This winter, the musical "Marli," presented by Juda Culture, will offer audiences an emotional time travel experience through its upgraded staging and highly polished direction.
"Marli" follows the story of an 18 year old girl who was once a glamorous child star. She returns to the past and meets her 11 year old self by borrowing the body of the doll Levi. With a narrative that resonates across all age groups, dramatic music, and a dreamlike stage, the production is expected to capture the hearts of audiences during the year end season. Character profiles and webtoon previews released ahead of the opening have already heightened expectations, offering a glimpse into the healing and comfort the work aims to deliver.
The musical "Marli" began development in 2018 at the Korea National University of Arts and earned recognition for its artistic quality by winning the 15th DIMF Musical Award for Best Creative Work. It later proved its potential on the global stage through two successful reading performances at Playwrights Horizons and Open Jar in New York. Through two years of workshops conducted jointly by Korean and New York creators, the script and music were further refined. This season’s production welcomes audiences with an even more solid narrative and dramatic musical structure.
This season reimagines the show as a widely accessible mid sized theater musical by greatly enhancing choreography and visual elements while preserving the original emotional tone. Writer Kim Ju young and composer Park Byung jun crafted a delicate narrative, while director Kim Sun jae, known for extensive Broadway experience, joins to present direction aimed at global standards. Bright and rhythmic show style elements and pop colored stage designs are expected to offer both visual delight and refreshing novelty to audiences. The participation of acclaimed creators such as choreographer Shin Sun ho and music director Shin Eun kyung further sharpens the show’s artistic texture and overall completeness.
The casting also draws attention. Kim Joo yeon, Luna, and Park Soo bin (WJSN Subin) play the role of Marli, while Kim A jin, Kim So yul, and Park Se yoon (understudy) portray Young Marli. Jo Yong hwi and Jo Sung pil appear as Levi, Lee Ji sook and Han Yu ran as Yoon Hye ri, and Yoon Seok won and Jung Ui uk as Seo Woo jin. Ensemble members Lee Rang seo, Baek Doo jin, and Park Hye won add diverse charms to the production. The actors are expected to deliver explosive teamwork and synergy on stage as they fully embody the depth of each character. Audiences will experience the warm comfort and profound emotion characteristic of a “coming of age fairytale.”
With its solid storyline, sensory direction, and passionate performances, the musical "Marli" is considered one of the most anticipated works of this winter. Beginning its run on December 20 and continuing until February 15, 2026 at Baekam Art Hall in Seoul, the season promises growth, healing, and an emotional miracle, making it a must see addition to any year end musical list.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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