Blue Blind Showcase at Maison Mono/The Laurie Beechman/Bowery Electric

Blue Blind is a groundbreaking contemporary musical inspired by the beloved Korean folktale Shimcheongjeon. Reimagined through a modern lens, the production blends East and West, tradition and innovation, to deliver a strikingly original theatrical experience.

With a score that fuses pansori and opera, Korean folk music and rock, Blue Blind transcends the boundaries of genre and culture. At its heart stands a redefined Shimcheong—not a passive figure of sacrifice, but a modern woman of agency, determination, and resilience, whose story speaks powerfully to today’s audiences.

First produced in Korea by acclaimed actress and producer Hae-mee Park, the work was later invited to New York, where it made its Off-Broadway debut. Now returning in concert form, Blue Blind continues its journey as a bold exploration of love, sacrifice, and the human spirit.

Enhancing the experience is a thrilling Taekwondo performance, offering audiences an unforgettable glimpse into Korean culture while showcasing the transformative power of music and theatre across borders.

The 6 performances take place in 3 different theaters, and the atmosphere and unique features of the show vary somewhat depending on the venue.

Performance Schedule: 7:00PM, except 11/30 5:00 PM

• 11/28, 11/29, 12/03: MaisonMono
• 11/30, 12/02: LaurieBeechmanTheater
• 12/04: BoweryElectric

Written by Heui Moon, Refined by Hae-mee Park, Music by Sang-Gu Kang, arranged by Sara Maeng & Ji-Man Park, Narration Rap/ Co-Lyricist / Script Translation Supervisor: Keven Kareem

Directed and Produced by Hae-mee Park

Co-Producer: Bomi Yim 

Assistant Director/Stage Manager: Joyce Ha Yon Kim 

Martial art (Taekwondo) Director: Giduk Gun & Anna YS Ahn

Hair and Make-up: Jane Cho/ CEO of Jane Everwell

Sound Engineer: Susan Lee

Assistant Production Marketing: Seoin Kacy Kim

Cast:

Bethany Lauren James (Penny)

Evan Smith (Monk)

Keven Kareem (Narrator/Raper)

Kwang Min Lee (Simcheon’s Father)

Sue Hee hong (Simcheog)

Isaac Lee (Youna 11/28,11/29, /11/30)

Gen Patron-shin (Youna 12/02,12/03, 12/04)

Taekwondo performer:

Eric Gun

Yoojin Ko

Bethany Lauren James (Penny) is an award-winning TV, Film, Theater & Voice Over actress. She is best known for her lead role in the feature film The Follower (Amazon) as well as voicing  multiple national commercials. Selected TV credits: The Blacklist, Blue Bloods, FBI: Most Wanted, The Deuce, A Wilderness of Error. Selected Musical Favs: Man of La Mancha (Aldonza/Americana Theatre Co), The Cottage (Dierdre/Americana Theater Co). Other regional credits: Goodspeed Musicals, The York Theatre, TheatreWorks USA. BFA: Musical Theater, The Hartt School. IG: @bethanylaurenjames w: www.bethanylaurenjames.com

Evan Michael Smith (Monk) is an award-winning actor, singer, and storyteller whose performances span Broadway, national tours, international festivals, and film. Known for his commanding stage presence and vocal versatility, Evan has starred in acclaimed new musicals including Fired, The Waiting, Antonio, and A Bit Too Much Hair, earning rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He recently won Best Actor at the New York Theater Festival, adding to a growing list of honors.Trained at Wagner College in NYC and the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Evan blends rigorous technique with raw emotional power, bringing depth, humor, and heart to every role. His work has graced stages from the Apollo Theatre to The Green Room 42, while collaborations with legendary artists continue to shape his career. Follow Evan’s journey—and his next big adventure—on Instagram: @The_Evan_Michael_Smith.

Keven Kareem (Narrator/Raper) is returning to Blueblind as an original NYC cast member where he made his off-Broadway debut in musical theater—he is more familiar with the likes of Shakespeare, classical Greek tragedies and comedies and in particular black and Latinx theatrical plays. He is an Alumni of Connecticut Repertory Theater at the University of Connecticut where he earned his B.A. in Dramaturgy and where he fell in love with the nature of theater. Keven is a lifelong boxer, hailing from a family of boxers tracing as far back as the 1800’s. He is also a natural dancer. Nevertheless, he has joined Blue Blind as both a cast member as well as a lyrical collaborator. Keven made his bones as first a rapper from the age of 11 then transitioned into a performance poet throughout his later teens and early 20’s. He qualified nationally for Brave New Voices, an annual youth spoken word competition. He has opened concert venues for lyrical artists such as Lupe Fiasco and Busta Rhymes and has performed alongside notable poet and writer, Lemon Anderson. A special thanks to the entire Blue Blind Team for presenting Keven with an opportunity to showcase his particular abilities that don’t always fit so flush into productions— opportunity is all he has ever hope for. 8553555777

Kwang Min Lee (Simcheong’s Father) is a Korean American actor based in NYC. He appeared in the feature film Sunrise Sunset directed by Ougie Pak, which has been officially selected by BAMcinemaFest. His theater credits include Comfort Women: A New Off-Broadway Musical and The Missing Piece. Film credits include Bowne Street, A Room, and The Imprudence.

Sue Hee Hong (Simcheong) is a South Korean performer currently based in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice from Seoul National University and recently earned a Master’s degree in Voice Performance with a specialization in Music Theatre from NYU Steinhardt.
NYU: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park), Street Scene (Rose Maurrant), Titanic (Ensemble), Die Fledermaus(Ensemble). Developmental Workshops: Nancy Drew and the Spotlight Manor (Ensemble), Blue Blind (Sia).

Gen Patron-shin (Youna) Raised in England, Japan, and Korea. Off-Broadway: S.I.M.P.S, US theatre: L'Art Reste (in concert), Miss Saigon, Monte Cristo, The History Boys. Readings/workshops: Daigoro (Ars Nova), Maybe Happy Ending, KPOP, Black Samurai, Memoirs of a Geisha, Other World, Poupelle of Chimney Town, Platinum Dreams, Tiananmen, Lost Shanghai, 2 Nights and 3 Days,, Railroad, Billy and the Golden Pencil, Hold On, Mafatu etc. Japan credits: Take Me Out, Churak, RENT, Next to Normal, Rocky Horror Show, Dracula, Bare, Last Five Years etc. TV/Film: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Japanese indie drama “Hodo Buzz”. Lyrical Translator: 35MM, Poupelle of Chimney Town, Allegiance (subtitles). @genpartonshin

Isaac Lee (Youna) is a musical actor from South Korea, currently based in New York. He has played various roles such as u/s Jonathan, Jack (Dracula), Lerner (Don’t Pitch It, Do It), Orin (Myth), Saint-Exupéry (Saint-Exupéry), and Ensemble (The Count of Monte Cristo, XCalibur). In addition, he has performed at 54 Below, The Green Room 42, and United Palace, and has participated in several showcases and workshops. He graduated from AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in 2024 and worked with prestigious teachers such as Alan Dornak, Stacy Tilton, Christine Rowan. Before coming to America, he earned a BFA in Vocal Music from Seoul National University in 2018 and completed a certificate at the Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF)

Eric Gun (Taekwondo Master) began Taekwondo at the age of two and quickly rose to international prominence. A six-time USA National Team member and four-time World Championship medalist, he holds multiple national titles in both Recognized and Freestyle Poomsae. He is the first U.S. junior male athlete to win both Individual Recognized and Freestyle at the National Championships. With more than a dozen international medals, including Pan American golds and MVP awards, he is recognized as one of the top Poomsae athletes representing the United States today.

Yoojin Ko (Taekwondo Master) is Graduated from Korea National Sport University, major in Taekwondo, Former member, KNSU Taekwondo Demonstration Team, Executive, Athletic Department, Korea Taekwondo Association (2021–2023), Gold Medalist, World Taekwondo Hanmadang, Anaheim (2025)

Haemee Park (CEO/Producer/Director) is a celebrated Korean actress and musical performer, renowned for her powerful stage presence and versatility. With a career spanning television, film, and theatre, she continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances, From the late 1980s~1990s, she has been active in various performances such as musicals and plays, Representative works include «Mamma Mia>, , «Nonsense>, and other large-scale musicals, Based on her solid skills, she has crossed the lead and cast roles, and has a number of careers that have led his work to box office success. Public Awareness: Appearances in TV dramas and variety shows (sitcoms, etc.) promote the public image of musical actors , MBC sitcom it is loved by a wide audience and has risen in popularity, Having a familiar image to the public has a positive impact on the promotion of the performance and the enhancement of brand value Experience as a performance planner and artistic director • performing arts director and producer: performance production companies (Haemee Musical Company, etc.), she has know-how in overall production planning and production, It is known that she has actively participated in the discovery and education of new talents, and has abundant know-how in nurturing talents and operating productions. Musical education and mentoring activities. She has been training students at universities, academies, and private workshops and conducting musical theater lectures. Possess comprehensive arts education capabilities through vocal training and acting instruction for aspiring musical actors Awards & Press Acclaim. As a musical actor, she has won several awards in recognition of his outstanding singing ability,  expressive ability, and stage control. Praised by the media and critics as "Korea's representative musical actor"

Bomi Yim (Producer) is founder, producer, and director of BOM Theater Company, is also an accomplished actress with extensive experience on Off-Broadway stages as well as in television, film, and commercials. She joins forces with producer Hae-Mee Park to bring this production to life. With a rich background in acting, directing, and producing original works across Korea and the United States, she continues to bridge both worlds-bringing creative vision and seasoned stage expertise that make her a true force in performance and production. Idyllwild Arts Academy (Idyllwild, CA) with a degree of Musical Theatre, and Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ). Graduated from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) with a degree of Music Business as Voice principal. Off Broadway: Comfort Women: A New Musical (Youngsun Choi). Regional: Avenue Q (Christmas Eve), The Portrait of Father (Eun-sung Go), 815; Shout and Their Aspiration (Director/Producer/Actor), The Healing Melody (Producer/MC/Singer). International: A Dwarf Who Love Snow-White (Moolsori), JinijaJoahe (Swing/Ensemble). Commercial: Resort World Casino, BuyBuyBaby, Samsung Stock, Timex& T-mobile, Clairol, Mediacom, BMW of North America LLC, Facetune App, CJ food brand affiliated Ramen, AVON, Temi Robot, Dassault Systems, Optimum Altice One, Million Dollars listing_Bravo TV, Natural Light Beer, Samsung Camera NXmini, Go4Biz. TV/Film: "The Devil's Restaurant," "Javi can't Hide," "My Girl," "The Gift," "So Ya Wanna Be a Broadway Star," "Love on Speed Dial"

Giduk Gun (Grand Master/ Taekwondo Director) Born and raised in South Korea, Grand Master Gun began his Taekwondo training at the age of 5. Becoming a remarkable competitor, he was recruited into Sung Kyun Kwan University. He’s also a former member of the elite Sang Moo National Military Taekwondo Team. After numerous national titles and a world championship, he shifted his focus to teaching. Since then, he has influenced thousands of students through Taekwondo. Although his personal accomplishments are astonishing, it does not surpass his gratification from seeing his students develop and succeed. Today, he continues his dedication to teaching students become winners in life and future leaders. Achievements:7th Degree Black Belt, Current USA Taekwondo National Team Poomsae Coach, Recipient of 25 Best Coach Awards at World Taekwondo, USATKD, and Pan American Taekwondo Union Events, 4X Korean National Champion, 2002 World Military Champion, Produced Countless State, National, and World Champions

Anna YS Ahn (Grand Master/ Taekwondo Director) is an 8th Degree Black Belt, Martial Arts Director, Korean National Women's Champion and Kukkiwon-Certified 8th Degree, Black Belt with 40+ years of Taekwondo expertise, leading our performance with unmatched skill and precision, Biography Highlights: Kukkiwon-Certified 8th Degree Black Belt, Founder & Owner of Ahn's Taekwondo Group (NJ & NYC), WT VIP Delegate, 2016 Rio Olympics, USA National Women's Sparring Team Manager, 2015 World Championships, Russia, President, Korea Taekwondo Association of NJ; Vice President, USA, Taekwondo Association of NJ, Certified International Master Instructor & Referee, Kukkiwon, 40+ Years of Martial Arts Experience, Korean National Women's Champion, 1984

Joyce Hayon Kim (Assistant Director/Stage Manager) is a New York–based actor, director, and dramaturg pursuing a BFA at NYU Tisch (Stella Adler Studio, Stonestreet Studios). Her work is inspired by jeong—a Korean ethos of tenderness, memory, and connection—and explores performance, movement, and silence to create art that speaks with quiet depth.

Seoin Kacy Kim (Assistant Production Marketing) is a theatre artist pursuing a BFA in Drama with a minor in Entertainment Business at NYU. She explores both administrative and creative decision-making to shape performances that continue to resonate with audiences long after they leave the theater.