The show musical ‘Dream High’ has returned to the stage with a stronger drama and performance.
On the afternoon of the 25th, a production presentation for the show musical Again ‘Dream High’ was held at the RISE Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul. After a demonstration of highlight scenes, a Q&A session was attended by general producer Kim Eun-ha, director Yeom Hyun-seung, choreographer Choi Young-jun, creative director Park Kyung-rim, Kim Dong-jun, Youngjae, Choo Yeon-seong, Yoo Kwon, Sun-ye, Lee Ji-hoon, and Park Jun-kyu.
The show musical Again ‘Dream High’ is based on the eponymous drama starring Kim Soo-hyun and Bae Suzy, which aired on KBS2 from January to February 2011, depicting the story of the main characters after graduating from high school.
After its premiere in May 2023, it has returned for an encore performance after two years. General producer Kim Eun-ha stated, “I had the opportunity to work with such great actors and production staff during the premiere. After the show ended, I had time to reflect on the work. Because there were people who shared that concern with me, we were able to bring the show back to the stage.”
Director Yeom Hyun-seung explained the differences from the premiere, saying, “We added a drama that allows students to dream and overcome challenges. Many audience members think of the original ‘Dream High,’ so we used the OST more than in the premiere to evoke nostalgia. Lastly, I believe that the ‘show’ in ‘show musical’ is about showcasing. We created special elements like dance performances. We added a flash mob of iconic scenes from the drama to enhance the audience's enjoyment.”
The encore performance of ‘Dream High’ features Kim Dong-jun as Song Sam-dong, Seven, Youngjae (GOT7), JinJin (ASTRO), Kang Seung-sik, Yoon Seo-bin, Jang Dong-woo (INFINITE), Choo Yeon-seong, and Kim Dong-hyun (Golden Child) as Jason, Yoo Kwon (Block B), Lim Se-jun, and Sun-ye, Luna as Baek-hee.
Kim Dong-jun, who plays Song Sam-dong, said, “I received a suggestion from sister Park Kyung-rim. I was grateful. Since ‘Dream High’ is a story about people who dream, the concerns I have now are also part of my journey towards my dream, so I thought about how it would feel to share the stage with Song Sam-dong and many friends. I was deeply moved by the suggestion and decided to join.” He added, “Among the four Song Sam-dongs, I think I might be the most rugged. I face situations a bit more aggressively. I have a strong desire to express Song Sam-dong, who runs headlong towards his dream.”
Youngjae, who also worked on the OST as Song Sam-dong, said, “At first, I was only singing the OST. When I went to work on it, I received a handwritten letter from Park Kyung-rim, and I was so grateful. I felt that I could have a happy time, so I decided to join.” He added, “I thought of a character that is friendly and soft but also has a strong presence rather than being rugged.”
Yoo Kwon, who plays Jason, said, “The performance is so cool, but I think the hardest part was executing it. While practicing the performance, I feel like my dancing is gradually upgrading. I’m approaching it with the mindset of becoming a world dance champion like Jason.”
Sun-ye, who plays Baek-hee, said, “Many people will remember the ‘Dream High’ drama, which was first produced by JYP and also had an OST. I participated in the OST back then, so I feel it’s meaningful to be part of the musical as well.” She added, “Having been a trainee for a long time, I found many relatable elements in the script.”
The performances will take place from April 5 to June 1 at the Woori Financial Art Hall in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul.
[Shin Young-eun, Star Today Reporter]
