[Musical Y] "I Shall Become Your Music!" Jeon Dong-seok Shines in the Grand Finale of Musical 'Phantom'

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the musical "Phantom" has returned for its fifth season. Jeon Dong-seok, taking on the role of 'Erik' for the third time this season, has crafted an emotionally charged finale, embodying the message "I shall become your music" and encapsulating his decade-long journey.

Based on Gaston Leroux's classic novel "The Phantom of the Opera," the musical "Phantom" is a reimagined work by composer Maury Yeston and playwright Arthur Kopit. While maintaining the mysterious atmosphere of the original, the production delves deeper into the question of "Why does the Phantom dwell in the catacombs?" exploring the pain and inner world of 'Erik' in a more profound and humanistic manner.

Jeon Dong-seok's portrayal of 'Erik' navigates the fine line between agony and genius. To some, he may appear as a monster, and to others, a ghost, but following his origins and childhood traumas reveals that he, too, is a lonely and fragile human being. This understanding of his inner world resonates deeply with the audience.

The tumultuous emotions 'Erik' experiences as he becomes fatefully entwined with Christine Daae, who possesses a heavenly voice, are painfully beautiful. Set against the mystical backdrop of the Paris Opera House, the dynamic staging and lighting amplify the relationship between the two characters, enhancing audience immersion.

One of the season's highlights is the portrayal of Erik's past through ballet. His scars and tragedies, expressed not through words or songs but through the silent language of dance, pinpoint the audience's emotions, underscoring why the production is hailed as a "triple threat" of ballet, opera, and musical.

Additionally, the direction, reinterpreted to align with Korean sensibilities, has been praised for enhancing the narrative's pull, striking a balance between mass appeal and artistic integrity.

Set in the Paris Opera House at the end of the 19th century, the production unfolds a masterpiece through classical music and ballet, unraveling artistic imagination and human anguish.

This season's Phantom role is triple-cast with Park Hyo-shin, Kai, and Jeon Dong-seok, while the role of Christine is delicately portrayed by Lee Ji-hye, Song Eun-hye, and Jang Hye-rin, capturing the character's purity and resilience.

Musical "Phantom" will be performed at the Sejong Cultural Center Grand Theater until August 11.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)