Shownu of Monsta X to make musical theater debut in 'Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812'

Boy band Monsta X’s Shownu is making his musical theater debut through the upcoming production of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” according to his agency Starship Entertainment on Monday.

Shownu as Anatole Kuragin in the character poster of the upcoming musical “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” [SHOWNOTE]

Boy band Monsta X’s Shownu is making his musical theater debut through the upcoming production of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” according to his agency Starship Entertainment on Monday.

“It is my first go at musical theater, so I am sure I will lack in some parts, but I will practice diligently and strive to put on good performances,” Shownu said in his agency’s press release. “I ask for support and love for the ‘Great Comet’ musical and my undertaking of this new challenge as well.”

Shownu will take on Anatole Kuragin — one of the three leads in the show. He will be alternating the role with Vixx member Leo and actor Ko Eun-sung, according to the local musical production company Show Note, also on Monday.

Poster of the upcoming musical “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812," slated to open March 26 at the Universal Arts Center in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul [SHOWNOTE]

Shownu is the leader and main dancer of Monsta X but has showcased impressive vocal skills as well throughout his career, including in solo and duet soundtracks “Have a Good Night” (2020) and “I’ll Be There” (2020). He debuted through the band in 2015. Monsta X today is best known for its hit tracks “Who Do U Love” (2019), “Hero” (2015) and “Dramarama” (2017).

The show's other lead role Pierre Bezukhov will be alternated by K. Will, Ha Do-kwon and Kim Julian Joo-taek; and Natasha Rostova by Lee Ji-soo, Yoo Yeon-jeong and Park Su-bin.

Based on the eighth part of Leo Tolstoy’s 1869 novel “War and Peace,” focusing on Natasha’s affair with Anatole and Pierre’s search for meaning in his life, the musical “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” is written by composer and lyricist Dave Malloy and directed by Rachel Chavkin. The musical had its Broadway premiere in 2016 and opened for the first time in Korea with a Korean cast in 2021.

The upcoming Korean production of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” is slated to open on March 26 and run through June 16 at the Universal Arts Center in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. Tickets are set to open on local ticketing platforms including Interpark and Yes24 on Feb. 2.

To find out more about Shownu, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]