Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) died at the young age of 35, but left in his wake more than 600 pieces that explore every composition form in the classical genre. From his operas, concertos and symphonies through to his sonatas, Mozart's library of work is at once diverse, artistic, beautiful and full of life. It's no wonder that he's called one of the greatest composers of the classical age.

This spring, Mozart has been reincarnated as a rock star in the French musical "Mozart, l'opera rock," which goes by the name "Amadeus" in the Korean market. The show premiered at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on March 11 and follows the composer's life from the age of 17 until his death, using pop and rock numbers combined with compositions by Mozart himself. The show, which is in Korea for the first leg of its Asia tour with the original French cast, brings to the stage splendid sets and Rococo-style costumes as well as choreography that incorporates modern dance and classic ballet.


Act 1 opens in 1772, at the inauguration of Hieronymous von Colloredo-Mannsfeld as archbishop of Salzburg, Austria. Unlike the previous one, the new archbishop is discouraging of the arts and has no regard for the young, free-spirited Mozart. After some contention with the archbishop, Mozart decides to leave on a trip to find inspiration for his music. On his journey he falls in love with a woman named Aloysia. Later, he goes to Paris to expand his musical career with little success. Meanwhile his mother suddenly falls ill and passes away.

In Act 2, we find Mozart back in Salzburg under the service of Colloredo-Mannsfeld, preparing to leave for Vienna to pay homage to the newly crowned Joseph II. In Vienna, Mozart gains the favor of the king and composes many masterpieces, but falls victim to a trap set by Antonio Salieri, who harbors feelings of jealousy toward Mozart. After a series of unfortunate events, we find Mozart impoverished and ill, and to make matters worse his father passes away. In the final scenes, Mozart begins working on his Requiem Mass in D minor, sensing his own death.

The musical's familiar tale was adapted from the critically acclaimed 1984 film "Amadeus" by French producers Albert Cohen and Dove Attia. The duo called upon director Olivier Dahan, known for directing the film "La Vie en rose," and choreographer Daniel Stewart to breathe life into the new production.


While exploring the life and times of Mozart, the musical exposes the composer's feelings of anguish, love, despair, fulfillment and mourning. The Mozart we meet in the musical is less exaggerated in his gestures and in his artistic flair, compared to the man we first met in the 1984 film. Meanwhile Salieri's humane side is brought to the fore, giving the story a deeper sense of reality.

Mikelangelo Loconte, who played Mozart in the stage show's 2009 premiere, reprises his role for the Asia tour. Laurent Ban, who played Phoebus on the Korean tour of "Notre Dame de Paris," will be taking on the role of Salieri.

More information on the show can be found at the link below:
http://www.sejongpac.or.kr/performance/view.asp?performIdx=25249&performCode=grpm1512241309001&menuNum=0101

By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Mast Entertainment
hlee10@korea.kr