“I’m excited to meet Korean Americans in Southern California, and I hope they really enjoy the show and love it.”
A second-generation Korean American is taking on the lead role in the Broadway musical “Les Misérables,” currently showing at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood since August 1.
Christine Hwang (Korean name Hwang Heesun), who portrays Éponine Thénardier at the heart of the narrative, is swiftly gaining recognition from mainstream critics as a rising star in the musical industry. This acclaim is attributed to her hauntingly beautiful voice and stellar performance.
“Les Misérables,” a stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, is renowned for its timeless songs that have captivated audiences since its debut in 1987. Hwang seizes the spotlight from the outset until the moment her character meets a tragic end for the man she loves.
Of note, her rendition of “On My Own,” a song where she confesses her emotions to Marius as she faces her demise, deeply touched the audience, earning her accolades for a “captivating” portrayal after the premiere.
Following a triumphant first week of performances, Hwang visited Koreatown, playfully boasting about indulging in her favorite dish, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). Born in Iowa, she is the second daughter of a doctor father and a mother who majored in visual arts.
Hwang, who admits she had never considered acting due to her introverted nature, stumbled into an acting class at the behest of a friend. Encouraged by her teacher to explore plays and musicals, she eventually pursued a theater major at Ithaca College in New York.
Growing up, singing in church choirs felt like second nature to her, a passion she cherished since childhood. However, her dreams took an unexpected turn when she decided to pursue a career in theater acting, much to her parents’ strong opposition.
“Our tour schedule is demanding and strenuous, but I’m grateful to be performing again post-pandemic,” Hwang expresses. “Maintaining good sleep and enjoying Korean cuisine are helping me stay in top shape for every performance.”
Hwang unwinds by listening to the latest K-pop hits, including BTS and New Jeans, and finds solace in Korean Spas to alleviate performance-related stress. Following her Los Angeles engagements until September 10, she is scheduled to perform at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts from September 19 to October 1 before heading to Las Vegas.
“If the opportunity arises, I’d love to play Elphaba in ‘Wicked,’ a musical that left an impression on me in my childhood,” she confides. Hwang dreams of gracing the Broadway stages of New York, transcending her current presence in Southern California.
To aspiring Korean American junior actors pursuing careers in theater and musical theater, Hwang offers an encouraging message, saying, “With consistent practice and seizing every opportunity to challenge yourself, you will have your stage to showcase your talents.”
Tickets for “Les Misérables” are available for purchase through the Pantages website (BroadwayInHollywood.com) or Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com).
BY NICOLE CHANG [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]
