The era has passed where singers only sing. Just as singers show off
their talents in various variety shows, they are also showing off their
outstanding acting skills in dramas and even taking home rookie awards.
Girls’ Generation’s Yoona won a rookie acting award for the drama “You
Are My Destiny” in 2008, and she has transformed into an actress yet
again for her most recent drama “Love Rain”. Yuri is showing her acting
in the drama “Fashion King”. Taeyeon, Jessica and Tiffany have
transformed into musical actresses in the productions such as, “Midnight
Sun”, “Legally Blonde” and “Fame”.
This time, Sunny, Girls’ Generation’s cutie, is stepping up by
appearing in the musical “Catch Me if You Can”. This musical is a
reinterpretation of the Steven Spielberg-directed movie starring
Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. Last year, this musical was nominated
for four Tony Awards and also received an award for Best Leading Actor.
The main character Frank, who has a talent for deceiving others,
disguises himself as a pilot and forges company checks to steal 1.4
million dollars. Carl Hanratty, FBI agent of 21 years, has caught onto
Frank and chases after him. Sunny plays the role of Brenda,
the naive girl who loves Frank.
Wang Yongbum is in charge of the adaptation and direction of the
musical, and the musical is set to be in production from March 28th to
June 10th at the Blue Square Samsung Card Hall. We have heard the
determination of Sunny, who is about to debut as a musical actress.
-How did you come to be a part of this cast?
I wanted to take on a challenge in a new area, and there was a
casting for a character that suited me well, so I took the courage to
try it out.
-What do you feel about your debut?
I worried a lot, but I’ve also learned a lot from practicing together
with the fellow actors and staff crew. They gave me a great deal of
encouragement. Now, my nervousness from anticipation is greater than my
fear.
-Please introduce the character you will be playing in the
musical. Are you playing a role that has many similarities to yourself?
Brenda is a very loveable and cute character, and she is the only
character in the play that gives love genuinely and also receives love.
She tries hard to express those charming characteristics that she has.
Her bright personality and her inability to hide her feelings are very
similar to me.
-How did you like the original movie, “Catch Me if You Can”?
It was very impressive. I enjoyed it so much as I was watching it,
and I was curious of how it would turn out as a musical. But it was so
much more fun than I expected, and the story is so good that I am very
happy and honored to be a part of this work.
-What was most difficult for you as you were practicing?
It was a little difficult going to both my own personal schedules and
practice. I filmed a CF yesterday, I have musical practice today, I’m
going to Jeju Island to MC, and the day after that, there’s a shooting
for a variety show… But even still, every day is new and lively, so I’m
having fun.
-What’s the biggest difference between being on stage as a singer and being on stage as a musical actress?
Of course, a singer is acting on stage too, but with a musical, the
whole production is acted out and you have to sing and express yourself
accordingly as well, so that was new for me. I think I’m still lacking
in those areas so I’m currently working hard at it.
-Your fellow members Taeyeon, Jessica and Tiffany have all
debuted as musical actresses before you. Have you seen any of the
productions they were a part of?
Yes, I saw all of them. I remember them all having a really hard time
fitting in the musical with the group activities. But I also remember
thinking that they were so admirable, being able to perform so
amazingly. I have a lot more time to practice, compared to the time that
the other members had, so I’m going to try hard to do well.
-Your sunbaes in theater are Taeyeon, Jessica and Tiffany. Did they give any words of advice for you?
All of them gave me tons of encouragement rather than words of
advice. They told me not to worry and do well, because if I work hard,
it’ll be undoubtedly fun and enjoyable.
-Is there any musical or play you’ve seen with much interest?
While in New York for a schedule, I made some time to watch the “Lion
King’ musical”. The thought, “It’s really great” constantly popped up
my head. It was as if there weren’t any people on stage, and the actual
animals in “Lion King” were acting on stage. It was cool!
-Will Girls’ Generation members come to watch your show?
Yes!! Because my members know me the best aside from myself… I hope
they come and watch and tell me things I lack in. And, because the
theater itself is really fun and is a style that my colleagues will
like, I hope they come and have fun watching and enjoying it.
-Were there any difficulties you encountered juggling Girls’ Generation activities and musical practice?
I want to practice some more, but schedules are important too… It
feels like I’ve been chasing after five or six rabbits at the same time,
so I’ve been feeling worried. I don’t want to lack in anything. I wish
there were 36 hours in a day.
-Do you have any stress relieving methods?
Chat a lot! When I meet with my members, we talk a lot. After we do, a lot of my stress is relieved (laughs).
- Kyuhyun, Key, and Dana are members of the same management company as you, and they are all appearing in this musical. How is it working with them?
I’m usually really shy. I was worried that I’d be too nervous making
my first attempt at a new genre of musicals with people I’m seeing for
the first time, but it was a relief that there are members from the same
company. They take care of me well, so it’s really nice.
-Uhm Kijoon, Kyuhyun, Kim Junghoon, Key and Park Gwanghyun
will all be playing the role of Frank. Which person is the most
charming?
All five of them have different charms… They’re all really
charming!!! It’s to the point where it’s a waste that I only know of
their charms. I think it’d be okay for people watching the show to
compare the charms of every different Frank.
-You’re playing the same role as your company senior, Dana.
Is there any charm or appeal that Brenda carries while being played by
you and when played by her?
Dana unnie has more experience in musicals, so she’s a lot better.
And Choi Woori unnie is like Brenda herself. Although different, they
both seem much like Brenda, and are cute and lovable. Because it’s my
first time in a musical, I think I will be a frivolous, naive Brenda,
and that people won’t know what I do next. I learned a lot watching the
unnies, and so I’m both thankful and sorry (laughs).
-What do you want the audience to feel from “Catch Me If You Can”?
That you have to treasure what you have, and not the things you don’t
have? That a light truth is more beautiful than a great lie or any form
of exaggeration. Because what’s felt from watching the same show will
be different for everyone. It is a show that leaves something deep in
your heart, whatever it is, they will feel something.
-Do you have any plans of taking part in a musical again in the future?
Honestly, I was afraid of musicals until recently, but I think I’m
gaining a little more confidence after meeting nice staff and stars for
the project. Now, if given the chance, I want to attempt more diverse
roles. Any role. Of course, if there is something similar between the
character and myself, it would make things less difficult.
-Is there anything you want to say to fans, such as future plans or resolutions?
Because a musical is a new area I’m attempting at, I’m both nervous
and excited. Still, because of a lot of support and encouragement from
fans, I think I’m slowly gaining confidence. I will prepare harder and
show a really good appearance, so I hope a lot of you come and enjoy it
together. Please look forward to “Catch Me If You Can” and me playing
the role of Brenda.
Sources:
cnbnews
Translated by: ch0sshi@soshified, taengbear@soshified
Edited by: LetsGo@soshified, bhost909@soshified, MoonSoshi9@soshified
Credits: soshified.com
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