Phantom Of The Opera In China

Phantom makes history in China

Award-winning musical The Phantom of the Opera debuted in Shanghai at the Shanghai Grand Theater on December 18, 2004. Phantom ran through March 13, 2005, with 100 shows, making it the longest-running musical ever staged in China.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's global smash hit was another indication that Shanghai was the country's top destination for overseas musicals and performing arts.

Tickets were ranging from 200 yuan (US$24) to 2,000 yuan. Tickets for weekends and holidays cost between 140 yuan (US$17) and 800 yuan (US$96), while weekday prices were set between 120 yuan (US$14) and 680 (US$82) yuan.

The appearance of Phantom in Shanghai was made possible by a 50 million yuan (US$6.4 million) investment by Shanghai Media and Entertainment Group, Shanghai Grand Theater and Webber's Really Useful Group in the UK.

"The play will probably become the most expensive overseas performance ever staged in China," said Qian Shijin, manager of the Shanghai Grand Theater.

Since the debut of Les Misérables in the city in 2001, musicals had steadily increased in popularity. Cats and The Sound of Music were both box office successes.

"Musicals, including those from overseas, are always popular with Shanghai audiences," said Qian.

-- 28/07/2004 Shanghai Daily editted