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In a nostalgic nod to the past, a musical adaptation of the beloved TV drama "Dream High" has taken to the stage, aiming to continue the captivating story that captured the hearts of audiences twelve years ago. The original drama, featuring the dynamic duo of Kim Soo-hyun and Bae Suzy, garnered enormous popularity as it followed the journey of six high school students with big dreams of becoming superstars. Now, the new musical iteration of "Dream High" delves into the lives of these iconic characters a decade later, offering a fresh perspective on their struggles and aspirations.
The musical, aptly titled "Dream High," draws inspiration from the original TV series and incorporates some of its beloved songs from the soundtrack. However, the storyline ventures into uncharted territory, exploring the lives of the main characters in the aftermath of their youthful ambitions. Notably, Song Sam-song, portrayed by Kim Soo-hyun in the TV series, returns to Kiran Arts High School in search of his former teacher, seeking solace after his K-pop career is prematurely halted due to a persistent buzzing in his ears.
"While Song Sam-dong may outwardly appear successful, he grapples with inner fears and uncertainties. Through this musical, I hope to convey the message to the audience that life may be unpredictable, but it continues to move forward," expressed the musical's director. Delving into the emotional depths of the characters, "Dream High" seeks to resonate with viewers by exploring themes of personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity.
Distinguishing itself from traditional musicals, "Dream High" places a primary focus on dynamic dance performances. Director Lee Jong-seok explained the intention to move beyond the conventional reliance on songs as the primary storytelling medium. "While many musicals rely heavily on the power of music and lyrics, our production aims to delve into the fears and desires of our characters through primal gestures, which are even more fundamental than singing," shared Lee Jong-seok during a press conference.
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The role of Song Sam-dong, once portrayed by Kim Soo-hyun, is now brought to life by three talented singers: Eum Moon-suk, Winner's Lee Seung-hoon, and SF9's Yoo Tae-yang. This trio alternates in portraying the character of the failed K-pop star, showcasing their individual interpretations of his struggles and personal journey. Furthermore, the character of Jason is played by a rotating cast of K-pop talents, including Astro member Jinjin, Teen Top's Niel, and rapper MC Gree.
Reflecting on his involvement in the musical, Jinjin expressed the significance of the student characters resonating with his own teenage years, making the production all the more meaningful to him. Transitioning from a career in K-pop to musical theater, he acknowledged the challenges he faced in adapting to the singing requirements of the role. "I initially took on the role due to my comfort with dancing, but the singing aspect proved more challenging than anticipated. However, I approached it with determination, breaking down barriers and forging a new path. I believe I rose to the challenge," shared Jinjin, showcasing his growth as an artist.
The "Dream High" musical debuted on May 13th and will run until July 23rd at the esteemed Kwanglim Arts Center in Seoul's vibrant Gangnam District.
Sayart.net
Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com
