The performing arts scene in Hong Kong, which suffered greatly during the Covid-19 pandemic, is showing signs of a vibrant comeback. On December 14, the Academy for Performing Arts’ Lyric Theatre will host ‘Madagascar The Musical’, a touring production that promises to bring the magic of live performances back to the city. This announcement follows the recent news of a revival of ‘The Sound of Music’, scheduled for April next year at the Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon.
Matthew Gregory, the producer behind ABA Productions, is cautiously optimistic about this resurgence. Gregory, who is also the founder of Faust International Youth Theatre and Kidsfest Hong Kong, believes that while the full-scale return of big productions might not be immediate, the trajectory is positive. By 2026, he expects to see larger productions becoming a regular feature in Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.
The return of these productions, however, is not without its challenges. Staging a big show like ‘Madagascar The Musical’, which brings a crew of 30 people, requires extensive logistics and financial resources. Additionally, rebuilding Hong Kong’s audience base, which has been affected by the pandemic and the habit of buying tickets closer to show dates, presents another hurdle.
Gregory is also keen to fill the gap left by Lunchbox Productions’ collapse during the pandemic and sees this as an opportunity to introduce new content to Hong Kong audiences. He expresses interest in expanding beyond musicals and children’s shows, aiming to bring a diverse range of drama, including contemporary and classic works, to local stages.
‘Madagascar The Musical’, based on the hit DreamWorks animation, is seen as the perfect choice to mark the return of big musicals to Hong Kong. The production is known for its lively and humorous adaptation of the movie, complete with energetic dance numbers and the iconic song “Move It, Move It”. It’s a show that appeals to families and audiences of all ages, offering a feel-good experience that resonates with the festive spirit of the holiday season.
The revival of stage productions like ‘Madagascar The Musical’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ is a promising sign for the future of live entertainment in Hong Kong. It indicates a gradual return to normalcy for the performing arts sector and a renewed opportunity for audiences to experience the thrill and joy of live theatre. As Hong Kong’s cultural scene slowly recovers, these productions stand as a testament to the resilience and enduring appeal of the performing arts.
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