The charismatic leader is now venturing on his first musical gig!
Monsta X‘s leader and strong man Shownu is making his musical debut as Anatole in the upcoming musical production “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.” It will happen at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul starting March 26, 2024.
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Life After Military Discharge
It’s been more than nine months since Shownu’s discharge from the military. Since then, he has branded events and graced the covers of magazines. He also became a special guest for Fuerza Bruta Wayra in Seoul for seven appearances.
In addition to that, he became a part of the Monsta X sub-unit “Shownu X Hyungwon,” releasing their debut extended play The Unseen in July last year. The EP peaked at No. 6 on the Circle Album Charts. The EP also sold 178,685 certified copies in South Korea alone. Shownu participated in the choreography for the promotional track “Love Me A Little.” The song peaked at number 49 on the Circle Digital Charts.
Moreover, who can’t forget his participation as a judge for Mnet’s dance competition show Street Woman Fighter 2? Shownu has been booked and busy ever since his military discharge, and it seems he wants to challenge himself with something he has never done before: musical theater.
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What is Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812?
Simply called “The Great Comet,” it is a sung-through musical adaptation of a 70-page segment from Leo Tolstoy’s 1869 novel War and Peace. Written by composer/lyricist Dave Malloy and directed by Rachel Chavkin. It is based on Part 8 of Tolstoy’s novel. Focusing on Natasha’s romance with Anatole and Pierre’s search for meaning in his life.
The first Korean production was held from March 2021 until May 2021. That run garnered multiple accolades at the 6th Korean Musical Awards. The production this year, 2024, will run from March 26 to June 16.
Who is Anatole in The Great Comet?
Anatole Kugarin needs a tenor voice at B2–C♯5 (falsetto E5). He is an aristocratic, seductive hedonist who “spends his money on women and wine” and sees no need except his own. He is the brother of Hélène and a friend of Dolokhov.
During the show, he meets Natasha at the opera and immediately wants her, despite her engagement and his already being married to a woman in Poland.
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Shownu as Anatole
Shownu as Anatole is an intriguing role for him to take, knowing his nature as a person. This looks like a challenge he wants to take on as he marks his first foray into musical theater. Shownu shared his thoughts on taking on the role as he said: “It’s my first attempt at musicals, and I might lack in some areas, but I will practice hard to put on a great show.”
He continues with the press release from Starship Entertainment: “I ask for support and love for the ‘Great Comet’ musical and my undertaking of this new challenge as well.” A new challenge indeed, but at least he won’t take on this challenge alone.
Shownu shares the burden of the role with VIXX’s Leo and actor Ko Eunsung. Ever since the announcement of the run, tickets for all dates have sold out.
Whether or not the second run of the Korean production of The Great Comet will be extended remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: people are anticipating his performance for the show, enough for it to sell out.
Who’s excited for the musical debut of Shownu?
Source: Starship Entertainment
