SHINee Onew and other SM artists cast in new musical

Several of major talenthouse SM Entertainment's artists including SHINee member Onew, TRAX's Typhoon and The Grace's DANA and Sunday have been cast in an upcoming musical.

According to SM on Monday, they have been cast in the Korean version of the 2010 hit Broadway musical "Rock of Ages," which will open its curtains in the country for the first time in September.

The jukebox musical, which focuses on the story of various people who love rock music, is based on a book by Chris D'Arienzo, featuring classic rocks hit from the 1980s.

Onew and Typhoon will take turns playing the role of aspiring rocker, Drew Bowie, while DANA and Sunday will take on Sherrie, who moves to the city to become an actress. The role for Drew will also be rotated by Korean singer Ahn Jae-wook and musical actress Moon Hye-won is also set to play Sherrie.

Onew and Typhoon have prior experience in musicals -- they exhibited steady singing and acting skills as well as racking up high ticket sales through their first musical role in "Hey Bro!". DANA was the female lead in the musical adaptation of smash hit TV series "Daejanggeum," better known as "Jewel in the Palace" which starred Hallyu star Lee Young-ae.

Onew, 20, is the leader and vocalist of five-member boy band SHINee. He is currently promoting the group's second full-length album "LUCIFER."

Typhoon, whose real name is Jay Kim, is the leader and main vocal of the duo TRAX (Typhoon of the Rose Attack on Xmas). They were created by SM Entertainment and whose albums have been produced by X Japan's co-founder Yoshiki in 2004.

DANA and Sunday are members of female quartet The Grace. They officially began performing as a group in China on April 2005, releasing singles "Too Good" and "Boomerang."

"Rock of Ages" will run from September 15 to October 30 at the Woori Financial Art Hall in Seoul.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@