The Shanghai Stage Showcasing an Array of Musical Performances
By: Liu Qing
Shanghai – Last weekend, the latest China tour of the musical “Matilda” concluded at the Shanghai Grand Theater. Following closely, the concert “Reunion”, featuring stars from the West End and Broadway musicals, will be performed on the same stage. Meanwhile, the immersive musical “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” is currently being staged at Qiantan 31 Performing Arts Center. This influx of musical performances on the Shanghai stage is showcasing a wide variety of shows for audiences of all ages.
Zhang Xiaoding, general manager of the Shanghai Grand Theater and producer of “The Great Comet”, stated, “Since the first introduction of the classic musical ‘Les Misérables’ in 2002, we have continued to explore the operation of musicals in the industry for more than 20 years, leveraging Broadway’s industrial advantages to promote Chinese creative talents and the culture of the world‘s musical field. cooperate.”
Additionally, “The Great Comet” is set to have its 50th Asian premiere at the Bank of Communications Qiantan 31 Performing Arts Center Grand Theater from January 14 to March 3, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the Asian musical scene.
“Matilda”, adapted from the children’s literature classic written by Roald Dahl, has captivated both large and small audiences in Shanghai, drawing in an average attendance rate of 98% during its 29 consecutive performances. The musical has managed to maintain its popularity due to its vibrant stage presentation and cross-cultural appeal.
On the other hand, “The Great Comet” has been hailed as a groundbreaking musical, challenging audiences with its eclectic composition style and a defamiliarization of Tolstoy’s original novel through music. The immersive performance style and the diverse musical elements used in the production have set a new standard for Chinese musical creation.
The concert “Reunion”, featuring stars from hit musicals and covering a wide range of classics, has gained immense popularity among Chinese audiences. Earl Carpenter, known for his role as Javert in “Les Misérables”, expressed his sentimental attachment to the Chinese audience, stating, “The emotions we have established with the audience on the Chinese stage are difficult to quantify.”
The Shanghai stage has truly become a melting pot of musical performances, offering a rich mosaic of classic, contemporary, and cross-cultural musical productions, delighting audiences and showcasing the city’s vibrant entertainment scene.