THE TOXIC AVENGER To Open In Korea 8/14

The Toxic Avenger - named "2009 Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical" by the Outer Critics Circle and "2009 Theater Fans' Choice Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical" by Broadwayworld.com - will mark its Asian premiere on Saturday, August 14th at the KT&G Sangsang Art Hall in southern Seoul. (Information about the show can be found at http://toxichero.tistory.com and via twitter at http://twitter.com/toxichero_twt). The show is being presented by Shownote and CJ Entertainment (in association with Broadway Asia) and stars actor Oh Man-seok in the roles of Melvin Ferd the Third and Toxie, while actress Hong Jim-min will perform as Babs Belgoody, the corrupt Mayor of Tromaville, and Melvin's mother, Ma Ferd.

Renowned for his role in Shownote's Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Oh is returning to the stage after a break of three years. He recently extended his horizons by directing the musicals Happy Life in 2008 and Harmonium in My Heart last year. "I want to get back to basics but explore my acting talents in this musical," Oh said in a statement.

Hong starred in the popular television drama "On Air" in 2008 and after making her stage debut 10 years ago, was named Best Actress at the Korea Musical Awards for her powerful soulful vocals in Dreamgirls. She also proved her popularity in the recent sold-out musical Menopause, the Musical. As a popular and sought out actress, she has been cast for the upcoming television drama "I Am Legend."

The Toxic Avenger is both a charming love story and laugh-out-loud musical -- complete with an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend (a blind librarian and aspiring novelist), a corrupt New Jersey mayor and the most memorable and unbelievable duet you'll see on any stage! Toxie fights against corrupt power and environmental pollution to save the earth and is hailed as a "toxic hero" by its citizens. A hilarious new musical comedy --- easily 1,000 laughs!

Based on the 1985 classic cult film from Lloyd Kaufman, The Toxic Avenger features music and lyrics by Tony Award® winner David Bryan (Memphis, keyboardist and founding member of Bon Jovi), book and lyrics by Tony Award® winner Joe DiPietro (Memphis; I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) and is directed by Tony Award® winner John Rando.

"Toxie" fans can visit the show's official website, TheToxicAvengerMusical.com for further information about the show, fun online content and TOX-A-RI-FIC merchandise.

Bios
Shownote has produced diverse genres of live entertainment, including musicals, plays, and concerts since its founding in 2005. Theatre credits include over 1,000 performances of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The 200 Lb. Beauty, The Spitfire Grill, First Love, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Defending the Caveman, and The Graduate. Concerts include international superstars Avril Lavigne, Alicia Keys, Sting, John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig Concert), and top domestic artists YB Band, Lena Park, Yoon Sang, San-Ae Kang, Patti Kim, Roller Coaster, 015B, and Jaurim.

CJ Entertainment is one of Korea's leading entertainment companies, including film production & distribution, television & internet, and multiplex operations for the performing arts. In Korea, CJ Entertainment's credits include Mamma Mia, Jekyll & Hyde, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Fiddler on the Roof, and 42nd Street. CJ Entertainment is also very active in overseas ventures including The Sound of Music, The Woman in White, The Lord of the Rings; and initiated its entry into the Asian market with a Jekyll and Hyde Japan tour featuring a Korean cast, and a co-presentation of the Mamma Mia premiere in Beijing.