[On Stage] Stage Direction Crossing Virtual and Reality, Unique Ending... The Reason for Long Run

Musical 'Monte Cristo'

In the musical 'Monte Cristo,' actor Shin Sung-rok (right), who played Edmond, and Lee Ji-hye, who portrayed Mercedes, embrace each other on stage, confirming their love.

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] "I will gift you a dreadful hell / To you / You can expect it / My judgment." (From the musical 'Monte Cristo' number 'Hell I Present to You')

The basic storyline of the musical 'Monte Cristo,' based on the novel of the same name by French author Alexandre Dumas (1802?1870), is a revenge drama. The protagonist Edmond Dantes is imprisoned on a remote island for 14 years due to the schemes of acquaintances just before his wedding. After a harrowing escape, he returns under the alias 'Count of Monte Cristo' to deliver righteous judgment.

I read the novel 'Monte Cristo' during my school days. Having also enjoyed games and movies inspired by it, I wondered what would be different about the musical. I expected the old allegory of 'justice prevailing over evil' to unfold as usual. However, the moment the curtain rose, my previous experiences felt outdated. The stage was filled with fresh and diverse spectacles, making the 160-minute runtime far from boring. It was worthy of being a popular work celebrating its 10th anniversary since its domestic premiere this year.

The scene where the protagonist Edmond meets Captain Luisa right after escaping the island in the musical 'Monte Cristo'.

The most impressive aspect was the stage production that seamlessly transitions between fantasy and reality. This is especially prominent in the latter half of Act 2 when Edmond recalls the last words of his mentor, Father Faria. At the front of the stage stands Shin Sung-rok (40), who plays Edmond, and behind him unfolds a forest path enhanced with 3D visuals to create depth. With lighting, actor Moon Sung-hyuk (52), playing Father Faria, appears within the video. The scene where he seems to walk through the forest is so harmoniously blended that the boundary between reality and fantasy becomes blurred.

There is almost no awkwardness between the videos projected on the large screen installed at the back of the stage and the actors performing in front of them. When Louisa, the female captain whom Edmond meets right after escaping the island, turns the ship's wheel to the right, the sea in the video immediately moves to the left. The scene, designed to resemble actual sailing on the sea, is flawless in both acting timing and direction.

The props and sets also catch the eye. The scene where Edmond finishes a long Mediterranean voyage and arrives in Marseille is so realistic it feels as if an actual ship has been brought on stage. A massive ship slowly moves toward the audience. The ship also serves as the secret meeting place for friends Mondego and the accountant Danglars, who plot to ruin Edmond and steal his fianc?e Mercedes.

The stage design is excellent as well. Long nets are installed on both sides of the stage, and a large sail is raised above. The spatial background frequently features the ship's deck, docks, and islands, harmonizing well and enhancing the viewing experience.

Actor Shin Sung-rok, who plays the protagonist Edmond in the musical 'Monte Cristo'.

The ending is adapted differently from the original novel. The novel focuses intensely on the protagonist's hatred and the futility of revenge. However, the musical emphasizes forgiveness and love.

The highlight is in the middle of Act 2. Edmond punishes Mondego, Danglars, and Villefort in succession and then confronts Albert, the son of Mondego and Mercedes. Edmond gives Albert the first chance to attack. However, the bullet only grazes Edmond. Just as Edmond is about to finish Albert off, Valentine, Villefort's daughter who unjustly imprisoned Edmond and Albert's lover, intervenes. "Love belongs to those who give it," sobs Valentine. Her words overlap with the teachings of Edmond's old mentor, leading him to let go of resentment, hatred, and revenge, and forgive everyone.

Near the end of the play, it is revealed that Albert is actually Edmond's child. This is entirely different from the original story. It seems designed to maximize the catharsis of the happy ending brought about by forgiveness. However, was it necessary to portray Mercedes as a woman who remained chaste? There are many parts that confirm Mercedes' deep love for Edmond.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.