[Highlights] Arts and entertainment calendar

“Dorian Gray”: CJeS Culture is unveiling its first original production -- a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s 19th century novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Starring K-pop star Kim Jun-su, the musical was scripted by Cho Yong-shin and directed by Lee Gi-na. It also features music composed by Kim Moon-jeong. “Dorian Gray” will be staged until Oct. 29 at the Seongnam Arts Center’s Opera House. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.

“Kinky Boots”: The hit Broadway musical “Kinky Boots” is making its way back to Seoul once again. Based on the book by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein and with music and lyrics by Tony, Emmy and Grammy-winner Cyndi Lauper, the musical tells the true story of Charlie Price who goes to oddly extreme lengths to save his father’s shoe factory. The local production will star Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Ho-young, Jung Seong-hwa and Kang Jong-seok. “Kinky Boots” will be staged until Nov. 13 at the Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

“Peste”: Based on the tragic tale of French author Albert Camus’ “The Plague” and combined with the sounds of legendary K-pop icon Seo Tai-ji, the new local musical “Peste” hit the stage this summer. It tells the horrifically graphic tale of the deadly plague that sweeps the Algerian coastal city. It stars Son Ho-young of g.o.d, Kim Da-hyeon, Park Eun-seok, Kim Do-hyun, Oh So-yeon, Linzy of Fiestar and Jeong-min of Boyfriend. “Peste” will be staged until Sept. 30 at the LG Arts Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.

“Sweeney Todd, The Musical”: The gruesome tale of a man filled with vengeance, the musical tale of the demon barber of Fleet Street is hitting the Seoul stage. Sweeney Todd follows the life of Benjamin Barker, who, after being wrongfully accused of a crime, takes his vengeance on the people of London by murdering the patrons of his barbershop. Starring Ock Joo-hyun, Cho Seung-woo, Yang Jun-mo and Jeon Mi-do, the musical will be staged at the Charlotte Theater in Songpa-gu until Oct. 3. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212.


Dance

“Seoul International Dance Festival”: The Seoul Selection of the International Dance Council CID-UNESCO will be hosting the 19th annual Seoul International Dance Festival from Saturday until Oct. 15. From the French dance company Carolyn Carlson Company to the Madrid-based Larumbe Danza, contemporary dancers from across the globe will gather for the multi-week festival to showcase modern performances that highlight both Western and Eastern arts. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won, and can be reserved at sidance.org. For inquiries, call (02) 3216-1185. 

“Busan International Dance Market”: The annual Busan International Dance Market will take place at the Busan Dance Theater SHIN and Busan Citizen’s Hall from Oct. 9-13. Bringing together global dance groups from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Spain and other countries, the event hopes to create a space where both Western and Eastern performances can collaborate. The five-day festival will highlight acts from Korean group EGERO, Wong Pik Kei from Hong Kong, Baal Dansa from Spain, among others. Tickets are 20,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (018) 681-3627.

“The Scent of Ink”: The National Dance Company of Korea will present “The Scent of Ink” at the Haeoreum Grand Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Seoul from Oct. 6-8 at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Inspired by the works of the late choreographer Choi Hyeon, the six scenes of the performance represent the plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo, and each of their respective seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (02) 2280-4114.

“The Nutcracker”: The Korean National Ballet will perform the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the Cheonan Arts Center from Dec. 6-7. Originally choreographed by Petipa and Ivanov, the two-act ballet features music by legendary composer Tchaikovsky. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 70,000 won, and are available at ticket.interpark.com or cnac.co.kr. For inquiries, call 1566-0155. 


Exhibitions

“Gathering Clouds”: Kukje Gallery is holding a solo exhibition of renowned artist Anish Kapoor until Oct. 30. The exhibition presents sculptures that are results of his exploration of materials and abstraction. On display are twisted rectangle stainless steel blocks with polished surfaces, and sculptural voids in fiberglass and steel at the K1 and K3 exhibition spaces. For more information, visit www.kukjegallery.com.

“Traces of Life and Death”: Arario Gallery is holding a solo exhibition of Korea’s first-generation avant-garde artist Kim Ku-lim until Oct. 16. The 80-year-old artist is presenting seven new sculptures, installations and a video that symbolize the tragedies of contemporary society, such as the Syrian migrant crisis and the recent tragic murders involving young children in Korea. For more information, visit www.arariogallery.com.

“Personal Collection”: Atelier Hermes is presenting a solo exhibition of Jeong Geum-hyung, winner of the 16th Hermes Foundation Misulsang. The prestigious art award, sponsored by the global fashion brand, selected Jeong, who is known for her interactive performances with exercise machines and mannequins that gradually transform into erotic actions. The exhibition, which runs until Oct. 23, showcases objects Jeong used in her performances and stages on-site performances by Jeong on selected dates. For more information, call (02) 3015-3258.

“The Unfamiliar Walk”: Artist Lee Young-baek, who is known for his sold-out 2011 exhibition at the Korean pavilion of the 54th Venice Biennale, is holding a solo exhibition with new works at Hakgojae Gallery. The show features mirror installations and video works that reflect the dualities of Korean society and the world as seen through social media. This show traverses different genres in art ranging from sculpture and painting to media art, using materials such as mirrors, aluminum sheets, motors and absorbents. The exhibition runs until Sept. 25. For more information, call (02) 720-1524.

“Unforseen”: Art and modern dance meet in a joint experimental performance project between the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea and the National Dance Company of Korea. The performances presented by 13 artists and teams are staged spontaneously at various spots of the museum, or presented in an exhibition format at the museum. The performances will combine unique features of contemporary art and dance, encompassing diverse fields from visual art, film, poetry and dance media to sound. The performances run until Oct. 23 at the MMCA’s Seoul museum at 30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr.

“Archive of Mind”: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is hosting artist Kim Soo-ja’s solo show as part of its annual exhibition program sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company. The exhibition showcases the latest works by Kim, including site-specific installations, videos, sculptures and photos that explore the body and the mind. The exhibition runs until Feb. 5 at Gallery 5 and the museum’s courtyard. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr.

“Body Flower”: Australian artist Emma Hack, known for body-painted illusionary artwork, is holding a solo exhibition at the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art through Oct. 30. The museum is showcasing 49 photographs the artist created since 2005. The nine different series of photographs are themed with natural elements and reveal painted bodies camouflaged against background images. For more information, visit www.savinamuseum.com.

“Nam June Paik Show”: Large-scale installations by Nam June Paik, including a few rarely seen in previous exhibitions of Paik’s works, are on display at the commemorative exhibition that celebrates the late artist’s 84th birthday. Highlight pieces of the exhibition, which opened on July 20 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, include the large video art installations “Turtle” and “M200,” which consist of many television monitors that each show imposing images created and edited by Paik. The exhibition runs until Oct. 30 at DDP. Tickets range from 5,000 won for children to 15,000 won for adults. For more information, visit www.ddp.or.kr.

“Lee Jung-seob”: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is presenting a solo exhibition of Korean art master Lee Jung-seob to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth. The exhibition showcases some 200 paintings and 100 pieces of related documents on loan from some 60 museums and collectors, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Divided into major periods of his artistic career from the 1930s to 1940s, the exhibition guides viewers through Lee’s tumultuous personal life and the early modern history of Korea. The Lee Jung-seob exhibition runs until Oct. 3 at the MMCA’s Deoksugung Palace museum. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr. 


Pop music

“Sigur Ros”: Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Ros is performing in Korea at 8 p.m. on Nov. 22 as the 24th guest of the Hyundai Card Culture Project, which introduces audiences to experimental and innovative cultural shows across music, theater, art, architecture, film and dance. The band, active since 1994, is known for its ethereal sounds with classical influences, front man Jonsi Birgisson’s falsetto vocals and its bowed guitar sounds. Sigur Ros also headlined Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival. The Korea performance will take place at Seoul’s Jamsil Arena, Jamsil Indoor Stadium. Ticket prices range from 88,000 won to 132,000 won. Tickets can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.

“Gallant”: American rhythm and blues artist Gallant is coming to Korea to give his first solo concert here at 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Yes 24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, southeastern Seoul. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter debuted this year with the studio album “Ology,” which was released worldwide to critical acclaim. In May, Gallant performed his single “Weight In Gold” on the US television program “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” The singer is known for his versatile use of falsetto and soul-searching lyrics. Tickets are 88,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.

“Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band”: Ringo Starr, the drummer of the legendary British rock band The Beatles, will visit Korea for his first-ever concert here on Nov. 5 at the Jamsil Arena in southeastern Seoul at 8 p.m. It is the first time the world-famous British songwriter is performing in Korea in his 54-year music career. The All Starr Band consists of guitarists Steve Lukather, Todd Rungren and Richard Page; drummer Gregg Bissonette, saxophonist Warren Ham and keyboardist Gregg Rolie. Tickets range from 77,000 won to 220,000 won. Tickets can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.

“Gummy Feel the Voice Tour”: Female balladeer Gummy will be touring the country from Oct. 1-Nov. 19. The singer debuted in 2003 and reaped breakthrough success the next year with “Memory Loss.” She is known for her powerful vocals and soulful interpretations. Her hit songs include “We Should’ve Been Friends,” “If You Come Back To Me” and “Unrequited Love.” Gummy will perform in Ulsan on Sept. 24, in Daegu on Oct. 1, in Changwon on Oct. 22, in Suwon on Nov. 5, in Daejeon on Nov. 11, in Gwangju on Nov. 13 and in Jeonju on Nov. 19. Tickets range from 88,000 won to 121,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.


Classical music

“Ivan Fischer & Budapest Festival Orchestra”: The Budapest Festival Orchestra is returning to Korea for the fourth time in six years. Conducted by Hungarian conductor and composer Ivan Fischer, the ensemble will perform at the Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. Accompanied by Portuguese pianist Maria Joao Pires, the 33-year-old orchestra will present three pieces by Mozart, Chopin and Dvorak. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 250,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (02) 599-5743.

“Julia Fischer Violin Recital”: Critically acclaimed German violinist Julia Fischer will hold a violin recital at the Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Accompanied by German pianist Martin Helmchen, the program will consist of pieces by Brahms, Schubert and Dvorak. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 130,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (02) 599-5743.

“San Francisco Symphony”: The world-renowned San Francisco Symphony will perform at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. The concert will be conducted by the symphony’s music director Michael Tilson Thomas, who has been lauded by the San Francisco Examiner as “an enthusiastic ambassador for classical music.” The performance will be accompanied by award-winning classical pianist Lim Dong-hyek. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 280,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call 1577-5266.

“Clara-Jumi Kang & Son Yeol-eum”: Critically acclaimed Korean violinist Clara-Jumi Kang and pianist Son Yeol-eum will hold a duo concert presenting Brahms and Schumann pieces at the Seoul Arts Center on Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. Born in Germany, Kang is an award-winning violinist who has performed with world-class composers and chamber musicians, including Chung Myung-whun, Gidon Kremer and Jian Wang. Born and raised in Korea, Son first gained international recognition when she was chosen as a soloist for New York Philharmonic’s Asia tour in 2004. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (070) 8879-8485.