The English version of the musical, “Marie Curie,” by Prof. Choi Jongyoon of the Department of Musical Writing, School of Drama, will be premiered at the Charing Cross, London, from 1 June to 28 July. It is the first time for a Korean musical to be staged in English, performed by the local staff and actors and actresses, in London’s West End.
“Marie Curie” is a
musical about the life of female scientist Marie Curie (1867-1934). In Korea, it
premiered in 2020, and this year, the third season has just ended in February. In
2021 at the 5th Korea Musical Awards, the piece collected 5 awards,
including the Grand Prize, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Music, and Best
Producer. In the London production, director Sarah Meadows, music director Emma
Fraser, and choreographer Joanna Goodwin helmed the original Korean production
by Prof. Choi Jongyoon (music) and Cheon Se-eun (lyrics).
The UK’s representative performing arts news media, such as West End Theatre and WhatsOnStage, informed the premiere of “Marie Curie.” The US’s Playbill also noted the Korean musical’s advancement to the West End.