EMK Seeks to Take Center Stage in Global Productions with "Sister Act" International Tour

EMK MUSICAL COMPANY

In a bid to establish itself as a major player in the global musical production arena, EMK Musical Company has set its sights on becoming Asia's foremost powerhouse in the genre. Drawing from over a decade of successful show productions, the company is now stepping up its game to prove that it can not only match but surpass the standards set by leading nations in musical theater.

At a press briefing held on Monday in the vibrant Gangnam District of southern Seoul, Sophy Kim, the vice president and producer of EMK, confidently stated, "[Blockbuster] musicals are staged all around the world but only a handful of countries actually produce them, and with over a decade of experience in successfully producing shows, we think that EMK can do it too - heck, we can do it better!"

Founded in 2010, EMK initially carved its niche in the industry through non-replica renditions of foreign musicals, including the Austrian production "Mozart!" and the Viennese sensation "Elisabeth." Notably, the company has also achieved acclaim with original musicals such as "Mata Hari" in 2016 and "The Man Who Laughs" in 2018.

At the heart of EMK's international ambitions lies "Sister Act." Currently in the process of producing the international tour version of the beloved musical, the company is gearing up for a grand opening at Busan's prestigious Sohyang Theater on November 4th. The performance will be conducted in English.

The show's journey will continue at the D-cube Arts Center in Guro District, western Seoul, starting from November 23rd. This will be followed by a nationwide tour spanning 15 cities and extending through May 2024. EMK has its sights set on an Asian leg commencing in late 2024 and continuing into 2026.

In contrast to Broadway or West End productions, international musical productions, like the one undertaken by EMK, assemble distinct casts and crews for their global tours. These productions are often led by companies based in North America or Australia.

Over time, EMK has observed that several international renditions lack the quality and scale of their original counterparts, despite a strong and devoted fan base in Seoul and across Asia. This insight became particularly evident with the 2017 "Sister Act" international production, which consistently sold out during its two-week run in central Seoul. While plans for a Korean restaging were derailed by the onset of Covid-19 in 2019, this setback prompted EMK to shift its perspective and take on the challenge of producing the musical independently, as revealed by Kim.

Auditions for EMK's rendition of "Sister Act" concluded in April 2023, culminating in a diverse cast and creative team comprising both American and Korean talents. Robert Johanson, tapped as the director for EMK's "Sister Act," has been at the helm of the company's Korean musicals since 2012. His repertoire includes renowned productions like "Rebecca," "Phantom," and "The Man Who Laughs."

Johanson expressed his anticipation for the collaboration, stating, “I think this will be a wonderful opportunity [for actors and staff] from the two countries to learn from each other... I feel its musical theatre is still a secret to the rest of the world,” likening it to the global impact of K-pop and Korean culture.

While the identities of the seven Korean actors chosen for the upcoming production remain undisclosed, the spotlight will once again shine on the musical's narrative. "Sister Act," based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, revolves around the character Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer who finds herself seeking refuge in a convent after witnessing a murder. Through her journey disguised as one of the sisters, Deloris fosters genuine friendships, catalyzing a transformation within the convent's occupants and unlocking their musical potential.

Notably, the 2017 international production of "Sister Act" gained attention for its portrayal of Mary Robert, one of the nuns, portrayed by Korean actor Kim So-hyang. This landmark production's resonance and influence have inspired EMK's quest to reshape Asia's musical theater landscape, one captivating performance at a time.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com