S&CO
In the world of musical theater, Choi Jae-rim's path to success has been a decade-long endeavor culminating in the coveted role of the Phantom in "The Phantom of The Opera."
"I think I was 26 years old when I first auditioned for the role in 2010," Choi recounted during a conversation with local reporters in the Gangnam District of southern Seoul on Thursday. "I didn't get it, of course. I got to play Seaweed in 'Hairspray' though!" he chuckled, reminiscing about a prior role in the hit musical.
Now, after years of honing his craft, Choi's moment has arrived. With his commanding presence and energetic vocal range, he infuses the character of the Phantom with a distinct bravado. His portrayal stands out from previous Korean Phantoms, imbuing the character with an openly mad and perverted persona. Ironically, this nuanced portrayal elicits a deeper sense of remorse and sympathy from the audience as the show progresses.
Choi's preparation for the role involved confronting the Phantom's dark complexities head-on. He delved into the character's origins, probing the possible motivations behind his cruelty while not absolving his actions within the narrative.
"I spent a lot of time thinking about the simply terrifying past that the Phantom must have had to make him this way," Choi reflected, "and imagined how much hatred he would have towards himself and others, and how he has never experienced true human connection."
"The Phantom of The Opera," adapted from Gaston Leroux's 1910 French novel "Le Fantome de l'Opera," revolves around Christine Daaé, a soprano whose life becomes entangled with the obsession of a disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom. The production debuted in the West End in 1986 and later reached Broadway in 1988. With direction by Broadway luminary Hal Prince and music composed by the renowned Andrew Lloyd Webber, it has left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater.
Notably, the Broadway run concluded in April after an impressive 35-year engagement, marking the longest run of any show in Broadway history. Choi expressed his reverence for the production, stating, "It is just such a significant musical, and I expect that it will hold its prestige in the future as well, and I am now doing this great show!"
In jest, Choi equated landing the Phantom role to being offered a department head position at Samsung, a prestigious but weighty responsibility. "It is very enticing but it comes with a lot of responsibility," he mused, highlighting the significance of the role.
Choi's rise to fame began in 2009 with his debut in "Rent." Subsequently, he has consistently participated in at least two shows annually. His diverse repertoire includes performances in "Kinky Boots," "Matilda," "Aida," and "Something Rotten." Recently, he graced the small screen opposite Kim Tae-hee in the mystery drama "Lies Hidden in My Garden," portraying her character's husband.
As he basks in the pinnacle of his career, Choi envisions a multifaceted future. He aspires to continue contributing to both stage and screen, embracing roles across diverse genres. "As a male musical actor, I think I have mainly sought a certain type of role, which is very dramatic and has a lot of belting high notes," Choi explained. "Now I want to try doing softer or more gentleman-like roles. I want people to think of me as an actor with many different facets."
"Phantom of the Opera" concluded its Busan run on June 18 and commenced performances at southern Seoul's Charlotte Theater on July 14. The production is set to captivate audiences until its curtain falls on November 17, offering a remarkable culmination of Choi's journey to the iconic role.
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