Category: Music

Music

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is Here — in Chinese


SHANGHAI – From “Romeo and Juliet” to “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Lisa Jia claims to have watched almost every Chinese version of foreign musicals. Having often been disappointed by poor translations, she was naturally nervous about seeing the Chinese version of the legendary musical “The Phantom of the Opera,” which opened at the Shanghai Grand Theater on May 2. The result, it turns out, … Continue reading ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is Here — in Chinese

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Culture, Music

The Broadway Show Trying to Change China’s Tune on Mental Illness


SHANGHAI – It’s Thursday evening, and there’s a long line snaking around the ticket office at Shanghai Culture Square Theater. People are waiting to collect their tickets to see a Chinese adaptation of the Broadway musical “Next to Normal.” Among them is 25-year-old Liu Mingzhu, who has bipolar disorder, and her best friend, for whom Liu is desperately trying to contain her excitement and not … Continue reading The Broadway Show Trying to Change China’s Tune on Mental Illness

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Gender, LGBTQIA, Music

In China’s Voguing Houses, Queer Millennials Strike a New Pose


SHANGHAI — When he’s hanging around campus, Zhao Zixun often blends into the background. A pimply 19-year-old with a neat buzz cut, he usually dresses simply in baggy pants and tattered sneakers. But on a Saturday night in early December, Zhao transforms into an exuberant, stiletto-heeled diva. The student has entered Millennium Storm — one of the Chinese mainland’s first voguing balls, hosted in a … Continue reading In China’s Voguing Houses, Queer Millennials Strike a New Pose

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Media, Music

China Cancels Bon Jovi Gigs over Dalai Lama Pics


Bon Jovi’s first ever concerts in China was suddenly cancelled by government officials on September 9th. The band had been due to play Shanghai and Beijing next week. The concert organizer AEG posted the cancellation on its public account on Sina Weibo: “We are sorry to announce that Bon Jovi’s concerts in Shanghai (September 14th) and Beijing (September 17th) have been canceled for some reason. … Continue reading China Cancels Bon Jovi Gigs over Dalai Lama Pics

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Business, Music

The more national, the more international


One of my American friends took me to an instrument store in Xujiahui (downtown Shanghai) a few days ago and I was amazed by the Guzheng (a 21 -stringed plucked traditional Chinese instrument) they sell in the store. The Guzheng I have seen is made from wood but they are selling the electronic ones with pink and blue panels. It immediately reminds me of the … Continue reading The more national, the more international

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