“The Ideal City” and “In the Distance” Shine in National Excellent Musical Performance Season Two

The second season of the National Excellent Musical Performance, a prestigious event in China’s theatrical landscape, recently commenced in Xiamen, a vibrant city in East China’s Fujian Province. This season is particularly noteworthy for featuring an impressive array of 18 musicals, with two productions from the Beijing Performing Arts Group – “The Ideal City” and “In the Distance” – capturing significant attention. These productions, performed by the acclaimed Beijing Opera and Dance Theatre, emerged as highlights among nearly 100 participating works. Audiences had the opportunity to witness these exceptional musicals at the Minnan Grand Theatre in Xiamen from November 13 to 18.

“In the Distance” is a groundbreaking musical that delves into the evolution of China’s express delivery industry over more than two decades. Centering on the aspirations and struggles of young people, the musical aims to inspire its audience with a message of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. This innovative work has not only toured various first-tier cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, but also gained widespread acclaim for its market success and positive word-of-mouth.

The journey of “The Ideal City” began in September 2021. Over two years of meticulous creation and refinement, the musical made its highly anticipated debut at the end of May 2023. This production presents a unique female perspective on contemporary workplace challenges, offering a narrative rich with the struggles and triumphs of young professionals in Beijing. The story’s emotional depth and relatable themes resonate strongly with audiences.

Adapted from a popular film and television show, “The Ideal City” explores the realistic dynamics of the workplace. Its artistic expression is both fashionable and novel, and the avant-garde stage design adds to its appeal. Upon its premiere, the musical was immediately lauded for its innovative approach to storytelling and stagecraft, earning the accolade of being a “surprise work of Beijing realistic musicals” from both critics and the public.

These two musicals, “The Ideal City” and “In the Distance,” are representative of the dynamic and evolving landscape of Chinese musical theater. They not only showcase the creative talents of contemporary Chinese artists but also reflect the changing societal values and experiences of modern China. The National Excellent Musical Performance in Xiamen serves as a platform for these works to gain wider recognition and appreciation, further solidifying the importance and influence of Chinese musical theater on the global stage. Through their compelling narratives and artistic innovation, these productions are not just entertainment but also a reflection of the cultural and social zeitgeist of contemporary China.

READ MORE:

• The Ancient Roots of Shared Prosperity in China: Confucius, Mencius, and Xi Jinping
• “Sam and her Amazing Book of Dinosaurs”: Hong Kong Ballet Blends Art & Technology in Latest Production
• “The Last Five Years”: A Poignant Musical Journey in Beijing’s Tianqiao Art Center