Friday, November 8, 2024

Seo Kyung-su: One Fine Fiyero


Although I love me some Jonathan Bailey, I'm not really that excited about the movie version of Wicked.  Like so many Broadway shows, my introduction came through the original soundtrack, and the movie versions rarely compare.  I remember being so disappointed watching the movie version of Into The Woods.   The PBS filming of the original Broadway cast was so much better.  It was funnier, more emotional and much more theatrical, at least for me anyway.


That being said,  I do love the soundtrack, and enjoy watching clips of the many cast members who have rotated through the roles on stage.  I will watch the movie, but not until it arrives on one the streaming services I belong to.  

If you check out my 'witch' themed post last month, you remember I did do a piece featuring the male led in the show.  (HERE: )It featured over 30 of my favorite actors who have stepped into the boots and riding pants while playing the role of Fiyero. I had intended to feature Korean actor Seo Kyung-su, (kyungsu.seo) but in the end, felt I was cramming actors in and not devoting the attention so many deserved.  


Seo Kyung-su definitely needed his own post. When Seo Kyungsoo was in his third year of high school, he attended Kyunghee University and  was admitted to the Department of Theater and Film. Upon the recommendation of his vocal music teacher, he auditioned for the additional ensemble of Jesus Christ Superstar and made his professional debut at the very young age of 19. After his debut, he continued to build his skills by participating in ensemble and supporting roles in various works, and began to make his presence known to the audience in earnest by taking on the role of Gabe Goodman in the 2013 musical Next to Normal.


In 2021, Seo Kyungsoo took on one of his most popular roles, playing Fiyero in Wicked.  The actor shares that 'Dancing Through Life' is a number that requires a lot of detail and energy to cover the whole, so it was a number that gave him a sense of self-destruction to the point that he worried about the musical while practicing. 

Seo Kyung-soo has played so many great male musical roles on Korean stages, including: Jack Kelly from Newsies the Musical, Monty Navarro from The Gentleman's Guide Musical , Danny Zuko from the Musical Grease.  More recently, the talented actor took on the role of Lola, a drag queen who breaks down gender boundaries in the Korean production of Kinky Boots.  Lastly, I realize I spelled the actors name three different ways in this post.  I've seen it written several ways on social media and in articles, and wanted to ensure I covered them all.

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