New Sound of Music coming to Chinese stage

Scenes from composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Sound of Music, which will tour China from late this month through January. Photo provided to China Daily

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber first tested the waters for musicals in the Chinese market by staging two concerts at the Great Hall of the People in September 2001, including many hits from his internationally acclaimed productions such as Cats and The Phantom of The Opera. The concerts endeared Chinese critics and audiences to musicals. More Webber musicals came to China in the following decade.

One of Webber's musical productions, The Sound of Music, will tour China from late this month through January, visiting Qingdao, Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing.

Coproducer David Ian says it will be the China debut for the UK production of the musical. First opened at the London Palladium in 2006, it ran in London for two years and then toured the United Kingdom for another two years.

"Everyone we have spoken to in China assures us that the story is very well-known and loved there. The Sound of Music is based on a classic, true story, with a wonderful score, adorable children and timeless family values. It's the perfect musical for a global audience," he says.

Ian says he and Webber have always loved this musical.

"We actually sat in rehearsals as children, watching the original London production at The Palace Theater," says Ian, who also produced the UK tours of Cats and Evita.

Around a year ago, Li Hui, CEO of Rock Forward Entertainment Company, began the push to bring the musical production to China—the first musical project for a company known for producing rock concerts.