BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhuanet) -- The musical based on the Oscar-winning film "Casablanca" will debut in Beijing in the Great Hall of the People on Apr. 8 and run until Apr. 12.

    The musical was developed by the Time-Warner and the China Artsand Entertainment Group (CAEG), sources with the CAEG said here Wednesday.

    Executive producer Patrick Conton said John Clifford, the worldrenowned composer and director, worked with artists from across the world to recast the love story in a combination of tap dancing and music. The score will be with feature of the classic "As Time Goes By" and new songs.

    CAEG General Manager Zhang Yu said the CAEG is "China's largest cultural company transformed from national cultural institution." Working with Time-Warner has helped CAEG become more"market-oriented."

    Zhang Shurong, a senior official with the Beijing Municipal Government in charge of large activities, said that the world premiere of the musical will reflect Beijing's vitality in cultural sector and performing market.

    According to rough statistics, the box office of performing arts in Beijing exceeded 400 million yuan (48.4 million US dollars)last year. Enditem