My take on this production is that it is a nuanced exploration of the role that is played by imagination, fantasy, belief and hope (all aspects of the magic/escapism portrayed in the show) in creating a bearable reality for ourselves. The extent to which these things are credited is a reflection of the degree of desperation in the character, which in turn determines the degree of “reality” they invest in “magic” itself. The more desperate is the situation of the character, the greater the necessity to escape from their current life and the more credible “magic” is for them. One of the messages was that simple pleasures and snatched enjoyment is the real magic of life. The drama showcases the tyranny of too tight a hold on reality/normality and the tyranny of losing oneself to imagination and fantasy. It also plays with the blurred line that divides them through three primary characters. The value they place on “magic” is dependent on the perceived cost if it was removed. At various points, particularly in the song lyrics, the characters clearly state their attitudes towards “magic” what drives them to hold those beliefs.

For Yoon ah Yi, the FL (Choi Sung Eun), there is a necessity to reduce hope and expectation to a point where she can endure the burden of failure created by the crushing responsibilities of her life. She is so close to the edge of breakdown and despair that when something to inspire her to keep going presents itself, she grabs hold of it, however unbelievable. She needs to believe in something “magical” in order to make it worthwhile to continue living at all.

Na Il Deung, the young ML (Hwang In Yeop), has a plan for life which he is acting out, made by his affluent family and sanctioned by society. His reason for dreaming of magic is different. It is around self-determination and control. Initially his belief in “magic” is something to be kept in the cupboard and taken out in emergencies, it is a possible option. But as the personal cost in terms of his current reality becomes apparent so his desire for escape increases. Magic represents the attraction of the different, the path not travelled and a chance to be himself.

The role of the magician (Ji Chang Wook) straddles the border between reality and fantasy and the viewer is deliberately kept in the dark about who he is and what he is capable of. His hold on external reality is so tenuous that it is essential for him that others believe in his “magic”. This is how he can manage to survive. This beautifully underscores the role of hope in life. To dream the impossible, but close enough to possible that it might actually happen.

Finally there is the parrot who speaks what is, rather than what any character would like to believe or what they are trying to hide, and is perhaps the closest representation of an objective reality.

The drama showcases two typically Korean concerns. The loss of family with the result of having to face life and responsibilities on one’s own without support and to be ostracised from normal society. And at the other extreme, what is required by those in the higher echelons where the pressure of education and career demand rigid conformity which crushes all individuality. The setting highlights the dynamics of power and privilege and the inherent powerlessness of disadvantage. Exposing the hidden advantages that make a nonsense of the assumption that life is in any way fair, and the obscenity of the notion “if I can do it, anyone can do it.”

The cast did a fantastic job. A leaner looking Ji Chang Wook, which suited the part, came up trumps as the magician. I’ve always rated him as an actor and wanted to see him in more serious roles and this has fulfilled that wish. He is good. Also Choi Sung Eun brought a believable sensitivity to her part, which could easily have been overplayed and sentimental.

Rather than being a musical as such, I felt that the music was used to enhance the unreality/fantasy element of the production. I would like to have been more impressed by the soundtrack but it was fairly standard. Commonplace tempo, generic arrangements, gentle voices - normal bland. It was also less used as the show progressed and the glowing fantasy around magic deteriorated.

It was the choreography in the first couple of episodes that I expected more from. This is Korea after all, with arguably some of the best dancers in the world to choose from. Yet it was an opportunity missed. The choreography lacked any flair and could have been much more creatively used in the dream sequences and the musical interludes in general.

The ending was a little clumsy and did not match the mood or subtlety of the rest of the production. It felt tacked on and would perhaps have been better woven into the story earlier on.

Overall I really liked this production. I suspect that if I watched it again I would see totally different perspectives and take away a whole load of new thoughts. Any show that can do this is definitely quality.

What my rating means: 8+ A great drama with interesting content and good writing, direction, acting, OST, cinematography. But didn’t quite have the requisite sparkle to bump it into my all-time fave list. Worth watching.