The musical "Mrs. Doubtfire" has returned to audiences after three years. This work, which has the 'ten-million actor' Hwang Jung-min as an addition, is expected to properly make people laugh and cry in the second half of 2025.
On the afternoon of the 2nd at 2 p.m., a production presentation for the musical "Mrs. Doubtfire" was held at Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall. Hwang Jung-min and Jung Sung-hwa, who play the roles of Daniel and Doubtfire, respectively, along with Lina, who plays Miranda, and Kim Tae-hee and Seol Ga-eun, who plays Lydia, and Lee Ji-hoon and Kim Da-hyun, who play Stuart, attended to add to the occasion.
"Mrs. Doubtfire" portrays the story of a dad, Daniel, who, after a divorce, disguises himself as a nanny to get close to his children again. During its domestic premiere in 2022, it received standing ovations at every performance, as well as the Producer's Award and the Makeup Design Award at the 7th Korea Musical Awards, proving both its artistic value and commercial success.
Hwang Jung-min has newly joined this season, returning after three years. He noted, "I watched Jung Sung-hwa's performance last season. I thought, I want to try that role; it seems very attractive and cool. The story this work has, being about love, is something all families can watch together. I was hesitating but got the chance to do it again."
Hwang Jung-min, who successfully transformed into Doubtfire, stated, "The makeup in the movie takes time, but the transformation in a performance feels like a magic trick. The moments when I switch from Daniel to the nanny feel like a magic trick. There seems to be a lot of fun and comedy in that. My voice and actions change, so there is definitely fun in that. My face hasn't changed, but there's fun in the change of my voice as well."
Most importantly, after receiving the title of representative 'ten-million actor' in Korea, it feels new to return to musicals after ten years. Hwang Jung-min revealed, "One of the reasons I love the stage and continuously engage in theater is so that actors can breathe easier themselves. The same goes for musicals. As I continued making films, I haven't had the opportunity to perform musicals."
He continued, "While producing, directing, and acting in the musical 'Okepi,' I faced poor results, which made me think I shouldn't do musicals anymore. My heart is that whether it's a musical or a play, stage performances are the same. I had performed plays without distinction, but the reason I took on this work is that it allows several generations to share common stories through it, and I liked that intention and theme. It was really nice," he smiled.
Jung Sung-hwa, who rejoined after the last season, expressed, "In the first premiere, we had many things to create together, and there were many trial-and-errors. This time, with Hwang Jung-min and Jung Sung-hwa joining, I learned to act together. Senior Hwang Jung-min can perform even while just standing, so there's a lot to learn. The authenticity has deepened compared to the last season. I believe the audience will feel the sincerity in the performance."
He added, "Daniel is a character that shows extreme difficulty. Once on stage, you can't even go to the bathroom. It's a busy role. There are a lot of dances and lines, and tap dancing as well, and many promises with the other actors. As someone experienced, I tend to give tips during rehearsals to help the actors ease their performance on stage."
Comedic expert Jung Sung-hwa emphasized, "The script is so good. I thought it would be enough to faithfully deliver the script. Personally, I really love Robin Williams. I wanted to be like him. Thanks to him, I got to participate in this work. If I can just deliver the script well, I think I will perform well. I can also handle tap dancing, rap, and a loop station live."
He continued, "Daniel is a pure character. Pure and transparent. Therefore, I observe children a lot at home. Since I have a lot of grime on me. I learn a lot from watching them. As a dad, there is a sense of responsibility. While raising kids, I find myself growing as well. Although Doubtfire is a fictional character, I want to become someone like that. I am trying hard to express both Daniel and Doubtfire well."
Hwang Jung-min, Jung Sung-hwa, and Jung Sung-hwa all bring unique personalities and colors to "Mrs. Doubtfire," making it special to select from these three actors. They are top actors in Korea, equipped with excellent acting skills, stage dominance, and delightful comedic sense, so there is already great anticipation for how they will embody these high-difficulty characters, oscillating between laughter and emotion.
Hwang Jung-min candidly confessed, "The role of Daniel is honestly overwhelming for me. I am working hard to perform well for the audience to see me in a good light. I want to feel more fulfilled when I receive applause. I want to be seen better by the audience. I hope the younger actors think, 'This guy is doing well until the end, and he is working hard.'"
Jung Sung-hwa said, "Among the three of us, I am the prettiest. The basic bone structure doesn't matter. What's important is how well you make the mask externally. It's important how much affection the person creating it puts in, yet I think mine is the prettiest." He also mentioned, "The comedic points that can be salvaged are different for each person. You can feel three different colors of Daniel. There is no competition; it feels like we help each other. I also love and cherish the two actors, so it's exciting and nice to perform together."
"Mrs. Doubtfire" will be performed from September 27 to December 7 at Charlotte Theater, Korea's first musical-exclusive venue.
[Photo] Choi Gyu-han, reporter.
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