Fall 2017 Newsletter
Creating an Immersive Hit: KPOP This last fall, KPOP, a new immersive musical inspired by the beloved pop genre exploded onto the New York City theatre scene at Ars Nova. Produced in partnership with Ma-Yi Theater Company and Woodshed Collective, with music and lyrics by GMTWP alums Helen Park & Max Vernon (both Cycle 22), book by Jason Kim, direction by Teddy Bergman, and musical direction by GMTWP alum Sujin Park (Cycle 22), KPOP received critical acclaim as well as an extension due to its popularity. We had the chance to interview Helen and Max to discuss the creation of the show. How did the idea for KPOP come into existence? Helen Park (HP): Our director Teddy Bergman and Jason Kim, our bookwriter, thought it would be insane yet amazing to create an immersive show based on the KPOP phenomenon. They were introduced to each other by Ars Nova who got excited about the idea. As soon as that idea was formed, Max and I were quickly brought on as songwriters among others. After the initial workshop in Spring 2014 that consisted of songs and choreography, everyone agreed that it would be best if Max and I collaborate and write a cohesive score for the show, and that’s how the core creative team— Teddy, Jason, Max and myself—was formed. Ars Nova commissioned us and we worked on the show for the last three and a half years to develop the show and put it up Off-Broadway this past fall. Max Vernon (MV): Ars Nova had seen one of Woodshed Collective's immersive/installation theatre pieces and got excited about having them create a spectacular event in their building.
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