The musical Tears of Heaven, which will be unveiled on the 1st of next month at the Haeorum Theatre of the National Theatre of Korea, is the most anticipated thing of 2011. It took 3 years just to plan it. The cost of production is also over 5 hundred million won. Frank Wildhorn is the composer, directors include Gabriel Berry as well as other creators who are the cream of the crop in the Broadway world. Going back and forth between 5 countries (America, England, Czech Republic etc.), it is also no easy feat for the team and the creative team to adjust to each other.
The story for “Tears of Heaven” takes place in Vietnam. It is about a love triangle between a Vietnamese woman, a Korean soldier and an American colonel. Since the planning stages, they have been intending to expand this musical to the rest of the world.
It is also exceptional that the OST was released before the performance is opened. Compared to everything else, the fact that top talents musical actor Brad Little (47) and Kim Junsu (Xiah Junsu, 24), who is gaining popularity as a musical actor, will be standing on the same stage together has become a big conversational topic.
“I am jealous of Kim Junsu.” = A foreigner is appearing in a Korean Musical? That is another point worth noting about Tears of Heaven. Brad Little is handling the role of an American colonel. It is so that it will be as realistic as possible. Because Brad Little will be the actor, there was no objection about that decision.
Brad Little has played the lead in the Phantom of the Opera 2200 times and is a prominent figure in the Broadway world as an actor with the best ability. His bountiful volume and thick vocal color which attracts the audience makes one’s heart tremble. He was also in Korea while performing “The Phantom of the Opera” in 2005 and “Jekyll and Hyde” in 2009, and has secured a faithful fan base.
The interview of Little and Kim Junsu took place on the 10th at Seoul’s Namsan Art Centre. The first question was, “Because of the differences in the language, were there any difficulties faced during communications?”
Kim Junsu said, “I don’t think that a Korean soldier who has been dispatched to Vietnam will be able to speak English well. It seems that it would be more natural if I were lacking in that aspect and so I just did it with a comfortable attitude, without trying too hard.”
Brad Little said, “Within the work (script) itself, there are no problems. But to be honest, while working, there are various inconvenient areas. However, the tension due to the differences in language and culture makes me excited. It is also interesting to know random “Konglish”. I would like to take part in Korean musicals again in the future.”
Debuting in 1988 with “Anything Goes”, Little is a veteran with 23 years of experience. On the other hand, Kim Junsu has enjoyed great popularity in Asia as DBSK, but through participating in the musical “Mozart!” last year, this is his second musical as a newcomer. Wouldn’t there be a sense of difference?
Little confessed, “(Kim Junsu) acts with so much passion that I am jealous of him.” He added, “The parts about him which attract women are really good to the extent that I would like to be like him.”
Kim Junsu said, “It is a real honour for me to be able to stand on the same stage with Little, whom I was only able to watch on videos. Even when acting trivial parts, (Little) is very sincere about even the small sections. When he acts angry, even the rehearsal room becomes icily cold. He releases intense energy and I feel like I am sucked into that acting. I would like to emulate his voice, his ability to connect with the other actors, the way he takes care of his health etc.”
“I want to guide that genuineness”= Little seems to have become half Korean. “Kimbab, Kimchi Pancake and bulgogi are really delicious.” He is aware that his nickname is “Bread Ahjusshi” as his name sounds similar to the English word for Bread.
As expected, everyone is curious about the secret to singing well.
Little said, “I try to read the lyrics repeatedly many times. Then a distinctive rhythm will arise. That is what I use to support the melody. It is not about asking how coolly you should sing it, but it is through asking how you will be able to deliver it (to the audience) that the magic of the songs of the musical is manifested.” He also suggested that he would like the take part in “The Man of La Mancha” next.
Kim Junsu has already sold out 45000 tickets through his 15 performances of “Mozart!”. His ability to sell tickets this time remains unchanged. At the end of last year, during the first round of ticket sales, 10,000 tickets were sold in 5 minutes, setting a record. He seems to be absorbed in Musicals.
“The energy, strength and joy that the musical exudes is overflowing in my heart. Not being myself, but transforming into some other kind of role, and that is not just acting, but also dancing with, moving to and behaving towards the songs, and through that I think the musical is filled with all aspects of the arts.”
Junsu also clearly replied about the differences between this and singing as a singer, “In the past, when I was singing, I did it merely to show my ability. But while doing the musical, I have learnt how important a virtue “self-control” is.”
Junsu also did not hide that he feels burdened with regards to the star casting and the high pay. “Even though I am a musical actor… if a young person who has never done musicals before were to come suddenly and become the main character, then I don’t think that would look nice. But that is not the problem of how I will be able to do it, isn’t it. When I am rehearsing, when I am standing on the stage, it is not about just going through it briefly once, but I really show that I try my best. And other then giving my reply through showing that, I don’t think there is another way.”
Kim Junsu used the word “sincerity” many times. “Since young, I have dreamt of becoming a musical actor. Even though I am still lacking, I would like to be acknowledged as a proper musical actor. While possessing sincerity and attachment towards it, I am focusing on the musical. I will show that I am taking a big step.”
JYJ's cute photos of them posing in casual clothes were released recently.
