The biggest challenge jukebox musicals often face is finding the right songs in an artists’ repertoire to fit a decent storyline.
In the case of Chinese musical “Spirit of Life,” that challenge is met skillfully by mining the nostalgia of songs by beloved Taiwanese singer-songwriter Jonathan Lee.
Scenes in the musical. File photos
Uniting a dream team of talents from Broadway and China, the show tells of the love story between music producer Han Jiang and a sweet girl named Nuan Nuan.
The girl with a sunshine smile helps to lift the heart-stricken man — who has been dealt a double-blow from a failed relationship and a career waterloo — from his misery, but fate has other arrangements than a happily-ever-after ending.
Well-known names from the Broadway were involved in the making of this musical, including Tony Award-winning director John Rando, stage designer Derek McLane, choreographer Joshua Bergasse (who won an Emmy for his work in “Smash”), lighting designer Japhy Weideman and sound designer John Shivers.
Jiang Qinghua, who has overseen the music for the Chinese version of “Mama Mia!” and “The Secret,” will serve as music director.
Malaysian singer-songwriter Victor Wong, who made his name in the Taiwanese music scene, will sing in the leading role of Han. The cast also includes singers Li Weiling, Huang Ling, Jin Chi and actor Wang Weishen.
Hearing 30-plus songs originally by Lee — including the theme “Bygone Love” — weaved into a touching story promises an unforgettable experience at once familiar and new for fans.
Early-bird tickets for the shows in January 2020 start sales today, with discounts of up to 20 percent.
Scan the QR code to buy tickets:
Time: 7:30 p.m., Jan. 17-19, 2020 (Jan. 18-19 also at 2 p.m.)
Tickets: 280-1280 yuan
Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District (南山区深圳保利剧院)
Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E
