this chance was given to me via the method I’ve constructed over time. So, ‘Annie’ is particular to me. It’s the fruits of 9 years of effort,” Music stated.
Musical “Annie” (YNK Holdings)
Whereas the 2 reached this position via totally different profession paths, each Nam and Music really feel that the kid actors in “Annie” are wonderful.
“I don’t understand how, however youngster actors as of late are so totally different from once we had been younger. They’re extremely exact and improbable of their bodily performances — typically to the purpose of being a little bit scary,” Nam stated.
“From what I noticed on YouTube, I can assure that these youngster actors in Korean ‘Annie’ are the perfect in comparison with every other on the earth,” Music added.
The musical “Annie” relies on Harold Grey’s novel “Little Orphan Annie” and options music by Charles Strouse. Since its Broadway debut in 1977, it has been carried out in 32 international locations, turning into a world traditional.
Set throughout the Nice Despair, “Annie” tells the uplifting story of a lady who by no means loses hope and her bond with the billionaire Oliver Warbucks. The musical follows Annie, an orphan who has stored her dad and mom’ letters for 11 years, together with the spirited adventures of the opposite kids within the orphanage.
“Though it’s set throughout the Nice Despair, human feelings appear comparable. As well as, I imagine it gives vital insights into points reminiscent of low delivery charges and different household constructions. It’s a work that approaches these themes with hope,” Nam added.
The Korean manufacturing “Annie,” returning after 5 years, runs at Common Arts Middle in Gwangjin-gu, jap Seoul till Oct. 27.