Theater

“Hero”: A revival production of “Hero,” an original Korean musical based on the life of patriot Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910) will be staged at Blue Square in Seoul’s Itaewon from April 14 to May 31. Veteran actor Jung Sung-hwa, who won both public and critical acclaims for his performance in the original production in 2009, returns as the colonial-era national hero, sharing the role with Min Young-ki and Kang Tai-eul. Ticket prices start at 60,0000 won. For more information, call (02) 1544-1555 or visit www.iacom.co.kr.

“On a Blue Day”: Directed by renowned playwright Ko Seon-woong, the play tells a story of a young couple against the harrowing backdrop of the Gwangju Uprising in May 1980, and depicts the pain of living through the aftermath. The original cast of the play will put on their last performance of the heartwarming play, which first raised its curtain in 2011. “On a Blue Day” runs from April 29 to May 31 at the Namsan Arts Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Ticket prices are 30,000 won. For more information, call 02-577-1987

“Cats”: The international production of the Broadway classic “Cats” is having its Seoul run until May 10. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011, is the second longest-running show in Broadway history. It tells the story of the Jellicles, a tribe of cats who assemble for their annual junkyard gathering, when one is chosen to be reborn for a new life. One-by-one the characters take center stage to make their case for rebirth, singing and dancing. “Cats” will play at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Ticket prices range from 70,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.

“Tuesdays with Morrie”: Based on Mitch Albom’s bestselling memoir, “Tuesdays with Morrie” recounts the author’s time spent with his 78-year-old professor Morrie Schwartz, who was dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Every Tuesday they meet and talk about different topics, including love, values, life, death, happiness, culture and sports, until Morrie passes away. The play runs until April 19 at Jayu Theater at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul. Tickets are 35,000 won or 50,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

“Slava’s Snowshow”: Russian performance artist Slava Polunin’s award-winning mime will be performed at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul from May 14-30. First premiered in 1993 in Russia, the show is famous for its spectacular last scene of a man-made snowstorm sweeping through the stage. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

“Kyung-sook, Kyung-sook’s Father”: Set in the period after the Korean War, the award-winning play centers on a family comprising a father who leaves the family at the outbreak of the war; a mother who both loves and hates her husband; and their daughter Kyung-sook. The heartwarming narrative, helmed by award-winning director Park Geun-hyung, was also broadcast as a four-episode TV drama six years ago. The play runs through April 26 at the Soohyunjae Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. Tickets are 40,000 won for adults and 25,000 won for students. For more information, call (02) 766-6506.

“Phantom”: An American musical based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel “Phantom of the Opera,” is getting a Korean premiere in April, with singer Park Hyo-shin and international soprano Im Sun-hae in the lead roles. Produced by Seoul-based EMK Musical Company, the Korean rendition of “Phantom” will kick off on April 28 at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul. It will continue through Aug. 2. Tickets cost 50,000 won to 140,000 won. For details, call (02) 577-6478.

“Dreamgirls”: Korea-U.S. joint production musical “Dreamgirls” is back for its second run in Seoul since 2009. The musical has been adjusted from the original 1981 Broadway version to include famous melodies such as “Listen,” which was also in the 2006 eponymous cinema hit starring Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson. It is the story of a young African-American singing trio in the 1960s who reach stardom and overcome obstacles. “Dreamgirls” runs through May 25 at the Charlotte Theater in Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 14,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212.

Exhibitions

“Tracing Shadows”: Plateau, Samsung Museum of Art, presents an exhibition of 12 artists with unique subjects and painting styles. The exhibition attempts to examine the traditional art medium of painting in the contemporary scene dominated by installations and media art. Participating artists include those in their late 30s to early 40s from diverse backgrounds such as Korea, the U.K., the U.S., China, Poland and Romania. Highlights include the latest works by young American painter Hernan Bas, with references from literature, art history and pop culture, and scenes of everyday life in Romania by Serban Savu. The exhibition runs through June 7 at Plateau, Samsung Museum of Art. For more information, visit www.plateau.or.kr.

Special Exhibition of Donated Works ― Jung Tak-young: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea holds an exhibition of work by late Korean abstract artist Jung Tak-young, known for abstract ink painting, at its Deoksugung Palace branch museum until June 28. The exhibition offers an insight into Jung’s lifetime endeavor to combine traditional Korean painting practices and aesthetics with abstract expression. It displays some 140 works, spanning 40 years of Jung’s artistic career, such as sketches, drawings, ink paintings and metalwork. Admission is free. For more information, call 02) 2022-0600.

“Novello Finotti: Buon Giorno”: Seoul Museum is holding the first solo exhibition of work by Italian sculptor Novello Finotti until May 17. The exhibition features 38 works by the 76-year-old artist made more than 60 years ago. Finotti’s marble and bronze sculptures feature simplified, abstract forms of the human body. His 1989 “Hourglass” sculpture highlights the graceful curves of a nude female body. His works also reflect the agony and tragedy of natural or man-made disasters, such as the catastrophic Chernobyl nuclear disaster. For more information, visit www.seoulmuseum.org.

Bill Viola: Renowned media artist Bill Viola is holding his third solo exhibition in Seoul. The exhibition at Kukje Gallery features seven video installations, including one from his recent “Martyrs” series, which is on permanent display at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. One exhibit also includes the 5-meter video work “Inverted Birth,” showing a man deluged by fluids that slowly change color. The exhibition offers an overview of Viola’s work between 2005 and 2014 and his endeavor to challenge our understanding of time-based imagery. The exhibition runs through May 3. For more information, call (02) 735-8449.

“Shooting the Elephant/Thinking the Elephant”: Yang Haegue’s first exhibition in Korea in five years is centered around her thoughts on nature and community. The exhibition features woven straw sculptures in the form of a Mayan pyramid, a Russian Islamic mosque and various structures that represent indigenous cultures ― a way for the artist to highlight the disappearance of folk culture in the modern world. Other works include “Storage Piece,” a pile of boxes containing Yang’s earlier works. The exhibition runs through May 10 at Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art in Seoul. An English guided tour is available at 2 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call (02) 2014-6901.

Dance 

“Tragedie”: French-based troupe Ballet du Nord will be staging its erotic production of “Tragedie” in Korea for the first time in April. From the imagination of French choreographer Oliver Dubois, “Tragedie” is a contemporary yet provocative three-act ballet with a cast of 18 nude men and women. The age-restricted show ― 19 and up ― centers on the themes of social restriction and the rediscovery of humanity. “Tragedie” will be performed for two days on April 10 and 11 at Seongnam Arts Center’s Opera House. Ticket prices range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, visit www.snart.or.kr.

“Taming of the Shrew”: One of William Shakespeare’s most iconic comedic tales of love and cunning deceit, the ballet rendition of the “Taming of the Shrew” will be staged by the Korean National Ballet as part of the company’s 2015 repertoire. The plot follows the storyline of the less-than-desirable Katherina ― “the shrew” ― who frightens away any potential romantic suitors, while her younger and far more desirable sister must halt her search for a husband until her sister is married off first. The two-act ballet based on the Shakespearean classic will be performed from April 29 to May 3 at the Seoul Arts Center. For more information, visit www.kballet.org.

“Giselle”: Following the Korea National Ballet’s season opener of “Giselle,” Korea Universal Ballet Theatre will also be staging its own rendition of one of the ballet world’s most beloved tales of love and heartbreak. The ballet is a tale of an emotionally and physically fragile village girl who falls hopelessly in love with her prince charming, but her world shatters when she finds that she was not the only woman in her man’s life. The Universal Ballet Company’s production of “Giselle” will be held at the Seoul Arts Center from June 13 to 17. For more information, visit www.universalballet.com.

Classical music

“Aida”: The Sugi Opera Company will stage Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida,” one of the most beloved operas in the world and one of Koreans’ favorites, at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul from April 10 to 12. The production will feature international and Korean opera singers, with Romanian and Russian sopranos taking on the title role of Aida. Ticket prices range from 30,000 to 390,000 won. For more information, call (02) 542-0355 or visit www.sugiopera.com.

Benjamin Grosvenor solo recital: British classical pianist Benjamin Grosvenor will hold his first solo recital in Seoul on April 22 at Seoul Arts Center’s IBK Chamber Hall. Grosvenor first shot into the spotlight in 2004 when, at age 11, he won the prestigious BBC Young Musician of the Year award in the keyboard section. The pianist joined the famous music label Decca Records in 2011 and won two Grammy awards with his debut album the following year. Grosvenor is scheduled to perform Bach-Busoni’s Chaconne in D Minor and Chopin’s Mazurkas and Barcarolle Op. 60, among others. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For details, call (02) 2106-2019.

“The Marriage of Figaro”: The 18th century four-act Italian opera by Mozart, “The Marriage of Figaro” is the continuation of the plot from “the Barber of Seville.” The Mozart classic is widely regarded as one of the cornerstones of standard operatic repertoires and is among the most-performed operas worldwide. The production will be staged at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theatre from May 8 to 10. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 180,000 won. For details, call (02) 720-3933.

2015 Ditto Festival: All-male chamber ensemble Ditto is back for its ninth annual festival. Titled “Schubertidade” as an homage to Austrian composer Schubert, the festival will feature a series of Schubert-themed concerts by violinist Johnny Lee, pianist Steve Lin, cellist Jay Campbell, violinist Richard Yongjae O’Neil and many other artists. The festival mainly takes place at the Seoul Arts Center and LG Art Center from June 6 to 30. For details, call (02) 318-4301 or visit www.dittofest.com.

Pop music

“The Script:” Irish pop-rock band the Script will be making its way to Seoul next month. Led by main vocalist Danny O’Donoghue, the Irish group released its eponymous debut album in August 2008, featuring the breakout singles “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” and “Breakeven (Falling to Pieces).” The album went on to reach the top of the charts in both Ireland and the U.K. Last year the bandmates released their latest album, “No Sound Without Silence,” featuring the singles “Superheroes” and “No Good in Goodbye.” The Script will be performing live at Seoul Olympic Park’s Olympic Hall on April 15. Ticket prices range from 77,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Paul McCartney Out There”: One of the rock world’s most legendary figures, Paul McCartney, will be performing his first show in Korea on May 2. McCartney needs no introduction, as the ex-Beatle has solidified himself as one the most recognized musicians in the world. The 73-year-old rock icon, who was originally slated to perform his show in Seoul last May, canceled after falling ill. The musician is now picking up where he left off and will be making his way to Korea are part of the Hyundai Card Super Concert series. McCartney will be performing live at the Jamsil Sports Complex Olympic Stadium. Ticket prices range from 55,000 won to 300,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Seoul Jazz Festival 2015: The annual three-day Seoul Jazz Festival will be kicking off its ninth year with an all-star line-up, including Jazz icons Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter, the Cardigans, Basement Jaxx, Caro Emerald, Owl City, Jeff Bernat, Dirty Loops, Mika and many more. The festival will also include a number of popular Korean acts, including acoustic duo 10cm, Roy Kim, the Peppertones, Epik High and Daybreak. This year’s Seoul Jazz Festival will be held at Seoul Olympic Park from May 23-25. Ticket prices range from 123,000 won (early bird) to 287,000 and vary based on one-, two- or three-day passes. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.