Shanghai's Grand Theaters Unveil New Seasons

Shanghai's two grand theaters – the Shanghai Grand Theater and the Shanghai Poly Grand Theater – announced their new performance seasons this week, with programs spanning all genres, from musicals and dramas to dance and classical concerts.

The centerpiece of the Shanghai Grand Theater's new season is undoubtedly the residency of the very popular musical "The Phantom of the Opera," which will run from late September through December.

Star actor Ramin Karimloo heads the cast as the Phantom, backed by around 130 crew and orchestra members. The nearly three-month marathon of the musical will leave fans from across China and around the world thoroughly gratified in Shanghai.

The contemporary dance "My Fierce Ignorant Step," created by Greek choreographer Christos Papadopoulos, will make its Asian debut in October. The stage play "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and the musical "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" will both receive their Chinese premieres.

The theater's "One-Man-Show" classical recital series will present eight concerts of solo, chamber, and vocal performances by rising young artists. The Vienna Strauss Orchestra's 2027 New Year's Concert will also return as scheduled.

The Shanghai Poly Grand Theater is celebrating its 12th anniversary this year. Its new performance season features 25 stage productions in 30 performances.

On September 5 and 6, the renowned choreographic duo Zhou Liya and Han Zhen will bring back their Wenhua Award-winning dance drama "Dragon Boat Racing" with a new cast, reviving the charm of Lingnan culture of southern China.

A week later, the dance drama "Half of the Sea" will tell a story of overseas Chinese and their enduring bonds of family and homeland across the oceans.

Germany's Dresden Boys' Choir will take the stage at Poly Grand Theater on October 10. Jazz saxophone player Yannick Rieu's "Jazz Brahms" quartet concert is scheduled for October 31.

Other recommended performances include the percussion musical "Mulan" for children on October 21, and a concert by singer Tan Weiwei on November 28.

The Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra will ring in the New Year early on December 29.

The theater's arts education and outreach programs will continue into the new season, with multiple family-friendly concerts priced as low as 30 yuan (US$4.5).

As part of the anniversary celebration, Poly Grand Theater will partner with nearby merchants to upgrade its "ticket stub benefits" program – audience members can enjoy discounts on dining, accommodation and leisure by presenting their theater ticket stubs.