Shanghai is gearing up to host a series of international performances, with artists including Sarah Brightman, Isabelle Huppert and Kanna Hashimoto.

Original musical Sunset BLVD

The Tony Award-winning musical Sunset BLVD will debut in China with a new production, launching its Asian tour. Starring renowned British soprano Sarah Brightman, this production, which has seen success at the Sydney Opera House and in Singapore, will arrive in China in March, starting its Shanghai run at the AIA Grand Theatre in Hongkou district.

Dates: April 18-26

Venue: AIA Grand Theatre

La Cerisaie

The Cherry Orchard is the final work of Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. First performed in 1904 at the Moscow Art Theatre, it has become a cornerstone of the theatre's repertoire.

The French adaptation of The Cherry Orchard — La Cerisaie — premiered on July 5, 2021 at the 75th Avignon Festival, directed by the current artistic director Tiago Rodrigues and starring French actress Isabelle Huppert. Huppert will reprise her role in Shanghai from April 11 to 13.

Dates: April 11-13

Venue: Shanghai Culture Square

Stage production of Spirited Away

Spirited Away is a classic Miyazaki film which holds a special place in the world of animation. The stage adaptation has garnered global attention since its debut at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo in March 2022. In this upcoming Shanghai performance, the original cast, including renowned Japanese actress Kanna Hashimoto as Chihiro, will bring the enchanting world of Spirited Away to life.

Dates: July 14 - Aug 3

Venue: Shanghai Culture Square

Original musical SIX

Since its premiere in the United Kingdom in 2017, the original musical SIX by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss has won 35 theatre awards, including two Tony Awards. Its fusion of history and pop rock, catchy songs, and strong feminist expression have made it a global cultural phenomenon.

Dates: May 21 - June 15

Venue: Majestic Theatre

Chicago

In 1975, musical geniuses Bob Fosse, John Kander, and Fred Ebb brought Chicago to Broadway for the first time, creating a musical legacy that has spanned over 40 years. With over 35,000 performances worldwide and an audience of over 34 million, this timeless classic has become one of the longest-running US musicals in Broadway and London's West End history.

Dates: April 24-27

Venue: Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre

Life of Pi

Based on Yann Martel's novel and directed by Ang Lee, Life of Pi offers an unforgettable theatrical experience. With puppet designer Finn Caldwell, renowned for his work on War Horse, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle, the play will tour Asia for the first time in late May, including a stop at Shanghai Culture Square.

Dates: May 29 - June 1

Venue: Shanghai Culture Square

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, venues mentioned above