KPOP (musical)
KPOP is a musical with a book with Jason Kim and music and lyrics by Helen Park and Max Vernon. The musical premiered at Ars Nova in September 2017.
| KPOP | |
|---|---|
| Music | Helen Park and Max Vernon |
| Lyrics | Helen Park and Max Vernon |
| Book | Jason Kim |
| Basis | K-pop |
| Premiere | September 5, 2017: Ars Nova, New York, New York |
| Productions | 2017 Off-Broadway |
| Awards | Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical |
Productions
KPOP made its world premiere Off-Broadway at Ars Nova in New York City on September 5, 2017. The production ran until October 21.[1]
The musical's book is by Jason Kim, direction by Teddy Bergman, choreography by Jennifer Weber, and immersive design by Woodshed Collective. The production was produced in association with Ma-Yi Theater Company and Woodshed Collective.[2]
Following multiple delays due to casting issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, including a cancelled pre-Broadway run at the Signature Theatre, the musical is scheduled to make its Broadway debut in fall of 2022 at Circle in the Square Theatre.[3][4][5] The Broadway production will feature Luna in the starring role, along with fellow K-pop stars Kevin Woo, Min-Young Lee, and Bohyung Kim. The production is expected to reunite the creative and design team from the Ars Nova run.[5]
Cast
| Character | Ars Nova (2017)[1] |
|---|---|
| Sonoma | Julia Abueva |
| Jin Hee | Cathy Ang |
| Tiny D | Katie Lee Hill |
| Timmy X | Joomin Hwang |
| Oracle | Jinwoo Jung |
| Ruby | Vanessa Kai |
| Lex | Jiho Kang |
| XO | Deborah Kim |
| Mina | Susannah Kim |
| MwE | Ashley Park |
| Yazmeen | Amanda Morton |
| Callie | Sun Hye Park |
| Moon | James Saito |
| Jerry | James Seol |
| Dr. Park | David Shih |
| Epic | Jason Tam |
| Jenn | Ebony Williams |
| Bobo | John Yi |
Awards and nominations
Original Off-Broadway production (2017)
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Drama Desk Awards[6] | Outstanding Musical | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Director | Teddy Bergman | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Music | Helen Park, Max Vernon | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Lyrics | Helen Park, Max Vernon | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Actress in a Musical | Ashley Park | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical | Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical | Will Pickens | Nominated | ||
| Lucille Lortel Awards[2] | Outstanding Musical | Won | ||
| Outstanding Choreographer | Jennifer Weber | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical | James Seol | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical | Ashley Park | Won | ||
| Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical | Jason Tam | Won | ||
| Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical | Vanessa Kai | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Scenic Design | Gabriel Hainer Evansohn | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Costume Design | Tricia Barsamian | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Lighting Design | Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew | Nominated | ||
| Drama League Awards[7] | Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical | Nominated | ||
| Distinguished Performance Award | Ashley Park (also for Mean Girls) | Nominated | ||
References
- Clement, Olivia (July 12, 2017). "Ars Nova's KPOP to Include Ashley Park, Jason Tam, and Beyoncé Back-Up Dancer Ebony Williams". Playbill. Retrieved April 9, 2022.
- Rosky, Nicole (April 4, 2018). "KPOP Leads the Pack in 33rd Annual Lucille Lortel Award Nominations- The Full List!". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
- Lefkowitz, Andy (November 8, 2019). "Lortel-Winning Immersive Musical KPOP Eyes Broadway Run; Talent Search Launched". Broadway.com. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
- Moynihan, Caitlin (September 3, 2021). "Pre-Broadway Run of KPOP Musical Canceled at D.C.'s Signature Theatre". Broadway.com. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
- Sullivan, Lindsey (April 4, 2022). "Kevin Woo, Min Young Lee & More to Join Luna in KPOP on Broadway". Broadway.com. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
- McPhee, Ryan (April 26, 2018). "Carousel, SpongeBob SquarePants, Mean Girls Lead 2018 Drama Desk Award Nominations". Playbill. Archived from the original on April 29, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
- "Breaking: THE BAND'S VISIT, ANGELS IN AMERICA, MEAN GIRLS, FROZEN, And More Earn Drama League Nominations; See The Full List!". BroadwayWorld. April 18, 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2018.