Here's the very first thing you need to know and maybe this is exactly everything: This is a Chinese-language production only — the first to be staged ever, in fact.
Still with us? Great way to work on your Chinese skills if you're looking for interesting encounters with the language, at any rate.
But yes, in every other way this is a Shanghai production of Phantom of the Opera, Tony-award-winning 1986 musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber, longest running show in Broadway history, timeless story of love and mystery and mysterious love, vehicle for such classic hits "The Music of the Night" and the title track "The Phantom of the Opera".
Did you now that the original production just finished their run on Broadway on April 16, 2023, after 35 years? It was losing money even before the pandemic, apparently.
Alas! Phantom on Broadway you will always be here... insiiiiiiide my miiiiind.
The English-language Phantom debuted in Shanghai in 2004, in fact, sparking a wave of English-language legacy musicals in this city like Cats, Wicked, Elton John's Aida and The Lion King, among others.
'Twas a grand time to be alive.
And now, as we're entering the Maybe Things Will Be Good Again Era, after almost two decades a Chinese-language Phantom is returning to a Shanghai stage at the Shanghai Grand Theater. Tickets are already going fast.
Here's more of what you need to know:
It's the FIRST-EVER Chinese adaptation. Chinese is the 18th language edition of Phantom of the Opera. And please note: There will be no English subtitles, which is something that sometimes happens with Chinese-language theater. This production relies on the skills of an original local production and adaptation team. You will see all the classic costumes and staging with a few unique Chinese style twists.
Shanghai is the first city on its national tour. From 2023 to 2024, the Chinese version of The Phantom of the Opera will tour around major Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, and Beijing, with a total of about 200 shows.
The classic opening chandelier is there.Yes, if you have watched the original version, rest assured that all the great highlights are included. For the China production, the giant chandelier weighs more than 1000 kilos, and is decorated with 6000 crystals and 48 lightbulbs. Thumbs way up on recreating this important detail!
The production features lots of Chinese stars of stage and screen:Ayanga, Liu Lingfei, and He Liangchen will share duties on the title character in highly anticipated performances. (The theater will not reveal which cast member will be on which date, just in case some shows sell out fast and 黄牛 go crazy. If you're there for a certain actor, be prepared to roll the dice.)
The Shanghai show dates will be from May 2 to June 4. Ticket price ranges from 280rmb to 1280rmb. Some dates and areas are already sold out.
Check out what's available through Smartticket.
The most popular and enduring musical of the 20th century returns to Shanghai, performed in Chinese by a local Chinese cast. Produced by SMG Live and Troika events, the creative team behind the musical's world team, the organizers promise that they are bringing the full show with the same production and stage as it's performed elsewhere in the world.
