'Le Roi Soleil' Brings the Grandeur of French Monarch Louis XIV to Shanghai

The French musical "Le Roi Soleil" (The Sun King) opened the Shanghai Culture Square's 2026 Year-End Blockbuster series.

Celebrated as a landmark production from the golden age of French musicals, the production combines the grandeur of authentic French court aesthetics with contemporary theatrical expression, bringing to life the extraordinary story of Louis XIV, the legendary monarch known as the "Sun King."

Produced by well-known French musical producer Dove Attia and directed and choreographed by Kamel Ouali, "Le Roi Soleil" premiered in Paris in 2005. Its 30 catchy tunes trace nearly half a century of Bourbon dynasty history.

Louis XIV ascended the throne at a young age, had turbulent love affairs, achieved brilliant military victories, and brought Versailles into an era of splendor.

The revival of the production celebrating its 20th anniversary is created by the original creative team. While remaining faithful to the musical core of the original, it incorporates contemporary stage design and arrangement concepts.

Louis XIV is played by Emmanuel Moire, marking the French singer and actor's return to the role after 20 years.

To ensure that the Shanghai performances match the stage standards of the Dôme de Paris, the troupe moved into Shanghai Nine Trees Future Art Center in late October for nearly a week for technical rehearsals, rigorously adjusting lighting, sound, and mechanical equipment to bring audiences the most authentic Versailles journey.

"The reason the musical keeps bringing audiences back to the theater is not only that it tells the legend of a powerful monarch, but also that it carries a whole generation's love for French musicals," said director Kamel Ouali.

"This Shanghai run is also the first time 'Le Roi Soleil' has stepped outside the French-speaking world," he added.

After 21 performances in Shanghai, the troupe will return to continue its European tour.

Shanghai Culture Square's year-end lineup also includes four other productions: "Einstein: The Relativity of Time," "Ludwig II: The Return of the King," "Molière," and "Notre-Dame de Paris." They will be staged in December and January next year.

If you go

Dates: October 30-November 15, 2pm/7:30pm

Tickets: 80-1,280 yuan

Venue: Shanghai Culture Square 上海文化广场

Address: 597 Fuxing Rd M. 复兴中路597号