The beloved musical adaptation of "Mrs. Doubtfire," based on the iconic 1993 film, is making its highly anticipated return to the Korean stage for its second production run. Leading the cast is acclaimed actor Hwang Jung-min, who will be making his comeback to musical theater after a decade-long absence from the stage. The production promises to deliver the same heartwarming story that captivated audiences worldwide, featuring the demanding role that requires performers to execute approximately 20 quick transformations throughout the show.
Hwang Jung-min, a household name in both film and theater, will share the challenging lead role of Daniel Hillard with two seasoned musical theater veterans: Jung Sung-hwa and Jung Sang-hoon. Daniel Hillard is portrayed as a struggling, unemployed voice actor who is also a devoted father desperate to maintain a relationship with his children. During a press conference held at Samsung Hall at Ewha Womans University on Tuesday, the three actors discussed their approach to this physically and emotionally demanding role.
Speaking about his motivation to take on the role, Hwang Jung-min revealed that he was inspired after watching Jung Sung-hwa's 2022 performance in the same production. "In films, it takes time to transform into another character, but for this role, you have to do it instantly, along with changes in voice and gestures. That seemed fun," Hwang explained to reporters. The role requires not only rapid character transformations between Daniel and his alter ego Mrs. Doubtfire, but also extensive dancing and memorization of complex dialogue. Hwang also expressed his appreciation for the universal themes of the story, stating, "In addition, I really like the theme of love that can resonate with all family members through generations."
Jung Sung-hwa, who is reprising his role from the 2022 premiere production, noted significant improvements in the new version of the show. "For the first production, we focused on the comic aspects. With the new production, we're also focusing on the father's love for his children," he explained. Jung Sung-hwa brings extensive experience to the role, having previously portrayed several iconic musical theater characters including Ahn Jung-geun in "Hero," Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables," and Quasimodo in "Notre-Dame de Paris." The comedian-turned-musical actor has established himself as one of Korea's most versatile performers in the genre.
Jung Sang-hoon, known particularly for his comedic acting abilities, shared his personal connection to the source material and his motivation for joining the production. He expressed deep admiration for the late Robin Williams, who originated the role in the beloved film version. "It's such a well-written script. I want to execute it to the fullest," Jung Sang-hoon noted, emphasizing his commitment to honoring both the original film and the theatrical adaptation.
The musical's plot centers around Daniel Hillard, a loving father who finds himself in a desperate situation after losing custody of his children in a contentious divorce. In an elaborate scheme to remain close to his kids, Daniel creates an entirely new persona: Euphegenia Doubtfire, a kind and caring Scottish nanny. This deception allows him to spend time with his children while disguised as their caregiver, leading to both comedic situations and touching moments that explore themes of family, love, and sacrifice.
The 2022 Korean production of "Mrs. Doubtfire" holds special significance as it was the first licensed production of the Broadway show presented as a non-replica version, meaning it was adapted specifically for Korean audiences while maintaining the core story and music. This approach allowed for cultural adaptations that resonated more deeply with local audiences. The success of this adaptation was recognized at the 7th Korean Musical Awards in 2023, where the production received both the producer award and the costume award, highlighting the quality of the overall production and the exceptional design work.
The upcoming production will run for approximately two and a half months, from September 27 through December 7, at the Charlotte Theater located in Jamsil, eastern Seoul. The 175-minute musical will offer multiple performance times to accommodate audience demand. Ticket prices range from 80,000 won to 170,000 won, providing various seating options for theatergoers. The extended run and prime theater location reflect the producers' confidence in the show's appeal and the drawing power of its star-studded cast, particularly Hwang Jung-min's return to the musical stage after his lengthy absence.
