Beijing to see world premiere of musical (Xinhua) Updated: 2005-03-10 09:33 The musical based on the
Oscar- winning film "Casablanca" will debut in Beijing in the Great Hall of the
People on Apr. 8 and run until Apr. 12.
The musical was developed by the
Time-Warner and the China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG), sources with the
CAEG said in Beijing Wednesday.
Executive producer Patrick Conton said
John Clifford, the world renowned composer and director, worked with artists
from across the world to recast the love story in a combination of tap dancing
and music. The score will be with feature of the classic "As Time Goes By" and
new songs.
CAEG General Manager Zhang Yu said the CAEG is "China's
largest cultural company transformed from national cultural institution."
Working with Time-Warner has helped CAEG become more
"market-oriented."
Zhang Shurong, a senior official with the Beijing
Municipal Government in charge of large activities, said that the world premiere
of the musical will reflect Beijing's vitality in cultural sector and performing
market.
According to rough statistics, the box office of performing arts
in Beijing exceeded 400 million yuan (US$48.4 million) last year.
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