Productions of “Ben-Hur” are often met with the common mbrock purdy jersey miami hurricanes jersey ohio state jersey fsu jersey fsu jersey justin jefferson lsu jersey fsu football jersey fsu jersey brock purdy jersey Iowa State Football Uniforms College Football Jerseys kansas state football uniforms miami hurricanes jersey Iowa State Football Uniforms brock bowers jersey isconception that they involve fleshy male displays. However, it’s important to clarify that “Ben-Hur” goes far beyond any such preconceived ideas.
The Korean musical “Ben-Hur” provides a sensory spectacle, closely resembling the glory of the iconic 1959 Hollywood film of the same title.
Drawing inspiration from Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ,” the musical adaptation delves into the exploration of human values through the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a young Israelite who faces false accusations and endures enslavement under the Roman Emipre.
The production made an impact on Korea’s musical scene, nominated across 11 categories at the “2nd Korea Musical Awards” in 2017, ultimately clinching the grand prize.
A scene from the musical, “Ben-Hur,” featuring Park Min-sung, who plays Messala / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company
After a hiatus of four years, “Ben-Hur” returned this season with a new producer, EMK Musical Company, that was also responsible for “Matahari” and “The Man Who Laughs.”
The current production features a stellar cast including Park Eun-tae, Shin Sung-rok Kyuhyun as Ben-Hur, along with Lee Ji-hoon, Park Min-sung and Seo Kyung-su in the role of Messala, who collectively bring a vibrant dimension to the performance.
In the Sept. 20 performance, attended by this reporter, actors Shin and Seo shared the stage at the LG Art Center in Gangseo District, Seoul.
The two actors presented emotionally charged performances, portraying the transformation of a relationship that once thrived in friendship into enmity. They captivated the audience with synchronized choreography, featuring a display of swordsmanship.
A scene from the musical “Ben-Hur” / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company
The highlight of the show is the Roman chariot race, a climactic moment in which the conflict between the two characters peaks. The scene recreated the grandeur of the Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman stadium. The stage seamlessly shifted and rotated, while dynamic video elements enhanced the overall experience.
The man-made horses pulling the chariots mirrored the real-life scale of the creatures. The intricate flexing of their joints as they galloped kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Another captivating aspect of the show was the ensemble of 28 male actors. Their collective performance transported the audience to a bygone era as they portrayed their fiery spirits of shirtless Jewish and Roman soldiers.
While the play predominantly features male performers, the roles of female actors shone as well. Notably, the scene featuring the song “The Prayer,” sung by Ben-Hur’s mother Miriam resonated deeply with the audience. Actor Ryu Su-hwa’s crystal-clear voice effectively conveyed the anguish of a mother’s plea for her son’s well-being and her family’s tragic destiny.
A scene from the musical “Ben-Hur” / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company
The performance’s historically authentic costumes and the stage designs are also elements that recall the ancient Roman Empire and offer the audience a glimpse into a distant past. As one steps out of the concert hall following the conclusion of the play, one cannot help but feel like they had just journeyed to a whole different world.
The musical, “Ben-Hur,” continues its run until Nov. 19.
