Dance


“The Seventh Symphony” & “The Rite of Spring”: The Korean National Ballet is bringing back its dueling dance production of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” and Uwe Scholz’s “Seventh Symphony.” The production will fuse together the company’s dance interpretation of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and the original choreography of “The Rite of Spring.” KNB’s upcoming performance will be staged May 29-31 at the National Theater of Korea. Tickets range from 5,000 won ($4.50) to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Amore Amore Mio”: Well-known as a satirical and cynical dancer, Jeon Mi-sook will present the ballet performance “Amore Amore Mio” in Seoul, directing questions to the audience about the virtue of love with a convoy of talented Korean dancers. The 70-minute show deals with vulnerability, detachedness, hesitation and many intertwined emotions that love and our lives inevitably brings to us, through a not-so-passionate but bold performance. “Amore Amore Mio” will be staged at the Arts Council Korea ― Performing Arts Center June 5-7. Ticket prices range from 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.

“Swan Lake”: Korean National Ballet, having performed the world’s most famous and recognized repertories with the country’s premiere ballet company, is to perform another classic work, “Swan Lake,” on June 5 and 6 at Guri Art Hall. Korean National Ballet differentiated their “Swan Lake” from other classic “Swan Lake” performances by interpreting the central antagonist Rothbart by the director’s own standpoint. The unique interpretation of protagonist Prince Seigfried and Rothbart would draw a hazy line of demarcation between good and evil. Tickets prices for this 140-minute running ballet show range from 50,000 won to 60,000 won. Contact (031) 550-8800~1 for more information.

“Rage”: The Seoul Ballet Theatre is gearing up for its upcoming modern dance production of “Rage” in celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary. The show was choreographed by SBT artistic director James Jeon. The 70-minute, no-intermission, action-packed modern dance piece stems from the director’s own personal anger toward the political state of the country. “Rage” will be staged on June 5 and 6 at the LG Arts Center, with ticket prices ranging from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, visit www.ballet.or.kr.

“Giselle”: Following the Korean National Ballet’s season opener of “Giselle,” the Korea Universal Ballet Theatre will also stage its own rendition of the ballet world’s most classic and beloved tale 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 whose world shatters when she finds that she’s not the only woman in the man’s life. The Universal Ballet Company’s production of “Giselle” will be held at the Seoul Arts Center June 13-17. For more information, visit www.universalballet.com.

Theater


“Urinetown: The Musical”: To pee or not to pee, that is the question in the satirical comedy Broadway musical “Urinetown.” After a horrible drought causes a massive water shortage, private toilets become a thing of the past, leaving only public toilets controlled by a megacorporation forcing patrons to pay to use the restroom. Those who break the law are banned from society for forever and sent to a deserted colony called “Urinetown.” The local rendition of the musical is on an open run until Aug. 2 at the Hongik University Daehangno Art Center. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit www.iseensee.com.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”: The globally popular musical rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” is the beloved love child of Broadway legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The musical is loosely based on the last week of Jesus’ life, highlighting the personal and political struggles of Judas and Jesus and then the crucifixion. The Korean version of “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be staged at the Charlotte Theater in Seoul from June 7 to Sept. 13. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.

“Mr. Show”: From the mind of renowned musical director Kolleen Park, the naughty male striptease show “Mr. Show” is returning to the stage this summer. The female-audience-only variety show features fit, sexy men who dance and perform various themed acts that are especially geared toward tantalizing their female patrons. The 19-and-older live show will be staged from May 29 to June 28 at the Lotte Card Art Center in Seoul. Tickets are listed at 60,000 won and 80,000 won. For more details, visit www.mrshow.co.kr.

“Crazy Horse Paris”: “Crazy Horse Paris” is one of France’s most iconic live burlesque performances, attracting more than 15 million people worldwide over the past six decades. In celebration of the Paris-born show’s 65th anniversary this year, “Crazy Horse Paris” will be premiering not only in Seoul for the first time, but for the first time in all of Asia. The cabaret will run twice daily from Monday to Saturday until June 30 at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel’s Walkerhill Theater in Gwangjang-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 77,000 won to 220,000 won and can be purchased exclusively at www.crazyhorseparisinseoul.com.

“Phantom”: An American musical based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel “Phantom of the Opera” is getting its 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.

“Death Note”: A new musical based on the Japanese cartoon and film series of the same title, “Death Note” will open in Seoul in June, two months after its world premiere in Japan. The Korean rendition will star the country’s top-notch musical actors Hong Kwang-ho and Kim Jun-su. The music is composed by Frank Wildhorn (“Jekyll and Hyde”), with the book and lyrics by Ivan Menchell (“Bonnie and Clyde”) and Jack Murphy (“Monte Cristo”). “Death Note” will be staged from June 20-Aug. 9 at the Seongnam Arts Center Opera House. For inquiries, call (02) 1577-3363.

“Chicago ― Original Cast”: The original Broadway cast for “Chicago” ― the longest-running American musical in Broadway history ― will be making its way back to Seoul this summer. The six-time Tony Award winner is a dynamic tale of passion, lust and murder amid the backdrop of 1920s Chicago in the roaring jazz music era. The upcoming production will feature cast members from the U.S. Tour Company and will be held at the National Theater of Korea from June 20 to Aug. 8. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

“Elisabeth”: The local reinterpretation of the original Viennese musical “Elisabeth” will be returning to the musical stage, with popular K-pop star Se7en taking on his debut musical role as “death” or “der tod.” All eyes are on the K-pop star as he will be filling in the shoes of mega hallyu star Kim Jun-su of JYJ, who was previously cast in the same role during the show’s 2012-2013 run. The musical tells the tale of an Austrian empress and her growing obsession with death as her life progresses. The musical will be held from June 13 to Sept. 6 at the Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6391-6333.

“Hero”: A revival production of “Hero,” an original Korean musical based on the life of patriot Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910), is being 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 acclaim 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 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1544-1555 or visit www.iacom.co.kr.

Exhibitions 


“Devout Patrons of Buddhist Art”: The National Museum of Korea sheds light on the devout patrons of Buddhist art who commissioned artists and temples to make some of the great works of Buddhist art from Three Kingdoms period (B.C. 18-A.D. 935) to the Joseon era (1392-1910). The exhibition reveals stories and wishes behind the makings of Buddhist paintings, sutras and statues. It runs through Aug. 2. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr, or call (02) 2077-9000.

“Vivian Maier X Garry Winogrand”: Sungkok Art Museum holds a photo exhibition of two great American street photographers, Vivian Maier (1926-2009) and Garry Winogrand (1928-1984), for the first time in Asia. The exhibition reveals the unknown world of Maier, who worked as a nanny in Chicago for 40 years while secretly taking more than 100,000 photographs. Her pictures, hidden in storage, were discovered by filmmaker John Maloof, who later created the film “Finding Vivian Maier” in 2013. The exhibition also features 85 photographs by renowned photographer Garry Winogrand from New York whose works portrayed American life from the 1950s through the 1980s. The section titled “Women Are Beautiful” shows spontaneous photos of women Winogrand took on the streets of New York. The exhibition runs from July 2 to Sept. 20 at Sungkok Art Museum on Gyeonghuigung-gil, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 737-8643.

“Interplay”: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art presents site-specific art project “Interplay.” The exhibition presents installations by four international artists ― Ross Manning, Jinnie Seo, Shinji Ohmaki and avaf. The four artists transform white cube exhibition rooms into works of art with which viewers can interact. Japanese artist Ohmaki’s installation of strings, fabric and bubbles creates a meditative experience inspired by Zen Buddhism. Manning installed a kinetic installation using light and sound that allows viewers to experience a unique sense of space. The exhibition runs through Aug. 23 at the Seoul museum of the MMCA in Samcheong-ro. For more information, call (02) 3701-9500.

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

Mark Rothko: The first major retrospective of American abstract artist Mark Rothko is being held at Hangaram Art Museum of Seoul Arts Center until June 28. The exhibition features 50 oil paintings, covering about 60 years of Rothko’s endeavor to create art that inspires emotions in its audience. The artworks, on loan from the National Gallery of Art in the U.S., range from earlier works featuring street scenes and subway scenes of the 1930s to the red paintings he made just before he killed himself in 1970. Tickets are 15,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for teenagers and 8,000 won for children. The museum closes on the last Monday of every month. For more information, call (02) 532-4407.

Classical Music


CMS Asia tour concert: The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center one of the most prestigious and biggest arts organizations in the world, will embody quintessential chamber music in Seoul on their Asia tour after completing the tour kickoff performance in China. A combination of Mozart, Barber, Schoenfield and Dvorak’s music and opulent instruments, including clarinet, viola, piano and cello, will present powerful but mellifluous melodies for 120 minutes to the audience. CMS’ Asia tour’s concert in Seoul is to be held on June 2 at LG Art Center. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won ($45) to 100,000 won. For details, call (02) 732-4531.

Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra: The Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra is gearing up to present two special concerts this June as part of its ongoing summer lineup. On June 5, conductor Lim Hun-joung will take the reins of the local orchestra in his rendition of Mozart’s Opera “Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute)” overture and Flute Concerto No. 1 in G Major along with Beethoven’s “Eroica (Heroic)” Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major. The performance will feature special guest flutist Yoon Hye-ri. Following this performance the orchestra will pay homage to the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius in celebration of the 150th anniversary of his birth. The concert will be held on June 19, with conducting by Park Young-min and featuring Esther Yoo on violin. The ticket price for both shows is 10,000 won. For more information visit www.bucheonphil.org.

“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’Neill and many other artists. The festival mainly takes place at the Seoul Arts Center and LG Art Center June 6-30. For details call (02) 318-4301 or visit www.dittofest.com.

Mikhail Pletnev and Russian National Orchestra: Pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev, founder and artistic director of the Russian National Orchestra, will take the helm of Russia’s first independent orchestra in the ensemble’s upcoming performance in Seoul. The orchestra will perform the Glinka Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture; Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23; and Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27. The one-day concert will be held at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater on July 2. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 220,000 won. For details, call (02) 541-2512.

Pop Music


“Muse in City 2015”: Korea’s first female music festival “Muse in City” will present its 2015 one-day show in June. The lineup includes artists who don’t play many festivals and those from abroad who have not visited Korea outside of their world tours. The artists taking stage include Rachael Yamagata, Kim Yun-a, Keren Ann, Priscilla Ahn, Joe Won-sun, Earip, Kat Frankie and Linus’ Blanket. The show takes place on June 6 at the 88 Garden in Olympic Park, Seoul. Tickets are 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.

“Park Jung-hyun ― I Am You Are Me”: R&B sensation Park Jung-hyun, also known as Lena Park, presents her first solo concert for 2015. She is known for her powerful voice through songs such as “P.S. I Love You,” “My Day” and “In Dreams,” and more recently through her appearance on “I Am a Singer.” Titled “I Am You Are Me,” the two-hour concert will be an exploration of Park’s musical world and a chance for fans to enjoy her live performance. The three-city tour begins in Seoul at Blue Square’s Samsung Card Hall from June 12 to 21, followed by Daegu on June 27 and 28 and Busan from July 11 to 12. Ticket prices range from 99,000 won to 121,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.

“2015 Miller Super Hiphop Party”: Miller presents Vol. 1 of its “Super Hiphop Party” at Club Ellui at the end of June. The adults-only party will have a star-studded cast of Korea’s biggest names in hip-hop, including YDG, Verbal Jint, San.E, Huckleberry P, Paloalto, Jessi and Cheetah. After the concert, the club will stay open all night for an electronic dance music after-party. The party is on June 27 at Club Ellui in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Tickets are standing room only for 55,000 won, with VIP tables also available by reservation. The dress code is “trendy & stylish.” For more information, call (02) 516-8285 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Ailee: Fatal Attraction”: The young Korean-American singer will hold her first solo concert in the three years since her debut. The concert title was chosen to imply that she will be bringing all the soul and charisma of her work over the past three years to this live concert. “Fatal Attraction” goes onstage on July 4 at Olympic Hall within Seoul Olympic Park. Tickets range from 77,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.