Spring Festival Gala wraps up 2nd rehearsal

The CCTV Spring Festival Gala has just wrapped up its second rehearsal. The production crew is ironing out all the details to ensure a smooth show. Let's talk to the gala's chief director, Ha Wen, for an overview of the major changes for this year's show.

In her second year at the helm, Ha Wen, says apart from two programs that were cancelled after the first rehearsal, the best changes are to the scripts of the six hosts. The gala's hosts and hostesses like Li Yong, Zhu Jun, Dong Qing and Bi Fujian have just been given the new version of the scripts.

Script writer Yu Lei said, First, the scripts should be suitable for each host and hostess. Second the language should be down-to-earth and humorous. Third, it should serve as a transition between programs."

Among the 27 script sections, 15 have had their style and content changed.

Hostess Dong Qing said, "Pressure on our hosts is huge. We get the new script at 12 o'clock noon. But we have to be on stage with all our makeup on to read that script. All we want is a perfect performance on the Spring Festival eve."

To accurately pass on the message from the script, and at the same time build an intimate and happy atmosphere like a family reunion; is not an easy task indeed.

Host Sa Beining said, "I believe six of us can make a concerted effort to finish the task."

Fried Dough Twist is a popular stage comedy series that has been playing in Beijing theater for many years. The acting crew have brought the hit stage comedy to the Spring Festival gala stage. They have proven their success at tickling the funny bones of audiences in theaters, but whether they can if they can inspire laughs in the traditionally picky gala audience, is a different kettle of fish.

Actors have to hone every detail to make sure punch lines come out right. And with the bright lights set to shine on them, even choosing an outfit can be a struggle.

Actor Chang Yuan said, "I've prepared many set of clothes for this show. But I still haven't made my decision which set I should wear. I'm playing a fashionable guy, so I have to wear something really fashionable. But off stage, I like to wear casual clothes."

At the first rehearsal, they discovered the show's running length surpassed the allowed time. So they had to condense it.

Peng Damo, director of Comic Sketch "Fried Dough Twist", said, "We had to cut lines, without harming the effect."

Crosstalks and comic sketches belong to the portion of the show titled "Language program." They are traditionally the most popular among all the gala programs. Compared to previous years, we'll see more young faces such as those from "Fried Dough Twist". All the performers are busy preparing for the big night, as all of them would like to leave the audience with long-lasting memories.