The famous French musical “Romeo and Juliet” has become the first foreign musician to return to the Shanghai stage in three and a half years.
“After China (theatres) reopened for overseas performances, we immediately got an invitation,” Gerard Pressgorvik, author and lyricist of the original musical, told the Shanghai Daily.
The last foreign music show in Shanghai was “Notre Dame de Paris”, which was performed at Shanghai Cultural Square in January 2020.
Shot by Ma Yue. Ma Yue edited it. Subtitles by Ma Yue.
Prigorievich visited Shanghai four times.
“The city has its old and new sides at the same time. Personally, it’s one of my favourites.
Based on the timeless classics of William Shakespeare, the musical premiered in France in 2001 and made its debut in China at Culture Square in 2012.
Prigorievich said that new songs and choreography appeared in this latest version of the musical.
More importantly, the Shanghai show featured original cast members Damien Sarge and Cecilia Cara, who have had major roles in the musical’s global debut for more than 20 years.
The musical “Romeo and Juliet” premiered in Shanghai in 2012.
The musical Romeo and Juliet features catchy songs that can be sung by a global audience.
“People’s songs are definitely important for music,” Prigorievich said. “For a 20-year-old musical like Romeo and Juliet, audiences are already very familiar with the songs through CDs. But they can still be drawn to the dramatic stage performances and famous actors.”
As a prolific composer, Presgurvic sees innovation and insight as key factors in original creativity.
He said: “Shakespeare’s classics can also be approached from a modern angle. What is important is to attract audiences to theaters with innovative creativity.”
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The Shanghai performance features original actor Damien Sarge and Cecilia Cara.
This series of Shanghai shows started on June 2nd. Many spectators wore red and blue, the colors of the musical theme, on their own initiative, creating a festive atmosphere in the Culture Square.
“I often came here to attend foreign musicals before the outbreak,” audience member Liu Zijie told the Shanghai Daily. “I am looking forward to the show, because it has been a long time since I played with a foreign band.”
Romeo and Juliet will be held at Shanghai Cultural Square until June 11. His China tour will then cover cities such as Hangzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Beijing, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Xi’an and Chengdu.
According to people working in the Culture Square, the imported musical “Titanic” will be shown to the public in Shanghai in October.
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This latest version of the musical Romeo and Juliet features new songs and new choreography compared to the 2012 version.
performance information
Dates: Through June 11, 2 p.m. / 7:30 p.m
Tickets: 80-1,080 yuan
Venue: Shanghai Culture Square 上海文化广场
Address: 597 Fuxing Rd M.复兴中路 597号
