Beauty and the Beast to be staged in Mandarin
The first Mandarin production of the Broadway musical Lion King will have its last performance on October 8 at the Walt Disney Grand Theater.
Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning Broadway stage musical, will come to life in Mandarin for the first time — at Shanghai Disney Resort next year.
The classic musical has become one of the most popular Broadway shows since its premiere in 1994.
This marks the second time for the resort to produce a Broadway stage musical in Mandarin following the Lion King production.
The new show is recruiting China’s music theater stars as well as up and coming talent from across the country at both invited and open call auditions, the resort said at the weekend. The production will be performed at the 1,200-seat Walt Disney Grand Theater.
Lion King will have its last performance on October 8 at the theater — it will be its 500th performance.
Meanwhile, the resort announced it will introduce a new parade float for the 2017 Shanghai Tourism Festival on September 10.
Named “Magical Blast,” the float is designed to display Disney magic with a distinct Chinese charm.
The float incorporates intricate Chinese designs, including traditional Chinese knots and white clouds, melded with bright colors, and modern and tropical patterns, the resort said.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse in festival dress will lead the way for the float along the Huaihai Road route.
A Disney castle will be the centerpiece of the float. Spectators will be greeted by Donald Duck, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto and Chip & Dale.
