After a lengthy hiatus in the capital, musicals are returning to Beijing en masse in November.
Ranging from the Chinese versions of hit Broadway productions Mamma Mia and Cats to the domestic musical The Piano in a Factory, there's something for everyone no matter your taste.
Arguably the most hotly anticipated show poised to woo musical lovers is the first Chinese stage musical version of English playwright William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, which premieres November 7 at the Poly Theatre. "The love between Romeo and Juliet is so pure and moving. The lines are beautiful. For this reason, I decided not to let music overshadow the beauty of the language," said the musical's director, Jiang Tao, at a press conference Monday. "Nevertheless, music still fulfils an important narrative role in my production."
Jiang, a professor at the Central Academy of Drama, also directed Anton Chehov's The Three Sisters in 2010.
Ethnic Mongolian musician, San Bao, was enlisted to compose 10 new songs for Romeo and Juliet, which injects relaxed yet sprightly elements to the story.
Believing that Chinese people often take too seriously the romance tragedy, San Bao decided to infuse humor into his music to enhance the musical's comedic appeal.
"The story of Romeo and Juliet is about two youngsters' love for each other, which is simple and pleasant. My music is therefore relaxed, playful and lyrical," said San Bao, adding a live band comprising of six musicians will perform on stage. Set in Verona in the 14th century, the play depicts romance tainted by tragedy between Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a daughter from the feuding Capulet family. Central Academy of Drama students Yang Guang and Liu Chen star as Romeo and Juliet respectively.
When: 7:30 pm, November 7-10
Where: Poly Theatre, 14 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng district
Tickets: 100-680 yuan
Contact: 6551-3348/3349
Copyright ©1999-2011 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
