The 8th Show Life Shanghai International Musical Festival opened on Dec 16 at Shanghai Culture Square, launching a vibrant season that celebrates both homegrown creativity and international excellence in musical theater.

Global stars take the stage

From March through May 2026, the festival will welcome leading artists from the world's major musical stages. Audiences can expect concert performances by celebrated voices from London's West End, Broadway, and the French and German-language musical scenes, including Alfie Boe, Lea Salonga, Maya Hakvoort and Laurent Ban. The lineup blends returning favorites with talented performers making their Shanghai solo-concert debuts across six different programs.

Premier French musical productions

Two acclaimed French musicals will take the spotlight in Shanghai next spring. The original production of Don Juan, featuring music by Felix Gray and direction by Gilles Maheu, returns by popular demand following a sold-out China debut in 2024, once again fusing French romance with Spanish fire.

Joining it will be a newly-staged touring production of Cyrano de Bergerac, based on Edmond Rostand's classic. Making its Chinese premiere, the production features enhanced set design and a top-tier creative and cast ensemble, breathing new life into the timeless story.

Spotlight on Chinese originals

The festival also presents a curated lineup of four standout Chinese musicals. Among them is No Longer Human, a powerful original production whose popularity has endured through more than 150 performances since its debut in 2021. Also featured is The Orphan of Zhao, widely acclaimed for its profound, tragic beauty. The production marks the fifth anniversary with special performances at Shanghai Culture Square, its only scheduled appearance in 2026.

More than performances

Beyond the stage, the festival continues its commitment to nurturing new talent through a development plan designed to support promising Chinese musicals for future international exposure. A professional forum will also gather industry experts from around the world to share insights and discuss the evolving landscape of musical theater.

Sources: Shanghai Culture Square, thepaper.cn